Frequently Asked Questions

What are your Box office hours?

The box office opens 30 mins before the start of the first screening each day, and closes 30 minutes after the start of the last screening. You can also reach our box office via the info@thegardencinema.co.uk. Our phone line is monitored between 12pm – 7pm each day. Outside of these times, there may be a delay in answering your call, but you are welcome to leave a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

What time will my film actually start?

The film will start 5-10 minutes after the time advertised on your ticket. We don’t show ads, only trailers and precede each screening with a short personal introduction from one of our team members.

What is your policy for latecomers?

We do not allow screen entry for those arriving more than 30 minutes later than the advertised start time. Please note we don’t show advertisements: for most screenings we only show around 10 minutes of trailers, and for special screenings we often don’t show any trailers at all. Please aim to arrive promptly.

I've booked a ticket but can't find my confirmation email.

Please check your spam folder for your confirmation email. If you can’t find it there, please email info@thegardencinema.co.uk.

Do I need to book?

It’s always a good idea to secure a ticket in advance as many of our screenings have been selling out. Please note we will not sell a ticket once the screening has started to avoid disturbance.

Do you offer refunds or exchanges?

Ticket exchanges or refunds may be issued at our discretion with at least 48 hours notice. Please contact our box office via info@thegardencinema.co.uk.

Is The Garden Cinema fully wheelchair accessible?

Yes, we are fully wheelchair accessible. We have 1 bookable wheelchair space in each screen. Please see our Accessibility page for more information.

Are your screenings accessible to the Hard of Hearing?

Some screenings include open captions for the Hard of Hearing. These screenings are marked with ‘(HOH)’ in the title. Browse Hard of Hearing screenings.

Do you allocate seats?

Our screenings have allocated seating. If an event has unallocated seating, this will be made clear on the individual event page.

What is your policy regarding food & drink?

We do not permit visitors to bring their own food & drink into the venue. We have a curated selection of snacks and drinks available to purchase at the bar, selected specifically to keep noise to a minimum in the screens and avoid disturbance to those around you. We have made an effort to keep these as affordable as possible, and are always open to hearing suggestions for new additions to our menu. If you do bring in any food, you will be asked to leave this at the box office or bar, and will be able to collect it when you leave.

Do you screen 35mm?

No, we use a state of the art fully DCI compliant digital projection system.

Do you sell gift cards?

Yes, you can buy online via our membership page www.thegardencinema.co.uk/membership  or at our box office.

As a new member, how do I claim my free ticket?

Please make sure you are logged into your membership account first. When you add a members’ rate ticket to your basket, proceed to checkout and the discount will apply automatically. Please note, your free ticket cannot be used for partnership screenings or special events.

Can I use my free members' ticket for any screening?

You can use your free members’ ticket to any of our new releases or films that are part of our curated seasons. You will not be able to use it for any guest events, such as film festival screenings.

Do you accept cash payments?

The Garden Cinema does not accept cash payments and only accepts Visa debit & credit card payments made in person at the box office or via our website. We don’t accept American Express payments.

Do you accept American Express?

No, we don’t currently accept American Express online or at the cinema.

Do you accept CEA cards?

Yes, accompanying carers can attend free of charge with a valid CEA card. You can enter your CEA card number to claim a free ticket, or contact our box office who can help you with this.

Do you offer group booking discount?

For all group booking enquiries please contact: info@thegardencinema.co.uk.

Are you participating in ‘Meerkat Movies’?

No, not at this time.

What's the nearest tube station?

The nearest tube stations are: Holborn (3 min walk), Covent Garden (8 min walk) and Tottenham Court Road (11 min walk).

Where can I park?

The NCP London Covent Garden is located within 200 metres, on Parker Mews.

Is The Garden Cinema available for private hires?

Yes, we are! If you are interested in hiring a screen or the full venue, please send an email to hire@thegardencinema.co.uk, with details about your event and any potential dates you have in mind.

Do you have a cloakroom or somewhere to leave luggage?

Unfortunately not. However, we do have a coat rack at the box office where you are welcome to leave your coat. Please note, The Garden Cinema is not responsible for any lost or stolen property.

Do you have air conditioning?

Yes. The Garden Cinema is fully air-conditioned.

Can anyone use The Garden Cinema Bar?

Due to our small capacity, the bar is open to audience members who have a vaild ticket for that day, and those with a vaild garden cinema membership. Members are able to bring one guest who must arrive at the same time.

Do you allow laptops in the cinema bar?

The Garden Bar was intended to be a space for those that love cinema as much as we do, allowing you to connect with fellow cinephiles, and discuss your favourite classics, as well as your latest discoveries.

In keeping with this, we’ve made the decision to make the bar area a laptop-free zone from now on. Our Wi-Fi will of course still be available, should you require it to access tickets on your phone – we are in a basement after all!

We hope our members will appreciate this decision, and continue to enjoy what we believe is a very unique space in the hustle & bustle of this teeming Metropolis.

Do you allow animals?

At this time, The Garden Cinema only allows Registered Assistance Dogs, Emotional Support Animals and Hidden Disability Assistance Animals to be brought into the bar and screens. If any disruption is caused by the animal, we reserve the right to refuse access to the venue.

Do you have a lost & found?

Yes. Please note bank cards will be destroyed if not collected within 48 hours – all other items will be kept for 2 weeks.

Can I take a baby into the screening?

At the moment we do not offer any baby screenings. Our current family screenings are not appropriate for children under 12 months old, as the sound levels will be too loud.

How wide are your seats?

53cm

Do you accept Cinema Veterans Cards (BCTV)

Yes we do. The BCTV membership card/cinema pass admits the member named on the card and one guest, to performances starting before 6.00 pm on Mondays to Thursdays. These are available from the box office on the day of the screening, subject to availability.