The Ritzy cinema at night lights up the streets of Brixton. In big bold red lettering the name glows, reminiscent of a 1920’s New York City movie theatre. The downstairs bar offers café food by day, and a buzzing atmosphere where Brixtonians unwind pre or post film by night. In fact the bar is suitable for anyone who wants to enjoy a drink and soak up the creative Brixton environment, film or not.
The cinema, opened in 1911, retains most of its old London charm. Taken on by Picture House, the cinema provides 5 viewing screens, all comfortable and high quality. The staff greet you in all black, smart waist coats, sharp ties and a friendly smile.
The venue is renowned for showing Indie films, film festival winners and art-house movies, as well as new releases and Hollywood blockbusters.
To add to the venues artistic vibe, Upstairs at the Ritzy is a place to socialise, enjoy some quality time with friends, or attend one of the many music events held. With something on nearly every day of the month, whatever your tastes there is something to suit all.
The 18th of this month saw Dub Me Always Ft. Stereochemist + MC Brother Culture perform. The reggae roots and original vinyl style created a relaxed and easy atmosphere. Some visitors were eating an array of items from the menu, some just drinking and absorbing the music. The bar, split on two levels, has an artsy feel. The upstairs level also has a balcony that looks across Brixton’s Windrush Square.
Although a welcoming environment, it does feel at times a little ‘members only’. It seems as if the visitors are all in tune with one another, but if you’re not shy and enjoy trying somewhere new, this place doesn’t disappoint.
Currently on show Upstairs is the ‘Faces of Cressingham Gardens’ exhibition. With the issues residents of Cressingham are facing at the moment, the on-going protests and council meetings, the exhibition is a reminder that the people who live there are human and not just a council statistic.
The images and the stories that support them are candid and emotional, and seep into the background nicely as the music plays and people chat. The photographs dotted around the room could easily go unnoticed, but there is something quite subtle about them that allow the visitor to take them in on their own terms.
The venue offers a huge variety of entertainment, whether comedy nights, poetry performances or an award winning film. There are great opportunities for musicians and artists to perform, and a variety of events continuing throughout March.
