1 / 3The Gate Picturehouse
📍 London, Greater London
London's historic Gate Picturehouse has operated since 1911 as a single-screen independent cinema in Notting Hill. Snacks, beer and wine available in the foyer. Sightlines are poor from rows 11 onwards — front seating is essential.
🏆 Funzaroo Verdict
Best for families with older children — teens or curious 10-year-olds — who appreciate independent cinema and film festival programming rather than mainstream releases. Younger children who cannot sit remains in the front rows will struggle with the sightlines. Book seats in rows 1–10 without exception.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →393 Google reviews
G Reviews from Google
Beatricse Lazar
7 months ago
“Definitely book for the first 10 rows otherwise I don't know how you will see the screen. Decent snack and drink options, 2 toilets per gender. We had a nice time, lovely location. It's one screen only in the whole place.”
Megan
7 months ago
“It’s a historic cinema first and foremost. It doesn’t have bells and whistles but does have a lot of charm. I would echo what others have said in that the screen is tiny (the smallest I’ve ever seen), and seating is only on a slight slope so you really need in the first ten rows to enjoy it. Luckily our showing wasn’t fully booked so we were able to move closer to the front. The picture attached is taken second row from the back. The staff are pleasant but I was mildly annoyed when I went out to get some chocolate buttons to sustain me through the snore fest that was Wuthering Heights, to find the tills had been closed (tbf it was 10.30). You can also hear vibration and thudding from the club under the cinema. Overall, I probably wouldn’t go back as my first choice of cinema but it wasn’t a bad experience.”
Sophie lister hussain
a year ago
“Beautiful cinema great seats My film was the best show I’ve seen all year x Film festival Ralph Steadman opening night”
💬 What parents mention
Overview
The Gate has operated continuously since 1911 and retains the character of an early 20th-century picture house — intimate foyer, single screen, and an independent programming slate including film festivals. The screen is small by modern standards, and seating rises on only a slight slope, meaning sightlines from row 11 onwards are seriously compromised. Adverts before screenings run up to 30 minutes. The venue hosts film festival events including opening nights.
