Our Story
The Electric Pavilion opened on 11 March 1911 and was one of England's earliest purpose-built cinemas, seating over 750 in its grand auditorium. It was seen as a 'scruffy relation' to the nearby Palladium and was known as the 'flea pit'.
In 1976 the cinema closed and came close to demolition. However, collaboration between Lambeth Council and the management saw the venue reopen as an arts cinema with the name Little Bit Ritzy, from which the present name is derived. In 1994 four screens, a bar and a café were added.
Today the cinema is a popular and much-loved destination for film-lovers at the heart of a bright and bustling Brixton scene. The Ritzy's Edwardian exterior and main auditorium remain intact and stand as an impressive example of early cinema architecture.
The downstairs restaurant-bar offers a relaxed and cosy atmosphere, while Upstairs at the Ritzy is a live events venue that's a well-known and well-loved cultural hub for Brixton.
Ritzy Picturehouse, Brixton
Brixton Oval
Coldharbour Lane
London
SW2 1JG