The Castle Cinema in Hackney, London, hosts private screenings, panels, presentations and receptions. Both screens and the bar are hired together for exclusive use, which gives an organiser an 82-seat auditorium, a 27-seat screening room and a bar for 82 seated or 125 standing guests, with the venue closed to the public. The building dates from 1913.
Seminars and company events
Screen 1 works as a small plenary room. It has 82 moveable armchairs, and the front two rows can be removed to make a stage area. A lectern is available, microphones and extra chairs can be added for a panel, and remote speakers can appear live on the screen. Both screens take DCP, DVD, Blu-ray and HDMI digital projection, and each has 7.1 surround sound. Screen 2 is the former projection room, with 27 seats including six deluxe sofas and a four-metre screen, and suits a smaller briefing, a client preview or a team viewing. Lighting in every space is controlled by dimmers or switches.
Weddings and receptions
The bar and café area takes 82 seated or 125 standing and works as a reception space before or after a screening. A DJ booth is available in the bar. The venue lists receptions and cocktail events, and the bar is fully licensed. Weddings are not listed as a service, so ask the team before planning one.
Rooms and capacities
Screen 1 seats 82, Screen 2 seats 27, and the bar holds 82 seated or 125 standing. Exclusive hire covers both screens and the bar, and the bar cannot be hired alone. The venue has no windows, which suits presentations that need a dark room but means no daylight during the day.
Catering
The bar serves drinks and a café menu, with coffee, pastries and popcorn. A kitchen space is available, and outside catering is allowed in the bar area for certain events. Bar hours run from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., with earlier closing on Sundays.
History and setting
The building opened as a cinema in 1913 and keeps many original features. Screen 1 has a proscenium arch, ornate plasterwork and a curved ceiling picked out in gold. Organisers often pair a screening in Screen 1 with a drinks reception in the bar, so allow time between the two for the room to be reset.
Getting there
The cinema is on the first floor at 64-66 Brooksby's Walk, Hackney, London E9 6DA. The site does not name the nearest station, so check the route for your guests.
