Cult London cinema loved by Quentin Tarantino and Danny Boyle saved from closure after bitter landlord dispute

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Oct 16, 2026 - 03:55

Cult London cinema loved by Quentin Tarantino and Danny Boyle saved from closure after bitter landlord dispute

A "much-loved" cult London cinema has been saved from closure after a bitter row with the landlord.

The Prince Charles Cinema in Chinatown has signed a new lease that will keep its projectors rolling for at least another 25 years.

The cinema, known for its offbeat, alternative programming, is a firm favourite among British film fans and world-famous directors, including Quentin Tarantino, Danny Boyle and Christopher Nolan.

However, the future of the cinema was plunged into chaos after the owners claimed its landlord, Zedwell LSQ Ltd (owned by developer Criterion Capital), was trying to "bully us out of the building" by demanding a break clause in its lease, due for renewal in September 2025.

In a post on social media, Ben Freedman, the cinema's owner, said: "Our cinema means an enormous amount to our team, our audiences and the wider arts community.

"Having this security gives us the confidence to invest in the cinema’s future and continue providing a home for film lovers.

"We are pleased to have reached an agreement that works for both parties and, most importantly, allows us to look forward with real confidence and excitement to the next chapter of the Prince Charles Cinema."

Chief Executive of Criterion Capital Vaqas Farooq said: "The Prince Charles Cinema is a unique and much-loved part of the West End, and we are delighted to have agreed terms which secure its future at Leicester Place."

$\u200bThe Prince Charles Cinema$

Mr Farooq continued: "The West End is successful because of its extraordinary blend of culture, entertainment, hospitality and independent enterprise.

"The Prince Charles Cinema is the embodiment of that spirit, and through this agreement, Criterion is delighted to continue supporting a vibrant and diverse West End."

The cinema first opened just off Leicester Square as a live theatre in 1962, before the Star Cinema chain purchased it in 1969.

In the 1970s, the Prince Charles gained a less-than-fortunate reputation for showing adult films until Robins Cinemas bought it in 1991 and converted it into a repertory cinema, playing cult classics for £1 a ticket.

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$\u200bBen Freedman$

However, since then it has become beloved by British cinema fans, attracting more than 250,000 customers to 850 films and events each year.

Some of the world's most famous filmmakers have praised the Prince Charles, including Mr Tarantino, who described it as “Mecca for lovers of quality films”, and One Battle After Another director Paul Thomas Anderson, who chose the cinema as his favourite in London.

However, its future fell into chaos after the management accused Zedwell of demanding a rent increase significantly above market rates.

The owners also claimed Zedwell demanded a break clause requiring the cinema to vacate the premises on six months’ notice if the company received planning permission to redevelop the site.

The cinema's management then launched legal proceedings, saying it viewed this as a “clear intention” that its landlord planned to redevelop the building.

This threat prompted an outcry from fans and a petition to save the cinema has gained almost 170,000 signatures.

Last year, Westminster Council also listed the Cinema as an asset of community value, giving residents the opportunity to buy the building should it be put up for sale.

Now, the cinema has signed a 25-year lease with Zedwell LSQ, ultimately controlled by millionaire property developer Asif Aziz, to secure the site’s future.