Grosvenor Cinema, Ashton Lane

Upon visiting the Grosvenor Cinema in Ashton Lane, Glasgow recently I was able to draw up comparisons between independent cinemas like the Grosvenor compared with well known multiplex cinema industries such as Cineworld.

First off, I would like to point out that I had never heard of the Grosvenor Cinema before until it was mentioned by my friends yet I’m a frequent visitor to Cineworld cinemas and so I was a little worried about the fact that I, as a film student, hadn’t heard of the Grosvenor. It made me a little hesitant to go as I had no idea what was so special about this cinema. Could it really be any better than a high-tech multiplex with rows and rows of seating and, admittedly, overpriced popcorn?

The answer is yes.

Upon first seeing the Grosvenor, my first thought was that it couldn’t look any less like the cinemas I was used to. There were no flashy signs, no neon lights and it was clear to see that the building was old and although modernised over the years, it had stayed true to its ‘old-fashioned’ roots.

The exterior was only one of the differences between the Grosvenor and other multiplex cinemas. As well as that there was the interior which included a modest foyer, a small café and confectionary which only added to the old-fashioned feel of the place with glass Coca-Cola bottles and classic popcorn cartons which didn’t have any sort of branding like Cineworld ones do.

The movie I went to see was Dallas Buyers Club and was given a designated seating. Now, the seating inside the Grosvenor is very important as never before had I seen leather armchair style seats in a cinema before, as well as sofas that were available to customers. I couldn’t help but feel that it gave the place a much more personal touch and made it easy to enjoy my cinematic experience.