NEWS: Cinéphilia West Is No More

The wonderful Cinéphilia West in London has been forced to close. A press statement read: “It is with very great regret that we have to announce that Cinéphilia West has been forced to close. The short story is that our ex-partner and landlord has reneged on an existing agreement to enter into a new lease, at market rate, at our premises at 171 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, and has re-taken possession of the premises with a view to sell the entire building as vacant and without an existing tenant in situ. As Cinéphilia West was occupying the premises under a temporary arrangement ahead of the formal execution of a long-term lease we have no choice but to cease operation there and seek alternative premises for our business. This is with immediate effect, as no notice was given but bailiffs imposed to re-possess the premises, leaving us completely exposed to the damage to our reputation as though the business itself was not viable or successful. In the ten months that Cinéphilia West has been operational, it has generated an enormous amount of admiration and appreciation, with an army of friends and supporters, from regular guests and customers, over three hundred members, and an extensive list of partners and collaborators involved in hosting a whole range of film screenings and special events. We are very sorry to everyone who can no longer enjoy our services, activities and hospitality. It is especially sad as our print and online reviews have been incredibly positive and word-of- mouth publicity has grown phenomenally over this time, and we have even been shortlisted in London Magazine's Great Little Shop Awards for 2010.”

subtitled contacted Cinéphilia West and were informed that although they “are engaged with solicitors, the bottom line is that it will cost an enormous amount just to begin proceedings with court injunctions to allow us back in.”

We will keep readers updated on further developments with the hope that the company will “resurrect the operation in other, more accommodating, premises in the near future.”

We’ll leave the final words to Cinéphilia West: “So, for now, thanks again to everyone who has given us love and respect - we dearly wish to be able to continue to reciprocate in another time and another place.”