Golden Age Cinema & Bar

Sarah C Edited a month ago

The Golden Age is a boutique (or, if you were being less generous, very small) single screen cinema, with a gorgeous speakeasy bar attached. Or should that be: it's a great bar that happens to have a cinema screen stuck to it? To start with the positives, the film programming is absolutely excellent: a diverse mix of cult classics, hidden repertory gems, and quality new indie releases. And the bar itself does look very cool and very gorgeous, and would probably be a great place for a date. But if you're a real movie lover looking to watch brilliant cinema in great conditions? Not so much. The cinema design is quite odd, although more forgiveable when you realise the owners were restoring an old screening room (which is cool!) and had to work with what they had. But the seats are barely sloped, making your view easily blocked by people in front. When facing the screen, there's a large empty space off to the left, leaving the cinema feeling strangely lopsided - as well as making the space both lighter and much more echoey than you'd want (neither are optimal viewing conditions). More egregious is the noise bleed from the bar. On Friday nights the bar has (loud) DJs, and you can ve

Never No 3 months ago

This place has so much charm and class. An really intimate venue. The cinema chairs were tiny tho. And not that comfortable. Great place to hold an event.

Rachel Apps 7 months ago

The atmosphere is great! The cinema experience sadly wasn't. The popcorn wasn't flavoured well so I had to brush off each kernal before eating it. We were in the cinema next to the bar and could hear the music through the wall which distracted me especially during the movie as it was atmospheric focused. Also, the crowd that we were with kept laughing at inappropriate times (mentioning just in case that is a consideration for others as it won't be the same every time obviously). Seats are vintage which got uncomfortable after a while. Also the floor isn't as sloped (not sure if it is at all) as modern styled cinemas so your view can easily be blocked by people in front even though the rows are adjusted so you aren't directly behind the person in front. Staff were very lovely and helpful. Bathrooms were clean but the female toilets entry/exit door top hinge is broken which makes it a bit awkward to open (people kept on leaving it open but to use the sink you kind of need it closed). Always appreciate the touch of having hand cream as well as soap! My concluding thoughts - I had high hopes for this place and wish I enjoyed it more!

Jacob 10 months ago

Writing this review is bittersweet because part of me wants to gate-keep this venue forever! But I know it’s the right thing to do. My wife and I booked the cinema and bar for our wedding in October 2025, alongside 40 of our favourite people. We couldn’t be happier and would do it again a thousand times over. The space speaks for itself. It’s ambient and cosy yet elevated and effortlessly cool. It’s as unique as they come - especially for those looking for something urban and off-beat. The food was great , the venue is accessible and has great options for those wanting to stay, like a hotel in house, two cafes and plenty of great spots in walking distance. We worked with Emma along the way and she was everything you would hope for in a venue/event coordinator. She treated our plan with the gravity of one of the most important days of our lives and we’re just so grateful for that. Nothing was ever a problem. She was responsive and open, even helping pressure test our plans at points. Several of our guests told us this was the best wedding they’ve been to - and we credit that in part to Emma and this incredible venue. Thanks team - you guys are the best

Sharon Hartridge 11 months ago

I’m a lifelong movie and history lover, so no surprise that I loved the Golden Age Cinema & Bar, which occupies the Lower Ground Floor of what was the Paramount Pictures Building from 1940 to the 1970s. Today I went to a 50th Anniversary screening of Picnic at Hanging Rock, recently restored to 4k. What an absolutely amazing film and wonderful to see and enjoy after such a long time. Golden Age was the perfect place to revisit this Australian classic, and I will definitely return. Next time I will have something to eat and drink in the (original) Lounge adjacent to the Theatrette as it’s so atmospheric. PS Fitting that just around the corner is the Hotel Hollywood 🎬 😊