Duke Of York's Picturehouse

Sadly I must echo the same sentiments of the poster below. This used to be a wonderful cinema that showed classic movies, had a great atmosphere and staff that cared. Now it's become a useless rundown flea pit which has very little to offer. The only thing that makes it better than Cineworld is that it's got a wonderful exterior - and then you get inside. Honestly, the projection is sloppy: I saw two separate movies here last year and both times the 'projectionist' chose the wrong ratio. Looks like that employee chimpanzees in their booths!  On top of all that when I have politely asked the staff a question they treat you more like an incovenience than a customer that pays their wages.  I must also mention the extra cost of sitting upstairs, which until a few years ago was the same price as sitting in the stalls. I also get the general impression that the staff think that because this is an 'arthouse' cinema they can have a "don't give a s**t attitude. Hence the reason that I will not be going there again.

Sorry but this place isn't what it was 20 years ago. They hardly show any rep anymore,so in my opinion it sucks.  All we get now is tedious middle class shite.  Also your guaranteed to get some cunt behind you with his knees in your back or rustling sweet wrappers for the entire film. Up against the wall motherfuckers!

Just the best cinema – still able to buy tea and cake – what more could you want?

A real gem, lovely old cinema with comfy seats and a great selection of films normally. Really enjoyed watching my favourite film Amelie there recently.

I actually have friends who want to get married here. Obviously they love watching films but more than that, there is no place like Duke of York.

The staff are charismatic and clued up. Just before you go in, make sure you get a look at this Grade II listed building which is something to be admired…as well as the can can legs on the roof.

The popcorn is delicious and the films are always art-house….none of this blockbuster rubbish. Films that stimulate the brain. Not to mention hosting operas, book talks (Mark Kermode) and the wonderful Eurovision Song Contest!!

Bonus to your cinema experience: you can buy a nice cold beer from their bar
to take into the theatre with you.

A trip to Brighton wouldn’t be complete without visiting this cinema.

I love this cinema. The seats are roomy and comfortable and you can buy a beer and a good chunk of cake to eat during the film. Before the film, you can enjoy the last rays of sun on the balcony, under the infamous Legs. This really is a Brighton institution.

First time visit this weekend with my wife. Lovely cinema, good seating and the sound is just the right level. Just like the “flicks” used to be!!

just got my free membership and cant wait to come back! you can bring your own booze and watch late night showings of all your favourite films. dont go to odeon go to the duke of york!! so much nicer and the seats are comfortable. those queues are pretty long so get in early if you can x

love this cinema. extremely charming building. seating upstairs very comfy and always a great mix of films etc

The Grand Old Duke of York is 100 years young, which makes it the oldest purpose built cinema in the country. That is surely worth celebrating.

If you live in Brighton you don't need reminding of its existence. You may however need reminding that it is worth a visit. I would never consider going there for a film I could see at a multiplex - I'm too much in love with nachos. However the DOY goes to a lot of effort to put on spectacles that don't rely upon big screens, perfect sound and corn chips.

Live music, alt films and Peppa Pig on the big screen. You don't get that at the Cineworld.

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Nachos ....

One of the perks of an independent cinema is the films it shows. The multiplexes may try to seem varied but a lot of the time some of the smaller films get left by the wayside. That is why I am thankful for the Duke of York's.

The films they show vary from independent and arty films, to documentaries, Friday night screenings of classics and even the occasional mainstream fare. I also saw Mark Kermode on his book tour here, another reason why DOY is one of my favourite places in Brighton! It is also a good place to catch those movies you may have missed so you still get to see them on the big screen before they come out on DVD.

The seats are comfy and generous in terms of legroom, which I am grateful for as I'm tall! There are also bigger seats on the balcony so you can sit in couples. Another perk of this cinema is that as well as the traditional popcorn and ice cream movie snack fare, they also serve tea, coffee and cake. There's even a bar upstairs! I can't rate this place highly enough, and from the reviews below it seems I'm not the only one.

This place is a gem.

Fabulous! Hang on in there DOYs.. What cinema's all about. Good deals if you join.

If you reckon that your idea of the perfect cinema experience is a huge multiplex with ridiculously overpriced popcorn and enormous buckets of cola wedged between the seats, think again. The Duke of York's Picturehouse offers you something completely different. I takes you right back in time to the days when cinema-going had far more ceremony and novelty.

The films shown here are far more independent and 'arty' than in your average Odeon and whilst there's usually at least one recently released film showing, they regularly screen much older movies and documentaries. Sometimes, they'll even stage Q&A sessions after the screenings – for example, director Mike Leigh did a live Q&A session via satellite link-up to celebrate the release of 'Happy-go-Lucky.' See? Novelty.

The picturehouse was established in 1910 and is in a gorgeous, old-fashioned building. It's pretty easy to spot – mainly because there's a huge pair of black-and-white stripy legs kicking out of the roof. Inside, there are two levels of seating – classic cinema-style seats downstairs or super-comfy sofas up on the balcony.

Unlike most horrific, junk-filled, overpriced multiplex fare, here you can enjoy a freshly ground coffee with a piece of cake or even a nice, cold alcoholic beverage during your film. This is the place for you traditionally hate going to the cinema, and prefer a little bit of class with your movies.

wow now this is a cinema ppl….they even let you take your own booze in!!! gotta hand it to them…support them if you can they need it to keep goin…these other big cinemas make it hard for little ones like this…

From the quirky can can legs on the roof, the elegance of the building itself to the plush velvet chairs and the addition of going to the bar and being able to bring your drinks with you this is a gem, a Queen above all other cinemas. Its a folie a one off and to fit its distictive nature you won’t find SAW iv playing here nor any silly mind numbing blockbuster. Its film shows are as quirky as it is itself. European, indie, small release. re release, old ones that every one loves thats what you will find. Also they have a kids cuib saturday mornings. Lots of information on local events/London events etc in the foyer. A cosy bar, I couldn’t ask for more. If you are sick of going into a cinema and knowing that you could be in anyone of 1000’s in any town in the country. If you are tired of hard seats and plastic tasting popcorn then try this little diamond out for a great evenings entertainment.

I'm a massive fan of Picturehouse cinemas, and on my recent rip to Brighton finally got round to visiting the Duke of York's Picturehouse. To get to it you have to walk along the most horrendously high streety road in Brighton, but once you've marched past all the yukky chains your reward is this quirky little place.

On entering we were greeted by Michael Jackson's Greatest Hits on the stereo, and as we boogied our way across the foyer to see about getting tickets I spied a cooler fridge containing bottles of organic cider. That's my kind of cinema!

As members of the Ritzy Picturehouse in London we were entitled to use one of our members freebie tickets at the Duke of York's, and were given special passes for the newly done upper balcony. Cue the comfiest sofa I have ever had the pleasure of reclining on, and bye-bye film. Well, I didn't sleep through all of it but passing out for 10 minutes halfway through did make it a little harder to follow.

If you're someone who can stay awake in the middle of the day to watch a film, enjoy the lovely sofas, but if can't OR you have eye problems and have very cleverly left your glasses at home (like me), it's probably wise to sit downstairs. From the balcony the screen looks about the same size as if you were watching the film on your laptop, on your lap.

What a lovely cinema though, and next time I think I will be partaking of that there cider, sitting downstairs and wearing my glasses.

This is how cimemas ought to be. Its not really any more expensive then the larger chains, but the selection is much more esoteric and the venue itself is a blast from the past. Splash out for a box seat and you’ll have the best movie watching experience of your life. the giant legs sticking out of the roof are a hint of what its like inside.

How I imagine cinema used to be :0) A great experience, especially if your tastes run to less main stream films. A beautiful building, I love the mish-mash of seats, which are really comfortable, and the lovely double seats up in the balcony. There is a cafe-bar, which is always popular, but parking on the surrounding streets can be rather difficult

Although this place doesnt have the glory and shinyness of modern day cinemas, it has a genuine authenticity and warmth about it. Not only does it show films you might not otherwise see, it also hosts events for schools, kids, seniors and even the eurovision. Its a great asset to our community in brighton, and is even somewhat iconic.

Great independent cinema that has lots going on and special film nights.