Movie Nights!

• Written by: Lorraine
• Written on: September 15, 2016
• Filed Under: Activities, Broadstairs, Entertainment, Local Area, Movies, Villages

A night out at the movies is always a great treat and can be a lovely addition to your holiday repertoire. Here in Broadstairs we have a charming little cinema on Harbour Street – The Palace – as well as an out of town multiplex at Westwood Cross.

We’ve blogged before about both establishments and also mentioned the characterful Carlton Cinema, another independent but larger than the Palace, just up the road in the village of Westgate*. See our previous post here.

This year the Palace has been taken over by new owners, Simon Ward and Corrina Downing, and while it was always a great place, we are quite excited to report on some of the changes that the two of them are introducing. Both have extensive experience in the film industry and are committed to developing one of Broadstairs’ jewels to make it even more of a destination for holidaymakers and residents of the local area alike.

Situated just before the historic York Gate in Harbour Street which dates back to the 16th Century, the quaint flint fronted Palace building seems too small to be a cinema, but once inside you will find the inviting foyer has everything you need for the full cinema experience – get your popcorn, sweets and drinks, including proper fresh coffee, here! The auditorium seats one hundred and eleven people and you can choose to be in the stalls or up on the balcony.

Despite its cosy old fashioned appearance, thanks to the previous owners, the Palace boasts the latest digital sound and projection technology, and the large screen is as wide as the entire building. It’s also fully accessible for wheelchairs and prams.

The Palace Cinema experience is much more personal and intimate than going to a multiplex and its one screen shows an excellent variety of the latest films – many that you will not see elsewhere in the area. The owners, with their in depth love of films and extensive knowledge, put a great deal of care and attention into programming a really good selection of well known and not so well known movies, award winners and audience pleasers, classics as well as latest releases, including a good selection of foreign and independent films.

The cinema is just up from the beach and close to car parks, bus stops and the rail station. It is surrounded by restaurants, family-friendly cafes, pubs and ice cream sellers. Wyatt and Jones, one of the most respected restaurants in Kent, is directly opposite, whereas a short walk (one minute) down the hill you’ll find tasty inexpensive fish and chips and the welcoming Tartar Frigate pub.

This month the following films are showing – as you can see there really is something for everyone:

Cafe Society (15) Directed by Woody Allen, Starring Kristen Stewart, Jesse Eisenberg and Steve Carell. Set in the 1930s, this stylish film celebrates the movie stars, socialites, playboys, debutantes, politicians, and gangsters who epitomised the excitement and glamour of that time.

Valley of Love (15) Directed by Guillaume Nicloux, (English and French language with English subtitles) Starring Isabelle Huppert, Gerard Depardieu and Dan Warner. An estranged couple who have not seen each other for years answer an invitation from their son Michael, a photographer, which they received after his death, six months earlier. Despite the absurdity of the situation, they decide to follow Michael’s instructions to the letter, come what may…

Captain Fantastic (15) the strange and surprising story of a family reintegrating into society after living in isolation for a decade.

The Man Who Fell to Earth (40th Anniversary restoration) (18) – the cult scifi classic with what many see as David Bowie’s most iconic role – restored and reissued – a must see.

Bridget Jones’s Baby (cert TBC) – Hollywood favourite Bridget is now 40 something and with child.

Things to Come (15) – a French German drama film released in 2016 and selected to compete for the Golden Bear award

Go to the Palace Cinema website to find out what’s on when you are here.

We know you will be very comfortable staying in your well equipped Beeches Broadstairs holiday let but we think you deserve a night out at the movies in this very special little cinema – and that it will be a holiday highlight. If you go, let us know what you think – and tell Corinna and Simon that Beeches Holiday Lets sent you!

*Note – Westgate, home of the Carlton Cinema, is not to be confused with Westwood. Westgate is to the west of Margate, on the way to Birchington. Westwood is located centrally between the three towns of Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate. Both Westwood and Westgate are close by and easy to get to from our holiday accomodation in Broadstairs.