While the last few months have seen us watch more films than ever, nothing can beat a proper movie experience. We’re talking heading out with the sole purpose of watching a film on the big screen. One such experience you don’t want to miss is Sunset Cinema in West London…
Four months of lockdown and only the second time I ventured out was for a drive-in. There was little I could resist about the experience. I love an old American teen movie. They may not be politically correct and but there is ALWAYS a drive-in where cool kids hang out of a Saturday night. They’re guaranteed to be drinking soda and eating hot dogs. I have no reason to turn down the chance to be a cool kid (pandemic be damned) even just for one night. So it was that two cars and four friends drove across London for some outdoor movie action in Acton. Sunset Cinema has taken over Twyford Avenue Sports Ground for the summer.
The entrance to the grounds is discreet and we managed to drive past it a couple of times before spotting it. If you arrive before your friends there’s space to simply park aside and wait for them. Otherwise you just go ahead and join the queue. It moves quickly. The most notable thing about the process, which might otherwise be tedious, is that it is incredibly efficiently organised. With possibly a hundred cars ahead of us it took less than a few minutes for us to be directed to our spot for the evening.
To retrace myself a little, whilst we queued, waiting to reach the entrance, there was little doubt that we were about to have an entirely non-British experience. The Americana vintage neon Drive In sign at the gate was everything and it was impossible not to feel giddy at the sight of it. At this point you can tune in to the Sunset Cinema radio channel on 87.7FM. As we were here to watch Grease the station played all the 50s classics back to back. It really does thrill you.
With excitement building, we reached the ticket booth. Here you can collect your pre-ordered food or simply place an order for collection at a second window. If you don’t fancy food straight away but feel peckish during the movie there’s a number to WhatsApp your order to. The food is then delivered to your car by one of the many golf carts that zoom in and out silently around the ground. What’s on the menu? All-American burgers (including a vegan option), popcorn and cocktails by the fabulous Dirty Bones. My brioche burger and fries with a soft drink (£15) were ridiculously good.
As the name suggests the movie starts at sunset (8pm arrival and screening at 9.15pm). Spaces are allocated on a first-come best-view basis. This was one of the things that struck me when I compared Sunset Cinema’s experience to other drive-ins which charged a premium for better viewing spots. If you own a particularly large car you might be directed to a side spot so as not to interfere with another person’s view of the screen. Vans are not allowed. £50 plus a booking fee of £5 gets you the space for your vehicle and two passengers. Each additional passenger is charged £15 plus £1.50 booking fee. They recommend no more than four people per car to ensure a decent experience.
With all that said I had the best time here with my friends; two of whom even dressed up as Sandy and Danny. It was one of our first post-lockdown opportunities to get out and mingle albeit from a safe distance. All of us cherished every minute of this pure escapism. We sang along to Sandy and Danny’s heartbreaks and joys, ate popcorn until we felt sick and became cool kids for a hot minute. It was also a chance to see and have fun around strangers (remember them?) without angst. We were still singing as we drove out of the movie. It was great.
For a full list of August and September screenings visit: sunsetcinema.uk
