Duke of York’s Picturehouse

When I moved back to seven dials, one of the best things was a 5 minute walk to the Duke of Yorks!
I absolutely love going to this cinema. They have such a great selection of films that other cinemas in Brighton don’t often play (along with some mainstream releases).
There is a great bar upstairs serving popcorn, coffee, booze and snacks. It’s especially great when it’s sunny so you can sit and enjoy a glass of wine on the balcony before your film.
You can also buy a bottle to bring into the screen with you, which was such a novelty when I first discovered this! I can now be found snivelling at the back of the cinema over a bottle of red watching the Amy Winehouse documentary.

Sadly and for some unknown reason, it took me far too long to visit Dukes!
This is such a lovely cinema and I’m really into the way they do things here. Me and a bunch of the guys came here on the 1^st of January to see Birdman. I’m really into the array of food and cool snacks they do. Also, it’s worth mentioning that they do pretty good coffee and they serve a wide selection alcohol at the bar on the first floor too!
The seating upstairs is nice and comfy as they have sofas and really soft backed chairs on the row below. Great for a super long movie!
Aside for seating and food, the inside of the screen room is really nice. There’s all the original features, lighting around the edge of the screen and the audio/​visual is really on point.
The selection of large scale and independent movies changes all the time, so there’s always something on.
As its now summer it’s also worth going to Preston Park when they do their open air cinema evenings. Me and my girlfriend went to go see Grand Budapest Hotel and it was great to see it whilst sitting in front of Preston Park House during the twilight hours. They still had all the usual food and drinks as they do at London Road too!

love it here (though expensive. i’m a student so was cheep to get a year membership) i wish they had more sofas but i love the feel of the place and bar is nice (though again not on a budget) outdoor space up the top and gorgeous building.
staff were lovely :)
toilets are a bit of a mission to get to once the film has started i got lost as theres not a lot of light even for the stairs.
overall i cant wait to go again

Best in town
A little expensive on food and drinks but it’s still the best theatre in town

Since I’m a cinephile, Duke of Yorks plays a great role in my life. Together with Duke’s @ Komedia, these are only places in Brighton, where you can enjoy proper cinema.
To start with environment. As I know, It’s the oldest cinema theatre in the UK which is quite impressive. The design brings you back to the behinning of the 20^th century, where you can experience the whole revolution of the cinema.
Programe. Most of film shown here are new independent films, which is really good. Ive never attended other kinds of screenings, but you can watch stuff like live theatre or eurovision here, which is really cool.
Memberships are great there. You get reasonable discounts, which are valid for all picturehouses (as a student, I often pay around around five quid for a ticket, which is obviously cheap), plus there are great discouts by the bar (this summer, member get, I think, 20% discout). Very fascinating is that they also cooperate with MUBI, and when buying a membership, you get free access for three months to MUBI films.
One tiny thing. I love that they give hand moisturizer in the rest rooms, so nice. :D
The only thing which makes me very upset, is that they don’t do enough screenings. Hey, Duke of Yorks, I loved the ‘childhood cinema’ during Brighton festival (which was, in my opinion, very successful), as well as Pop-​up in Preston Manor, why not to do that more often? Besides the new independent films, I would suggest to make ‘week of classics’, ‘week of French films’, ‘week of student films’, ‘week of experimental cinema’, film night, short film screenings, etc. More, please, more films!

What a place! One of the most ‘Brighton-​y’ things to do if you’re new to the city and want to immerse yourself in the local hot spots.
Since collaborating with Duke’s at Komedia, this original 1900s cinema is a lot less busy than it used to be on weekends, it’s the perfect solution to a rainy day.
I’ve been to see so many different cult/​independent screenings here as well as some major blockbusters. The Road, Django Unchained, The Trip (with guest appearance from Steve Coogan!) so many others… I love how The Duke of Yorks capture the balance of underground screenings and must-​see epics.
The venue itself is so beautiful they actually have a licence for marriages. But it’s extremely popular so I’d say you’d need to book asap if you’re thinking about tying the knot somewhere down the line… (and be sure to add me to your invites list!)
Why go here and not the Odeon/​Cineworld?
–THEY SELL BEER :)
–There’s awesome sofas to kick back and enjoy the show (if you arrive there early!)
–There’s a much cosier atmosphere… like you’re in a living room with about 100 strangers y’know?
–They do Orange Wednesdays
–They have awesome deals for picture house club members! (I was gifted a year’s membership that gave me 3 free tickets to any screening I’d like, discounts on all future tickets/​beers/​popcorn etc and a whole load of private announcements for epic film screenings like Titanic)
Why replicate the more commercial movie experience when you can visit an eccentric slice of Brighton’s history just a bus ride away from town? It’s a must-​visit :)

We went here over Christmas to see It’s A Wonderful Life. I love these old time cinemas, and this one is no exception. The interior is nice, reasonably well maintained. The seats are comfy. The bar is very crowded prior to showings, so you have to squeeze in a bit. We ordered red wine to go with our film, and it wasn’t particularly nice, but as an American, I am sold on the novelty of getting to booze whilst watching movies, so not bothered.
The best bit? The audience clapped at the end of the movie. Very nice.

If you want a comfy theatre that serves a wide variety of snacks and drinks then Duke of Yorks is your theatre. The building is beautiful and it definitely enhances your movie experience.
Why waste your money at the Odeon or Cineworld when you can have an enjoyable theatre night at Dukes?

This is my favourite place in Brighton of all time. No.1! Fo sho.
The Duke of Yorks is England’s oldest running art house cinema beginning its life in 1910. I have loved this place since I was tiny and being dragged to see morbid, obscure foreign films by my liberal mother — desperately drilling a bit of culture into me from a young age! Kudos mum.
I refuse to go to any other rip off, chain, quite frankly shite cinemas! For one you can buy home made (scrumptious) cakes and there is a bar upstairs so you can take wine in :).
Second are the massive, cushy seats to sink into, no numb bum for me! And upstairs they have a balcony view which has massive sofas to laze on. Fab!
Third they don’t play your average ‘run of mill’ box office films, there’s a range of interesting, thought provoking, arty films on offer as well a the more mainstream.
Fourth, this is also sometimes a gig venue, it rocks.
Fifth — there are plenty of clubs they run, such as the sliverscreen on tuesday mornings (pretty self explanatory). On Wednesday mornings they have the ‘big scream’ where new mothers can take their baby’s under one to view the latest film. On Saturday mornings they have the kids club which is brill — I used to go. They are bringing out a toddler club too which I believe will start the end of jan on Monday’s — peppa pig and such!
Get a membership card, it’s much cheaper than cinemas like odeon anyway but this will make viewing pennies!
I am pleased to say I’m no longer alarmed by the giant legs sticking out of the top. I now look at them warmly and think. Cor! What time d’they open!

Yes, nipped into Brighton for a day yesterday and to kill time I saw the new Woody Allen early afternoon showing. The oldest continuosly running cinema in Britain. Lovely snack and drink bars, small and cosy and possobly my new favourite cinema.

I actually have friends who want to get married here. Obviously they love watching films but more than that, there is no place like Duke of York. The staff are charismatic and clued up. Just before you go in, make sure you get a look at this Grade II listed building which is something to be admiredas well as the can can legs on the roof. The popcorn is delicious and the films are always art-house.none of this blockbuster rubbish. Films that stimulate the brain. Not to mention hosting operas, book talks (Mark Kermode) and the wonderful Eurovision Song Contest! Bonus to your cinema experience: you can buy a nice cold beer from their bar
to take into the theatre with you. A trip to Brighton wouldn’t be complete without visiting this cinema.

The Duke of York Picture House just sums up Brighton to me. Its a really great alternative to the giant corporate cinemas that have taken over the country in recent years.
Built in 1910, it has been officially recognised as Britain’s oldest cinema. It also has a pair of giant legs protruding from the roof — what more could one ask for!
Inside, it only has one screen, so they carefully pick and chose which movies to show. There is usually a great mix of new releases (well chosen), old classics, foreign films and independent projects. Quite often they will live screen a theatrical event from London or the ballet from Moscow. There really is something for everyone here.
Tickets are slightly more expensive than other cinemas, but a bargain when you realise what you are getting for your money — a whole cinema experience. There is a counter downstairs and a bar upstairs with seating area and a great balcony. A great place to catch up with friends even if you are not seeing a movie. As well as the usual soft drinks, sweets and popcorn, you can also purchase hot drinks, alcoholic beverages and homemade cakes, all of which can be consumed while watching the film.
The seats are comfy and the ambiance is perfect. There are even sofas on the balcony for an extra special treat. I cannot emphasis enough how much I love this place — a true gem of independent cinema.

First time visit this weekend with my wife. Lovely cinema, good seating and the sound is just the right level. Just like the flicks used to be!

The Duke of York’s has been running since 1910, so we decided there was no better place to go watch dreamy Colin Firth play the stuttering Duke of York himself. The cinema is actually the, «oldest continuously operating cinema in Britain» according to Wiki, which is some mean feat considering the current closure threats induced by huge Hollywood style multiplex’s these days.
The building’s façade and interior remain mostly unchanged and it is simply beautiful. With a particularly inviting entrance that is still fully tiled with original black and white checker, stepping back in time couldn’t be more enjoyable. With only one screen, a small bar, and a waiting area, everyone is left to mingle before a film and there’s a real sense of what proper cinema is all about. This is also attributed to the clientele and we met some great critics to chat to over a beer in the bar whilst we waited. They also serve cakes and coffee, which although overpriced were delicious.
The screen itself is fairly large and the velvet covered chairs are luxurious, with oodles of leg space, and are possibly the most comfy cinema chairs I’ve ever experienced. New or Old. You can almost imagine a piano at the corner of the screen which would have been played to accompany films back in the early 1900’s. It’s just so quaint. Seating is mainly on the ground floor, whilst a small balcony overlooks. Standard full-​priced tickets are reasonable at £8, whilst for an extra £4 you can sit up there and enjoy a grand view.
Their programme is great too, often showing art films, old favorites’ (Jurassic Park is up next for one evening in January) and ballet and opera from around the world which is streamed live. I think I am in love.
This is THE only place to watch a film in Brighton as far as I’m concerned and if you’re passionate about cinema The Duke of York’s is a real treat.

I LOVE this place! A proper old school cinema, that’s as good for a date as it is for the kids.
You get a really good range of films here, showing everything from the latest foreign language gem; old fashioned black and white, or the latest American cult movie.
If you’re lucky enough to be on a date, have a little luxury and book one of the sofas on the balcony — almost guaranteed to get you a kiss at the end of the night.
I said almost!
Plus, they have a really cool kids club on a Saturday morning, which has saved me on many a rainy day. Most of the films are aimed at the younger clientele, so don’t drag your teens down — unless they’ve been really naughty.
All in all, the perfect day out for couples, the family, or even on your lonesome…

This is the oldest Independent cinema in the country and a real breath of fresh air from the multi-​mega plexes that dominate the industry these days.
They show a lot of indie movies, the odd old school classic or cult film and occasional blockbusters. They also have late night screenings on the weekend starting at midnight. There is only 1 screen, but the whole cinema retains the architecture of a picture house. All they are missing is an organist!
You can also become a member of the cinema and get better rates on movies or preferential seats/​screenings. There is also a saloon bar for a quick pint before the movie starts and as long as it’s in a plastic glass you can take your drink in with you. The upstairs balcony also backs onto the bar, should you wish to duck out for a refill.
They show a pretty wide range of movies that you just wouldn’t get to see in an Odeon and it’s also nice to watch something like Taxi driver or other classics. It’s a good place to keep an eye on during the Brighton festival for some special screenings and their website let’s you know what is upcoming.
It’s really nice to see somewhere like this still doing well and also not just selling out to Hollywood blockbusters.

This is a charming, picturesque little cinema in the Preston Circus area, and a great place to catch some of the newer independent movies, as well as the occasional blockbuster. I wouldn’t come here for any new releases by any of the big studios: however, for anything a bit more arthouse, niche or just a bit more in need of a pint with the film.
That is really the big selling point here for me: I can watch films with a pint in hand, the perfect way to sit through anything that might get a bit dull or difficult along the way. That’s a bit negative: I just like drinking, and thus being able to do so while doing my second favourite activity (watching films) is a great service to offer. Also, my film viewing often skews into the pretentious, arthouse category, so the Duke of Yorks is a great place to catch some of the things that the Odeon, with it’s core crowd of advertising-​influenced sheep and families, will not show.
If you like your films, but sometimes in foreign languages or with less explosions, the Duke of York’s is the best place to go. However, I saw Kick-​Ass here last week, and it was made all the better by having a pint in one hand, and sitting among comic book geeks: bliss.

Absolut geniales Kino. der Stil ist nicht zu übertreffen. man kommt sich vor wie in den guten alten zeiten, also Filme noch große Kunst und Kinos noch wirkliche Entspannungsplätze waren.
Der Balkon bietet Sofas die zum entspannen einladen, die Leindwand ist etwas klein aber absolut ausreichend und das ganze Flair ist nicht zu überbieten.

Think of cinemas and your head is filled with thoughts of sticky floors and stale popcorn. Unsurprisingly, in Brighton, things are different. Gone are the XXL cups of coke that cost more than Antigua, at the Duke of York’s the offerings are homemade carrot cake and Czech lager.
Celebrating its centenary year, this cinema cannot be missed if you are either living in, or visiting Brighton. The seats are comfortable, the theatre stunning and the crowds electric. Such was the Duke’s importance to Brighton that many celebrities donated money to restore the Cinema. The back of the seats are littered with the names of local and national celebrities who helped keep the cinema alive.
You won’t find Avatar here, nor will you find the latest Hollywood ‘romcom’, but instead a very studious set of the world’s best independent cinema. Special themed ‘Lord of the rings’ and ‘Eurovision’ nights mean you aren’t just limited to a 90 minute treat, but a host of good nights out.
An absolute must.

I heart the Duke of York.
Britain’s oldest running cinema, it’s an old fashioned picture palace with comfy velveteen seats, strip lighting and a proper raised stage. There’s only one screening room but they manage to show all kinds of gems from new art house and world cinema films like Caramel and Broken Embraces to independent British flicks like Andrea Arnold’s Fishtank.
Film fanatics should sign up for membership. It’s only £30 a year and for that, you get three free tickets and money off every other film you see. You also get exclusive tickets to previews but I’ve got to be honest, in the time I’ve been a member there’s only been two!
As well as screening truly inspiring films you wouldn’t see at a multiplex, Duke of York puts on late night screenings, funny double bills, special events for pensioners and mothers and babies and truly awesome gigs. I saw Kurt Wagner from Lambchop play here recently and it was a truly magical night. I’d give them five stars for the atmosphere and inspiration but Duke of York get extra brownie points for the great music always playing in the foyer and the fact the café sells great chocolate, coffee and Lick frozen yoghurt. If I didn’t have a job, I’d probably go every day!

The Duke of York’s is something of an institution. Now owned by City Screen, this independent-​style cinema specialises in cult, indie and foreign-​language films, as well as re-​runs of the odd classic.
Opened in 1910, it’s one of the first commercial cinemas to still be in operation, and the interior — complete with balcony — is largely unaltered. The main auditorium is decorated in warm, cosy colours, although it suffered during the late 1970s as a venue for early punk rock concerts. Happily, it has now been restored to its former glory.
You can tell it’s going to be different from the façade — which has a pair of legs sticking out, Folies-​Bergeres style, from the top left of the façade. For a start, the auditorium is licenced, so you can takes alcoholic drinks with you to consume during the film. And the choice of films is definitely not mainstream (venues showing foreign-​language films are a dying breed, these days).
On Saturday mornings there’s a Kids club, with activities and a children’s film (though presumably they don’t take advantage of the alcohol licence…) and they can organise children’s birthday parties too. At the other extreme of the age range, on Tuesdays the over-​60s can see an early-​afternoon film for just £3.50, and receive complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits!
It’s a membership venue as well (although it is not a requirement to see a film). Members can attend all sorts of specials events, screenings and receive discounts for their £28 a year (2008 prices).
The cinema has a pleasant café-​bar, open during the day, with a balcony for nice weather (although the din of Preston Circus road junction may not be quite so nice) and wi-​fi (free to customers). The cinema has limited accessibility for those with a mobility impairment — full details are on its web-​site.