Electric Cinema marks 113 years with two London sites in Notting Hill and White City
Soho House operates the historic Portobello Road venue and the modern White City location inside BBC Television Centre.
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Residents in Notting Hill and White City have access to one of London’s most distinctive cinema experiences. The Electric Cinema, which opened in 1911, now operates two sites under Soho House management. Both venues remain open to the public, offering a mix of blockbusters, independent films and themed screenings.
A century of cinema on Portobello Road
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The original Electric Cinema stands at 191 Portobello Road, London W11. It first opened on 27 February 1911, designed by architect Gerald Seymour Valentin. The building began as a silent picture house and has since survived two world wars, multiple closures and changes in ownership.
In the 1970s, the cinema gained a reputation for screening independent, foreign-language and arthouse films that larger venues often overlooked. It closed in the late 1980s, then reopened in 1993. Soho House took over in 2002, restoring the building and introducing the luxury seating that now defines the venue.
Visitors to the Portobello Road site can choose from plush leather armchairs, two-person leather sofas or front-row double beds with blankets. An in-screen bar serves cocktails, wine, beer and snacks during screenings. The nearest Tube stations are Notting Hill Gate, Ladbroke Grove and Westbourne Park.
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Modern screens inside BBC Television Centre
Electric White City opened in September 2019 inside the redeveloped BBC Television Centre. Unlike the single-screen Portobello venue, it features three modern screens with Dolby Atmos surround sound and digital laser projection. The site sits where classic BBC programmes such as *Doctor Who*, *Blue Peter* and *Top of the Pops* were once produced.
The White City location offers the same luxury seating as the Notting Hill site. The nearest stations are White City on the Central line, Wood Lane on the Circle and Hammersmith & City lines, and Shepherd’s Bush on the Central line and London Overground.
Programming and pricing
Both cinemas screen the latest blockbusters, independent films, award-winning dramas, cult classics and family films. They also host special themed screenings, film marathons, all-night events and retrospective seasons dedicated to famous directors and genres.
Ticket prices depend on the day of the week, screening time, seat type and location. Luxury sofas and beds cost more than standard armchairs. Food and drinks are available to purchase during films. While Soho House owns the cinemas, most screenings are open to the public without membership.
What happens next
The Electric Cinema has not announced any changes to its current operations. Residents can continue to book tickets for both sites through the cinema’s website. Screenings and events are listed online, with no indication of upcoming closures or major refurbishments.
Questions this report answers
+When did the Electric Cinema first open?
The Electric Cinema opened on 27 February 1911 at 191 Portobello Road, Notting Hill. It is one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas still operating in the UK, with over a century of history.
+Do you need a Soho House membership to visit the Electric Cinema?
No, most screenings at both the Notting Hill and White City sites are open to the public. While Soho House owns the cinemas, tickets can be purchased without membership for the majority of events.
+What kind of seating does the Electric Cinema offer?
The Electric Cinema provides luxury seating options, including plush leather armchairs, two-person leather sofas and front-row double beds with blankets. Prices vary depending on the seat type.
+How do I get to the Electric Cinema in Notting Hill?
The nearest Tube stations to the Portobello Road site are Notting Hill Gate, Ladbroke Grove and Westbourne Park. The cinema is located at 191 Portobello Road, London W11.
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