London’s First LGBTQ+ Cinema to Open in Bermondsey
London’s LGBTQ+ community is set to welcome a new addition to its vibrant cultural landscape with the opening of the city’s first LGBTQ+ cinema in Bermondsey. The brainchild of Simon Burke and Piers Greenlees, the duo behind the popular Southwark queer pub The Rising SE1, The Arzner is slated to open its doors in late 2024 in a picture house that has been sitting empty for over a year and a half.
Burke and Greenlees have big plans for The Arzner, which will not only serve as a cinema but also feature a cocktail bar, providing visitors with a unique and inclusive space to enjoy art house and independent films. Speaking at a recent Southwark Council licensing meeting, Simon Burke expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that The Arzner would offer a safe and welcoming environment for all members of the LGBTQ+ community in one of the most densely populated LGBTQ+ areas in the country.
A New LGBTQ+ Hub in Bermondsey
Located in Bermondsey Square, South London, The Arzner will house a single screen with seating for up to 50 spectators, as well as a bar area capable of accommodating 150 customers. Despite the ample capacity, Mr. Burke noted that he would be surprised if the venue ever reached full occupancy, emphasizing the importance of creating a cozy and intimate setting for patrons to enjoy their cinematic experience.
The decision to transform the former Kino Bermondsey into an LGBTQ+ cinema and bar comes after the previous occupant closed its doors in 2023 due to unpaid rent. Plans were initially submitted to repurpose the venue as a shop, restaurant, or fitness studio, but were later withdrawn following advice from the Southwark Council. The opening of The Arzner represents a significant milestone for the LGBTQ+ community in the area, doubling the number of permanent queer venues in the SE1 district.
Community Support and Concerns
The proposal for The Arzner has received positive feedback from a local residents’ association, with a representative expressing delight at the prospect of a cinema reopening in the space. However, there are concerns about potential noise disturbances stemming from the new venue. In response, Mr. Burke reassured residents that The Arzner is not intended to be a loud live music venue but rather a safe space where people can relax and unwind.
The Southwark Council’s licensing committee has granted permission for The Arzner to operate until 11pm Sunday to Wednesday and until midnight from Thursday to Saturday, allowing for extended hours of entertainment for LGBTQ+ cinema enthusiasts in the area. With a focus on creating an inclusive and welcoming environment, The Arzner is poised to become a hub for LGBTQ+ culture and community in Bermondsey and beyond.
As London’s first LGBTQ+ cinema prepares to open its doors, the city’s vibrant queer community eagerly anticipates the opportunity to come together and celebrate the richness and diversity of LGBTQ+ storytelling on the big screen. The Arzner promises to be more than just a cinema; it is set to become a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ culture in London, providing a safe and inviting space for all members of the community to gather, connect, and experience the magic of cinema in a setting that truly reflects their identities and experiences.
