My favourite cinema is the Cottage Road Cinema in Headingley. It is one of the oldest running independent cinemas in the country, and has managed to retain a certain charm and elegance.

You can still pick the seats you would like to sit in, and the old gentleman serving at the ticket booth will offer you the option of paying £1 extra to gain entry to the Pullman seats, which offer the best views in the house and are covered in red velvet! Sweets, drinks, popcorn and ice cream are available at a very reasonable price, and I especially like the offer of a cup of tea for 50p!

After finding your seat, the curtains come up and you are treated to the film of your choice and perhaps a few trailers (no half an hour of car adverts allowed here). When the film is long, there’s always a welcome intermission, allowing you to run to the toilet or stretch your legs, or buy an ice cream from the vendor who still comes to the front of the auditorium. So civilised!

I especially love their classic film nights which are on every six weeks. The retro adverts are a great addition, and the playing of the national anthem at the end makes everyone want to stand up and cheer!

Image courtesy of atoach on Flickr