The main reason why the Bijou Cinema qualifies as a hidden gem in Southport is that it is very, very well-hidden. I went looking for it on Google Maps and couldn’t find it. Not to be deterred, I went on my own personal mission. It was a cold, rainy, January afternoon, and the sun was setting as your hero took to the streets. Actually, it wasn’t raining, or sunset; I just wanted to inject a bit of jeopardy and movie atmosphere.
I asked a man coming out of a solicitor’s office if he knew where it was. He did. He pointed out a sign embarrassingly close, and there it was. Tucked away down a long side alley, like a shy child on school photograph day. It looked very well-loved and cared for, with crimson signs either side of an imposing black door.
The crimson theme ran through into the hall and up the gorgeous staircase to the first floor. I first investigated the ground floor, and I didn’t have to be a detective to find evidence of film devotion.
The Cafe Bar
The whole space is dedicated to an obsession with all things movies. Not in the sense that a standard cinema tries to project, though. This feels like a clubhouse, a scene where you can find kindred spirits.
I would suggest that the Bijou Cinema would feel like coming home to a lot of people. There is a warmth and an established, comfortable atmosphere.
When a movie in a standard cinema is finished, the cinema is done with you. It becomes a liminal space. Please. Move. On.
I could sense that this cinema values the convivial aspect of ruminating over plot points after the credits roll.
And this is where the ‘gem’ part of the phrase ‘hidden gem’ comes into action. We are all used to the hyper-commercialisation of everything these days. Everything seems to have hidden terms, catches, and subscriptions.
The Bijou Cinema seems like a respite from money-grabbing and a return to community spirit.
Final Thoughts on the Bijou Cinema
For holders of the Friends of Bijou card (£10 a year), you can get a £1 off each ticket. The ticket prices are already very low, and this makes it very easy to become a true friend of Bijou!
For more information on the cinema’s schedule, please click here.
Bijou Cinema, Post Office Ave, Southport PR9 0US
