The Renoir, Bloomsbury in upmarket Brunswick Shopping Centre, near Russell Square station has been revamped. It re-opened in March 2015 after undergoing a slick transformation, courtesy of the ubiquitous Curzon Cinema franchise, known for championing Arthouse films.
And, rebranded as ‘Curzon Bloomsbury’, it has expanded - now incorporating 6 cinema screens (from 2). Including the Bertha DocHouse screen, the first in UK to be dedicated to documentaries.
The glass fronted exterior opens into a new stylish bar area, serving wine, beer and snacks, and there’s another bar downstairs. Screens are located further down a level, amidst a maze of subterranean soundproofed corridors.
Decor is minimalist and focused - and previous drab velour-covered cinema seats have been replaced with comfortable and spacious two seater couches, made from a foam-like substance. The clientele seemed pleased with their plush new surroundings, but this environment did feel a bit soulless after the fusty charm of the old Renoir complex.
Despite this rather characterless and boxy interior, the Curzon, Bloomsbury does offer an excellent selection and variety of films – it's a multiplex cinema for independent films; in a location that avoids central London.
The Curzon Bloomsbury also has post screening Q &A sessions following film premieres. For instance it was a treat to hear legendary director John Boorman discuss ‘Queen and Country’, his latest film and sequel to ‘Hope and Glory’ (1987).
Boorman, an engaging speaker and an irreverent octogenarian, offered his insights into this semi-autobiographical film; and interesting anecdotes from his extensive film-making career, altogether enriching the cinema-going experience.
.jpg)
.jpg)