Season's Eatings

The kitchens at Picturehouse remain filled to the brim with delicious dishes: read on to discover both our brand new pizza menu, and what awaits under our foodie Christmas tree...

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02 Dec 21

2022's just around the corner, and with it comes a whole new year of delights – and we're not just talking about movies. This year, we introduced a stellar new menu that now graces Picturehouse restaurants, cafés and bars across the land. It's been a hit, but we're not letting that keep us from adding even more. There's plenty of ingenious food being cooked up in our kitchens, and we're incredibly excited to share them with you in the new year. As always, Picturehouse's food operations manager and dedicated gourmand Jake Kwan is here to talk us through it.

"I'm so excited for 2022 and what's to come for our bars, restaurants, cafés and concessions," Jake tells us. "2021's been undoubtedly challenging, with both Covid-19 and strains on the supply chain, but as we hope to move out of a time of uncertainty, we really are working tirelessly – to innovate food within cinemas, and reimagine old classics."

Speaking of classics, pizza shouldn't need much of an introduction. A cinema match made in heaven, it's easy to eat, comforting and delicious – and it's joining our menus next year. We couldn't be more excited! How did pizza finally find its way to Picturehouse's kitchens? "Who doesn't love a bit of pizza, right?" Jake laughs. "We're partnering with PizzaSi, who've helped us create beautiful, hand-crafted artisan pizza bases, bringing expertise and ingredients from Italy all the way to Picturehouse. Pizza will feature in most of our cafés and restaurants in 2022, and hand-stretched, stone-baked pizza is sure to be a blockbuster addition."

The wonderful thing about pizza is its versatility, and those stepping into Picturehouse café-bars and restaurants can really get creative with whatever they fancy. "I'm really excited for where pizza can take us," Jake says, showing off options ranging from a white base with hints of flavourful chermoula, to a delicious array of smoky roasted vegetables. "We've got plenty of options – including lots for vegans, which is a real treat. We've got a great vegan Margherita with a vegan feta that has lovely, subtle notes of coconut. It pairs beautifully with our rich tomato sauce and fresh basil." And trust us, vegan is for everyone. "It's really important to us to have vegan options that work as incredible dishes in their own right."

What's more, the festive season is on its way. Jake's already got his Christmas viewing sorted. "Kevin McCallister slapping his face with aftershave before thwarting the Wet Bandits in Home Alone? You can't beat it. Christmas is my favourite time of the year, for sure." But Christmas is also the perfect time for food – so how's the menu looking?

"Joining together to celebrate seems like something we might all need after 2021. To make our bars and cafés the perfect place to do just that, we're serving mulled wine and mince pies, as well as some festive sandwiches, burgers and pizzas." And it wouldn't be the holiday season without some sweet treats. "Our concession stands will be overflowing. Joe & Seph's gourmet popcorn has a delicious festive range on its way, and you can pick up some Divine chocolate too. Plenty to be jolly about."

Needless to say, there's plenty more to look forward to in the 12 months that lie ahead. Any more hints for what's to come? "Currently, Steve (head chef at York's City Screen Picturehouse) and I are experimenting with pickled watermelon," Jake tells us. "We're very excited to get it just right. I'm also excited to pick up a Nexba Kombucha from our drinks selection soon – they'll be joining us with a fantastic range of sugar-free flavours." Until then, there's one thing left to do: eat, drink, and be merry.