You might soon be able to enjoy a pint while watching a film below Newcastle’s streets in a plush underground cinema.
Everyman Cinemas has plans to open a two-screen venue beneath Newcastle’s Grey Street. The cinema would be in the basement of Earl Grey House, with its entrance behind Costa Coffee.
There would be 60 seats to each screen and – best of all for some cinema goers – Everyman is applying for a licence to serve alcohol until 1 am.
Everyman Cinemas claims that it has “a passion for quality, from service of food and drink to seating and films” and that its cinemas “create a truly memorable experience that exceeds expectations and reaches the highest standards possible in comfort and entertainment.”
The firm states that its “present venues range from the iconic 100-year-old Screen on the Green to brand new boutique spaces in Canary Wharf and Birmingham Mailbox” and that it is “spearheading the revival of independent cinema in the UK.”
Everyman owns a chain of cinemas across the country and has plans to open more venues. The group opened four new cinemas last year and the firm recently agreed a £20 million deal with Barclays to aid its expansion plans.
The group also intends to establish a 384-seater venue with three screens in Durham City’s Milburngate redevelopment, which is due to open in 2018.
Everyman’s small, plush cinemas tend to show a mix of contemporary and classic films. All are equipped with bars so customers can consume food and drink while watching the film of their choice.
Apparently, the film director Roman Polanski said that “cinema should make you forget you are sitting in a theatre” and – who knows – while relaxing below the Newcastle’s streets with a pint in your hand you might be able to do just that.
Earl Grey House was bought by the firm Schroders in February. Schroders have been renovating the building in order to attract business tenants.
(Featured image courtesy of Do u remember, from Flickr Creative Commons)
