London is packed full of cinemas. Whether you’re after a bit of luxury, an authentic analogue experience, want to taste your way through a film or just want to catch the latest release on the big screen, there’s something for everyone.
But there might be another cinema to add to the list, now that the people down at BIFA (British Institute Film Awards) have put together their longlist for the cinema of the year 2026.
The Theatreship
The London cinema that has made the longlist for the award is none other than the Theatreship. Just as the name suggests, the venue is a floating 300-tonne ex-cargo ship from 1913 that is now an art centre.
Moored between Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs, you’ll find a 90-seat cinema aboard the ship, and every week they hold completely free cinema screenings. The catch is you won’t know what the film is you’ll be seeing, which adds to the excitement of it all.
In a city where stepping outside can cost you an arm and a leg, this is a great place to bookmark for when the bank balance is looking a little sad. Theatreship also hosts live music and theatre performances.
Cinema of the year
Now you know a little more about Theatreship, it’s not surprising that this kooky cinema has made the longlist for cinema of the year.
Almost 50,000 votes were cast to come up with the longlist, which includes other cinemas like the Kinema in the Woods in Lincolnshire where a live organ accompanies silent films and the Silver Screen Cinema in Folkestone, inside a Grade II-listed town hall.
Final nominations will be announced on 3 November, and the awards ceremony, where the winner will be announced, will take place on 6 December.
You can find the full longlist on the BIFA website.
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