It’s a warm summer’s evening and The Sybarite is enjoying the spectacular sunset over central London. Glass of champagne in hand, we’re getting ready to watch the classic comedic fantasy The Princess Bride, one of the many cult films on offer from The Luna Cinema this summer.
Our event hosts The Luna Cinema really know how to pick the perfect venue. With over 150 screenings of film favourites such as Pretty Woman, Jaws and Die Hard (and many more) playing at some of the country’s most beloved and prestigious venues. Locations this year range from historical stately homes to medieval castles, famous racecourses and majestic palaces – in addition to more urban settings such as the rooftop of London’s One New Change, next to St Paul’s Cathedral in the heart of The City, where The Sybarite enjoyed an evening. Relax in the open air as the sun sets from dusk to dark at venues such as Ascot Racecourse, Blenheim Palace, Kew Gardens or Kensington Palace.
Film buffs will be interested to know that many of the films match the setting in which they are screened. Guests can watch Harry Potter at Alnwick Castle (the original Hogwarts), Jurassic Park among the greenery of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and Notting Hill at Kenwood House (which itself is the location where Julia Roberts shoots a period drama in the film). For Bond fans, there will be a special screening of Spectre at Blenheim Palace, where many of the film’s main sequences were shot.
George Wood, founder of The Luna Cinema, said: “For years I’ve been dreaming about putting on a screening at the Tower of London – one of London’s most iconic and dramatic landmarks. This year we’ve finally made it happen and I couldn’t be more excited for the upcoming season. As well as some other incredible new venues, such as Kenwood House, Blenheim Palace and Harewood House, this summer we will finally be able to watch Star Wars under the stars – where it was meant to be seen! If you’ve yet to experience your favourite film in a stunning open air setting, this is the summer to do it.”
Our Sunday evening movie was hosted at One New Change, whose rooftop space also hosts Madison – a tasty restaurant and terrace bar. With St.Paul’s Cathedral illuminated in the background, it is no wonder that this venue is the second most Instagrammed spot in London – fitting for a company with the motto that “the setting in which you experience the film is as important as the film itself.”
Guests can also purchase blankets and bubble packages (prosecco and popcorn) on the evening. For more information or to book an outing, go to www.lunacinema.com.
By Aimee Phillips