[Disclaimer: this is not a paid review, I genuinely just had a wonderful time!]
Everyman cinemas have found the gap in the market that people like me are desperate to be filled, and are providing such an authentic and warm cinema experience. You are not expected to just be in and out, you are invited to share an evening of film with them.
Under the gaze of a towering Cathedral, and a glimmering peachy sunset, a neon sign flickers in the low light of the evening. A blur of people enter and exit the double doors of the newly opened Everyman Cinema, Salisbury. Lucky enough to attend a friends and family screening, I had the pleasure of experiencing the joy of this beautiful film lovers' space - I have looked for a space like this in Salisbury for a long time.
As we walked in, we were greeted by a beautiful set of stairs, and floor to ceiling images of some of the cinematic greats. Friendly staff came to ask us what our booking was and ushered us through an archway to what felt like a different world. I have lived in big cities, and Salisbury has never felt like it has the buzz and excitement of a place like that. Once we walked under that balcony, I really felt like I was in another world.
The bar was bussling, full of faces laughing at their friends jokes, sipping cocktails, and smiling under the neon lights. Continuing through to our screen, we sank ourselves down into the comfort of a two-person sofa. You heard me, two people! In one seat! Cinemas for me have always been about comfort, about losing yourself into another world for a while. Everyman hits the nail on the head in terms of comfort, that's exactly why I fell in love with them from the first one I ever visited.
If you're a solo watcher, you still get a comfy sofa seat. If you're there with somebody else, you don't have to wrestle with that middle armrest between you holding hands or resting your heads on each other's shoulders. Everyman is truly made for the enjoyment of the audience. I personally find it difficult to sit in one position for long periods of time, and the seats here allowed me to shuffle around far more than standard cinema seats do. Thank you from the neurodivergent community for that one.
Once settled, we experienced the loveliest 'sofa-service' to order food and drinks. The selection of things on offer was perfectly broad, without being overcomplicated. Whether you want a warming hot drink, or a fresh cocktail, there are drinks for everybody. Foodwise, you can tuck into a hearty burger or a beautiful hand-stretched pizza, but also have the option to enjoy a tapas-like sharing platter with your film buddy too.
Food and drink orders are taken before the film starts, and as the lights went low to begin the film, I was tucking into an espresso martini and a beautiful margherita pizza. The film we saw was the amazing 'Are you there God? It's me, Margaret' which I could write a whole separate review for. Full of laughs, relatable coming-of-age moments, and Rachel McAdams just generally being brilliant, I would recommend anybody watch this feel good pick.
As the movie came to a close, and the lights came up (finally a cinema that keeps the lights low for the credits - hallelujah!), I felt such a sense of peace. The cinema is a safe space for me. A space to go and escape from all the stresses of the world and step into another world for an evening.
It has saddened me that cinemas have become hyper-commercialised and clinical. But Everyman cinemas have found the gap in the market that people like me are desperate to be filled, and are providing such an authentic and warm cinema experience. You are not expected to just be in and out, you are invited to share an evening of film with them. I will absolutely be returning to Everyman Salisbury, hopefully as soon as possible.
Until next time,
Alice
To book your visit to Everyman, take a look at their website: https://www.everymancinema.com/venues-list/g01qm-everyman-salisbury
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