Mark Kermode's Favourite

100 years of Cinema & still going strong in 1.1 million refit

Location: 52 High Road, East Finchley, N2 9PJ

Description: The 'Phoenix Cinema' is an independent cinema in East Finchley which was opened in 1910 as the 'East Finchley Picturedrome'.

It is probably the oldest continuously-running cinema in the UK, and shows mainly arthouse films.

The Centenary Restoration Project, which will enhance the cinema and create a new cafe-bar in the building, has been planned for two and a half years, during which time more than 1 million has been raised.

The work coincides with the 100 year anniversary celebrations of the Grade II listed site, which is the oldest purpose-built cinema in constant operation in the country.

It is distinctive on East Finchley's high road by its large neon sign on the side of the building. Its patrons are Maureen Lipman, Mike Leigh, Ken Loach, Michael Palin,Bill Paterson, Victoria Wood and Mark Kermode.

Mr Kermode said: 'I've been coming to The Phoenix, or The Rex as it was then, since I was a boy; I love the cinema. The Phoenix was the place where I spent every Friday and Saturday night watching all these great double-bills so it contains some very happy memories for me personally. I'm delighted that it is now being restored to its former glory. The new Phoenix will be a landmark building with excellent facilities that everyone can be proud of'.

Themes: Architecture Architecture Theme