Yes you can sit and watch a film under the stars
We’ve reached the time of the year where many of us would be taking a punt on the weather and preparing for evenings spent watching outdoor cinema. The pandemic may have meant our cinemas are still closed, but it can’t stop us from enjoying our favourite movies from a safe social distance. Step forward the drive-in concept, which is enjoying a resurgence. What began in the 50s’ seems just as relevant today, giving us the opportunity to watch a film under the stars with a burger and friends while still observing the two-metre rule.
Here, we round up the best drive-in screenings that promise to inject a dose of much-needed escapism into your summer.
SEE MORE
Luna Cinema are well-known names in the outdoor cinema arena, and now they’re branching into drive-in cinema, with branches at Allianz Park in North London, Printworks in East London, Blenheim Palace in Oxford and Warwick Castle in the Midlands. Expect state-of-the-art screens and food and drink served to you by social distancing staff.
SEE MORE
Secret Cinema has allowed us to escape reality for years, becoming a stalwart of the London entertainment scene. The brains behind it have joined forces with Häagen-Dazs to devise an immersive drive-in concept launching at Goodwood, West Sussex, from 5 July, where it once again promises to deliver the magic of storytelling in all its glory. Expect song, dance, film and a lot of ice cream.
SEE MORE
Rooftop Film Club is famed for its al fresco film screenings held on roofs across London, but it was also an early endorser of the drive-in cinema concept, producing an award-winning version back in 2013. For 2020, RFC is launching an even better model at Alexandra Palace, where film buffs can either bring their own refreshments or order from staff at the site.
SEE MORE
@TheDriveIn offers a nationwide touring drive-in cinema experience, from London to Leeds to Birmingham to Brighton. Designed to be a retro experience, the concept offers 80s classics and 2010s blockbusters films, followed by a range of entertainment that includes stand-up comedy, bingo or silent car discos.
SEE MORE
If you like your movie nights to come with high-end food, then Drive and Dine will appeal. Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge has curated the menu, spanning picnic boxes, burgers and curries, while movies include 80s classics and Oscar winners. Drive and Dine will also host Mark Watson’s Carpool Comedy Club, featuring high-profile comics from all over the country. Destinations include London, Warwick, Chichester, Bath, Marlow and Tunbridge Wells.
SEE MORE
Inspired by 50s’ American drive-ins and the Golden Age of Hollywood, The Drive In offers your favourite films, live actors, classic cinema refreshments, and great entertainment. The aim is for everything to be no-contact, which means tickets will be scanned through a closed car window. The site is based at Troubadour Meridian Water, which is part of regeneration of Enfield in North London.
SEE MORE
Sunset Cinema in Acton, West London, begins its screenings with musical entertainment to help guests really feel as if they’ve been transported back in time to the 50s. Indulge in a burger from Dirty Bones, popcorn and drinks, all available to pre-order and to be collected upon arrival. If you don’t have a car, don’t worry. Sunset Cinema has partnered with car sharing app Turo to bring you exclusive discounts.
Why you need to watch How to Build a Girl