The cinema first opened its doors on 15 April 1911 as the Electric Palace, with capacity for 480 patrons (280 seated and a further 200 standing!). The floor plan of the cinema was not dissimilar to that of today, except the foyer stretched down the side of the building. It later became The Embassy, and in 1931 was one of the first British cinemas to convert fully to sound. During the Second World War, the ornate exterior was severely damaged and subsequently replaced with a plain façade and a flat roof.
Since the 1950s the venue has steadily built a reputation as the place to see avant-garde and experimental cinema alongside repertory art-house programmes. With new ownership in 1974 came the change of name to The Gate. In 2003 the cinema joined the Picturehouse family and in 2004 it received a full refurbishment. The lobby retains its Cinema 100 plaque in recognition of its status as "one of London's favourite independent cinemas".
Please note that peak or altered pricing may apply for certain films, special events and holiday periods. More information on pricing is available in our FAQs and Terms & Conditions.
We add a 70p booking fee per ticket (excluding tickets for Picturehouse Members) to bookings made online or over the phone. This fee doesn't apply to tickets you buy in person at the cinema.
3D films may cost £1.30 extra per person, not including 3D glasses (you can buy these at the cinema for an extra £1, free for Members, or bring your own).
*Family tickets are for four people, at least two of whom must be under 15. Not applicable to premium-priced screenings.
Have a question about our prices? We might have the answer in our FAQs.
All day every Monday (excluding bank holidays), you can enjoy great value tickets with Happy Mondays.
Picturehouse Members get to save even more. Please check Monday listings for details.
Relaxed screenings are specially designed to make cinema-going easier and more accessible to those who may need additional support when they visit. These screenings are ideal for neurodivergent audiences of all ages, those living with dementia, and their families, friends, and carers, but all are welcome.
Relaxed screenings will show films without adverts or trailers. Lights are left on low, the volume is reduced, and the audience is free to move around and take breaks from the screen whenever needed.
We typically show a new release every second Monday of the month.
Whilst we do our best to ensure these screenings happen consistently, please note that on occasion the regular slot may change. Make sure to check local listings ahead of your screening.
New and classic films on the big screen where they belong.
Silver Screen is a free-to-join club for the over-60s.
Enjoy discounted tickets and a free tea or filter coffee at our Silver Screen shows. Annual membership is free. Silver Screen runs Thursdays and Fridays before 17.00.
Non-members are welcome - the usual ticket prices apply.
Click here for upcoming screenings.
The Kids Club is every Saturday at 11.30am.
Adults are only admitted if accompanying a child.
Ticket prices vary.
Bringing world-class productions of theatre, ballet, opera and live music to the big screen.
U25 is for anyone ages 16–25. Signing up to U25 is FREE. Members have access to discounted tickets at any time Monday to Thursday when booked online and via the Picturehouse App only.
The following bus routes run close to the cinema: 27, 52, 28, 328, 452, 148, 70, 390, 94, 31, N28, N31, N207.
The nearest tube station is Notting Hill Gate (30-second walk, Central line, Circle line and District line).
Santander Cycles Dock on Pembridge Gardens, across the road from the cinema. As well as two other Docking stations on Campden Hill Gardens and Palace Gardens Terrace.
Please note there is limited car parking space in the area. For more information please visit rbkc.gov.uk.
Nearest KIA Charging Station: Ubitricity, 16 Kensington Place, W8 7PT (Type 2)
