Picturehouse Central

Our Story

Opened in 1896 by the J. Lyons Company, the Trocadero quickly became one of the most exclusive restaurants in Europe, attracting the glitterati of Victorian and Edwardian London and the most discerning overseas visitors.

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s it remained a chic and sophisticated place to be seen. The venue fell from fashionable favour in the 1950s and then into a long decline. In partnership with the architects Panter Hudspith, Picturehouse extensively refurbished the interior and refreshed the façade, restoring the venue and its reputation as a stylish destination.

Picturehouse Central
Corner of Great Windmill Street and Shaftesbury Avenue
Piccadilly Circus
London
W1D 7DH

Opening Times

Box Office: 15 minutes before the start of the first film

Downstairs Cafe: From 10:00 daily

The First Floor Restaurant And Bar: 12:00–21:00. Last drink orders 20:45, last food orders 19:45 (Sun-Thur) or 20:45 (Fri-Sat).

The Members' Bar & Roof Terrace: 12:00–21:00

There will be reduced/amended opening hours on the following days:

Xmas Eve - Members Bar & Restaurant - last drinks orders 19:45, last food orders 19:30, to close at 20:00

New Years Eve - Members Bar & Restaurant - last drink orders 19:15, last food orders 19:00, to close at 19:30

New Years Day - Café will open from 11am.

Last orders will be 15 minutes before close.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Members' Bar & Roof Terrace is exclusively for Picturehouse Central Members and their guests. Picturehouse Central Members can bring up to three guests to the Members' Bar.

No persons under the age of 18 are permitted into the Members' Bar after 17.00 which is in line with our premises license.

In the restaurant, bar and Members' Bar, you will need a valid ticket to purchase and consume alcoholic drinks after 21.00. In the cafe, you can only purchase and consume alcohol if you are also buying food.

Age check: We operate a Challenge 21 scheme.

Ticket Prices

Ticket prices vary. Please check the specific film and time you are interested in attending for prices.

Please note that peak or altered pricing may apply for certain films, special events and holiday periods. More information on pricing is available in our FAQs and Terms & Conditions.

We add a 70p booking fee per ticket (excluding tickets for Picturehouse Members) to bookings made online or over the phone. This fee doesn't apply to tickets you buy in person at the cinema.

3D films may cost £1.30 extra per person, not including 3D glasses (you can buy these at the cinema for an extra £1, free for Members, or bring your own).

*Family tickets are for four people, at least two of whom must be under 15. Not applicable to premium-priced screenings.

Have a question about our prices? We might have the answer in our FAQs.

Happy Mondays

All day every Monday (excluding bank holidays), you can enjoy great value tickets with Happy Mondays.

Picturehouse Members get to save even more. Please check Monday listings for details.

Clubs & Groups

Relaxed Screenings

Relaxed screenings are specially designed to make cinema-going easier and more accessible to those who may need additional support when they visit. These screenings are ideal for neurodivergent audiences of all ages, those living with dementia, and their families, friends, and carers, but all are welcome.

Relaxed screenings will show films without adverts or trailers. Lights are left on low, the volume is reduced, and the audience is free to move around and take breaks from the screen whenever needed.

We typically show:
A new release every second Monday of the month
A classic film every last Friday of the month (with interval)

Whilst we do our best to ensure these screenings happen consistently, please note that on occasion the regular slot may change. Make sure to check local listings ahead of your screening.

Discover / Rediscover

New and classic films on the big screen where they belong.

Silver Screen

Silver Screen is a free-to-join club for the over-60s. Enjoy discounted tickets and free tea and filter coffee at our Silver Screen shows.

Non-members are also welcome - our standard ticket prices apply.

Click here for upcoming screenings.

Screen Arts

Bringing world-class productions of theatre, ballet, opera and live music to the big screen.

U25

U25 is for anyone ages 16–25. Signing up to U25 is FREE. Members have access to discounted tickets at any time Monday to Thursday when booked online and via the Picturehouse App only.

Travel Information

By Bus

The following bus routes run close to the cinema: 14, 19, N19, 38, N38, 6, 15, N15, N113, 139, N18.

By Train

The nearest train station is Charing Cross (10-minute walk, Southeastern).

By Tube

The nearest tube station is Piccadilly Circus (2-minute walk, Piccadilly line and Bakerloo line).

By Bike

Please note there are limited bike parking facilities available nearby.

By Foot

Situated in London's West End, between Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square, we are walking distance to some of London's wonderful sights, tourist destinations, shopping districts, and a whole lot more.