ENTERTAINMENT • August 2014
Star gazing: five of the best open-air cinemas
To continue our #BestSummerEver series (and to celebrate the northern hemisphere’s long summer nights), The Club tracks down the world’s most spectacular alfresco screenings
Rooftop Film Club, London
Taking over roofs around London, from Peckham to Shoreditch nearly every day this summer, Rooftop Film Club has perfected the capital’s outdoor cinema experience with comfy chairs, blankets and wireless headphones. Cult 1980’s classics and old Hollywood favourites are usually on offer, but be warned: when a new batch of films is announced, screenings sell out quickly.
Essential snack: As well as gourmet popcorn (see offer below), Peckham’s Bussey Rooftop Bar also has a Big Flavour burger stand.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Colorado
Experience the au naturel cinema experience at Red Rocks, an impressive geological site 10 miles west of Denver. Cult classics are screened every summer alongside concerts and comedy as part of the Pepsi-sponsored Film on the Rocks.
Essential snack: Denver is renowned for Rocky Mountain oysters – battered and fried bull or bison testicles. Be brave and place your order at Willy’s Wings, a five-minute drive away.
Maple Drive-in, Beijing
Get ready for Beijing’s ‘reels on wheels’ at the Maple Drive-In. It has four 3D screens showing international and Cantonese films (some have subtitles), an entrance heralded by neon signs and space for 800 cars. Like the film? Do as the locals do and toot your horn instead of clapping.
Essential snack: Barbecues can be hired, so head to a supermarket and buy a pre-packed Quanjude Peking duck for a smoky alternative to the local snack.
Pluk de Nacht, Amsterdam
For silver-screen street cred, get yourself to Pluk de Nacht in Amsterdam (pictured). The festival focuses on films not yet picked up by distributors, and closes with a party every day. You can even send in your mix tape (online, naturally) to the DJ for requests.
Essential snack: Fish ‘n’ chips, Spanish style, from food truck Pescado & Papas.
Cinespia Cemetery Screenings, LA
Who better to share an outdoor screening with than Hollywood legends such as Cecil B. DeMille or Rudolph Valentino? Cinespia screens iconic films among the mausoleums of the Hollywood Forever Cemetery on Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles. Every summer, thousands of people bring picnic baskets to watch old favourites and latest releases.
Essential snack: Stop at nearby sandwich mecca Mendocino Farms to fill your basket with Vietnamese banh mi and barbecue pulled-pork rolls.
Have you found a better outdoor cinema or entertainment venue on your travels? Share your pictures on Instagram using #BestSummerEver and tag @British_Airways for a chance to win flights to one of BA’s favourite summer destinations
British Airways sponsors Rooftop Film Club
This article has been tagged Destination, Culture