Stay up in the clouds this summer with a series of airline-approved, wanderlust-themed movie nights at the hottest spot in the capital

You might be used to getting upgrades in the sky, but your cinema experience is about to get an upgrade, too. Thanks to the bods at London’s Rooftop Film Club, cinephiles can now watch some of their favourite films up in the air – and we don’t mean via in-flight entertainment. 

See the likes of Pulp Fiction, The Matrix, The Notebook and more surrounded by killer views of the UK’s capital at one of two Rooftop Film Club locations – Peckham (south London) and Stratford (east London). At both, summery rooftops are transformed into outdoor cinemas, adorned with faux turf and neon lights, and serving Club-class food alongside destination-themed tipples. 

So, frequent flyers, strap in and prepare to live the high life: here are six reasons to visit Rooftop Film Club this summer. 

Take off with themed film nights
As the leading sponsor of Rooftop Film Club, we’ll be giving certain movie nights the British Airways treatment. On these select showings, travel-themed flicks will transport you to some of Europe’s most delightful destinations – and have you booking your next getaway, come the credits. You could be singing your heart out in the streets of Greece (inspired by Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again), soaking up the historic romance of Verona (Romeo and Juliet) or planning a multi-stop Frank Abagnale Jr-style escapade (Catch Me If You Can). Photo booths, complete with summer holiday apparel, will print postcards of you in your favourite destination, while cocktails inspired by our route network and superb snacks make the whole thing feel like a holiday.

See London from a new perspective
Both venues at Stratford’s Roof East and Peckham’s Bussey Building are some way above ground level (don’t worry, there are lifts), meaning views of the city have never – outside of the plane window, that is – looked more cinematic. Arrive early to soak them up, ideally while sipping a classic cocktail from one of the on-site bars. In Stratford, views of the Olympic City dominate, while from Peckham, the high rises of London City – including the Shard, the Gherkin and Heron Tower – project defiantly into the clouds. It’s like getting your flying fix without ever leaving the tarmac.

Chow down on delicious food and drink
A visit to Rooftop Film Club brings a whole new meaning to ‘dinner and a movie’. Once sky high, on-site chefs are there to make sure you want for nothing. In Stratford, street food-style dishes include flavourful Turkish flatbread, stacked burgers and stuffed burritos, while pizza rules the roost in Peckham. Grab a table, eat your fill, then select your seat (there are no reservations, so get comfy early), then order popcorn and cinema snacks to your berth via a QR code, RFC’s very own call bell.

The best showreel in town
With showings taking place between July and September, film lovers have a bounty of celebrated movies to pick from. From cult classics to Oscar winners, upcoming screenings span fan favourites such as The Devil Wears Prada and Notting Hill to award-winning Everything Everywhere All At Once and La La Land. And while crowd pleasers, such as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Dirty Dancing and 10 Things I Hate About You, make for the perfect popcorn-munching viewing, there are darker dramas, too, such as Seven, A Quiet Place: Day One and the latest Mad Max saga. With four screenings a day in the week and three a day at the weekend, there’s sure to be something for all tastes (there are even sing-alongs for the truly dedicated).

Watch in first-class comfort 
We love London for its never-ending nightlife, but a 24-hour-city doesn’t come with natural soundproofing. Thankfully, the team at Rooftop Film Club has a first-class set-up. All guests are provided with state-of-the-art wireless headphones that block out everything from the capital’s lively streets below to the overloud sweet muncher sitting next door. Visors are provided at screenings starting before sunset, and every guest can enjoy stretching out in so-comfy-you’ll-sleep (but don’t!) loungers equipped with ample leg room.

Visit some of London’s coolest locations
Rooftop Film Club’s venues are both remarkably easy to find and are vibrant London destinations in their own right. Roof East is a short walk from Stratford Station, which is easily accessible on the Central Line and just a couple of stops from Liverpool Street (ideal for those coming in from out of town). Make a day of it by popping into Westfield shopping centre next door and picking up a few holiday essentials for the trip you’ll definitely be booking once the credits roll. The Bussey Building, meanwhile, is a point of pride in Peckham. Saved from demolition in 2007 by the local community, it’s now a cultural hub housing young creatives and the perfect spot right outside Peckham Rye station for a rooftop screening. 

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