This Greenwich cinema’s second-floor bar and café offers simple home comforts to tide you over between films.

The Venue
The Greenwich Picturehouse cinema is located on Greenwich High Road near the town centre, with the resident café and bar situated on the second floor. Most of the room’s outward-facing wall is given over to huge plate-glass windows directly above the high street – not much to look at, certainly, but a welcome change of perspective and a great place to watch the world go by. The arrangement also means that the bar can become something of a sun trap in more clement months, although shades are often deployed to prevent over-heating.

The room is covered in red and purple carpeting, except for a slightly isolated back room with wooden floorboards. Seating comes in the form of comfortable, low-slung leather chairs and sofas, with rows of barstools also available. The bar itself is tastefully upholstered in red leather, and is sandwiched rather claustrophobically beneath an imposing dais of wooden slats – presumably the overhang from a cinema theatre next door.

The Atmosphere
During the day, the venue acts as more of a café than a bar, with a frantic jazz soundtrack and hushed conversation from customers, most of whom are cinema-goers just passing through. The atmosphere is certainly very relaxed throughout, and the staff are extremely friendly and informative. In the evening the vibe is much the same, only with the added presence of off-duty Greenwich workers. Due to its ties with the cinema, the bar doesn’t try to come across as a particularly “happening” nightspot, but it is certainly a convenient and pleasant stopping-off point for both film buffs and the general public.

The Food
The only food on offer comes in the form of snacks and light bites, including montaditos or “baby sandwiches” (£1.50), wasabi nuts and even a cured meats platter (£5). Tapas and tortillas (£5-£6) are also available from the ground-floor restaurant, Taperia, and naturally popcorn is for sale in the foyer; however those in search of a good square meal would be advised to look elsewhere – indeed, there are plenty of nearby diners visible from the bar itself.

The Drink
Despite its main calling as a café (with all the hot drinks and cakes that the role implies), the Picturehouse bar doubles up quite effectively as a regular tavern, with an extensive list of spirits and draught lagers, including Stella Black and Hoegaarden (£3.40-£4). The wines on offer are somewhat pricey (between £4-£7 a glass) but surprisingly sophisticated, and all purchases come with a 10% discount for Picturehouse members.

The Last Word
A sunny haven of tranquility in Greenwich town centre, the Picturehouse bar is a good refuelling spot for cinema enthusiasts and tired travelers alike.

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