SNOW MUCH FUN AT THIS COSY CINEMA CHRISTMAS ESCAPE

By Natasha U’Ren-Ashdown | @tasha.ua ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

Christmas music, classic movies and festive drinks – what more could you wish for? Last night I had the pleasure of experiencing Backyard Cinema’s brand new Christmas experience of their festive Cabaret performance and screening of Home Alone, and it completely blew my expectations out the water. What truly elevates the evening is the enchanting cabaret pre-show and the immersive Enchanted Forest setting, complete with incredible live singers and a mesmerising aerial hoop performer. From the moment you arrive, you’re swept out of London and transported straight into a magical Christmas realm.

COSIER THAN A MINCE PIE STRAIGHT OUT OF THE OVEN

Following a wooden pathway scattered with real wood clippings, you step into this Christmas escape and are immediately met with a warm festive welcome from the staff and the sound of a live piano. The room is beautifully dressed with foliage, baubles and red ribbons wrapped around the columns like giant candy canes; Christmas is everywhere you look! Round tables draped in red cloth and soft golden lighting create a cosy, inviting atmosphere as the talented live singers The Mistletoes take the stage singing Christmas classics. This pre-show cabaret alone feels worth the visit; it could easily stand on its own as a fantastic night out!

SANTA WOULD PUT THIS PLACE ON THE VERYYY NICE LIST

The entrance to their Enchanted Forest is pure magic, light smoke drifts through archways of berry-covered, illuminated trees, guiding you into another room where an aerial hoop performer captivates against a backdrop of towering 10-foot trees and shadowy forest scenery. Continue along the path and you’ll discover a cosy winter cabin complete with a crackling fireplace, leading you through to a second bar and seating tucked beneath twisted tree roots. The whole setting feels unbelievable, like stepping straight into an enchanted story.

Treat yourself to a drink at one of their festive bars, especially their bespoke Gingerbreadtini Cocktail with warm Spiced Ginger Gin presented in a gingerbread man tumbler which you can take home as a souvenir as a keepsake! And don’t skip the cinema sweet & salt popcorn. I’m not sure what magic they’ve put into it, but it was genuinely the tastiest popcorn I’ve ever had. My friend and I kept stopping mid-conversation just to marvel at how good it was!

A CINEMA EXPERIENCE THAT REALLY SLEIGHS

Be sure to arrive on time to make the most of the live music and stunning surroundings. After about an hour, you’re guided into the cinema room, which is filled with old-school red velvet theatre seats all perfectly aligned to the screen. Every seat has a clear view and generous legroom; a refreshing change from airplane-style squeezing. As the film begins, a flurry of fake snow drifts across the screen, creating a wonderfully cosy atmosphere. The screen size, picture quality and sound are spot on, and the softly dimmed lighting elevates the entire experience. It feels like watching a Christmas classic outdoors, but with all the warmth and comfort of being inside.

For your next date night, friends’ outing or festive family treat, I couldn’t recommend Backyard Cinema more. You truly get what you pay for; this isn’t just a screening of a much-loved Christmas classic, but a full immersive experience that wraps you in magic from the moment you arrive. If you’re looking for a memorable way to celebrate Christmas in style, this is the place that will leave you feeling enchanted long after the credits roll.

Christmas at Backyard Cinema runs until Wednesday 31 December.

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Photo Credit: Grant Walker