The Gate cinema has had a long and colourful history. Opened nearly a decade ago as “The Electric Palace”, the venue quickly gained a reputation for the leftfield and avant guard. Making headlines in 1978 when it was the first British cinema to screen the controversial “Ai No Corrida”, The Gate’s international and art-house programme has made it a favourite for film buffs and connoisseurs in the capital.

Although it may not look it, the building dates from 1865 and at the turn of the century housed a well known and rather grand Victorian brothel frequented by members of high society and parliament, the hotel register from 1911 lists over 100 gentlemen using its 15 rooms in one single day!

The Gate underwent an extensive restoration in 1985, when the ornate Edwardian plasterwork received some much needed repair and the seating was replaced by luxury units. In 2004 the new owners The Picturehouse Group spent £300,000 on more upgrades, installing air conditioning, velvet armchair seating, and double love seats. There’s even a fully stocked bar in the lobby selling wines that can be brought into the film. It’s now a mecca for the movie-lover, delighting audiences more than ever – the lobby retains its plaque declaring it as “one of London’s favourite independent cinemas”.

The auditorium is truly one of London’s hidden gems, its ornate paneled walls and heavily coffered ceiling drip with sumptuous Edwardian plasterwork, that has somehow managed to remain virtually intact, escaping the WWII bomb that damaged the exterior and blew off the ornate domed roof.

The Gate remains committed to bringing art-house and world cinema to the public. Their “Firecracker” nights, when the Gate stays open through the night to present offbeat and controversial screenings, are proving very popular indeed with seats being filled weeks before the event. There is a good helping of light relief though – the Gate also offers the latest blockbusters as well as children’s matinees.