Haven't been here in +20yrs and it still looks pretty much the same, but in a good way. Has been kept in excellent condition. The staff are very friendly and approachable and will help you as much as possible. The cinema is clean both inside and out (as much as it can be outside given the general public). The cinema although small has a nice lobby area with a personalised refreshment/bar area, which is tailored to the area that it is located in and serves its patrons food and drinks accordingly as such. Aswell as popcorn, nachos and beer, there were also samosas and other finger foods available. Indicative of the area that the cinema serves. Very well done Hackney Rio. You have not missed a trick here, and my party and I were very impressed with this. The actual screen at the Rio is lovely. It reminded me of an old Prince's trust cinema from when I was younger, many moon's ago lol. Velvet lined seats. No cup holder's. And a very intimate setting. There were not rows and rows of everlasting seats to be taken up for the viewing. But instead, maybe 6 or 7 rows on either side of the cinema. 10 to 15 across if so many, and that made up the screening. You feeling like you are watching a movie with family and friends on an extremely large screen when you visit the Rio. We will be back as it was a delightful experience from beginning to end.

Really coole Cinema. Have been to visit on several occasions this year and have been going there for a while. Staff are always cheerful, happy to direct you to the screen if needed, and the decor of screen 1 is just outstanding! The feel of it is something that can't be copied, especially the design of the walls and the interesting gold/bronze thing that is just above the screen. The seats are quite comfortable, although as it is on a stage you do have to angle your head up for quite a while but that's no issue as it's very good picture quality and sound. Snacks wise, you have your classics lime popcorn and ice cream, and a few others, and reasonably priced. Screen 2 is really nice as well, the seats are very comfy and the sou d quality and picture gives the impression of a much bigger screen although it's not, apparently there are removable tables you can get out of the seats but I never knew this. It was a lifesaver when I went to see Nope last year during the heatwave, well air conditioned as is screen 1. Very diverse programme of films, usually 1 or 2 main features with a selection of indie/international films, so there's something for everyone

Brilliant little cinema, classic old style with a red curtain and a ring of seats higher up. When you can sit in those, though, I don't know, because the option wasn't on the website when I booked my ticket. The film I saw wasn't wonderful and neither was the drink I bought, but I'm not sure that either has much to do with the cinema itself. I like the fact that you can get alcohol and sit in the theatre with it. It's comfortable and quiet on a weekend, which I like. My only real criticism is that the trailers/adverts went on a lot longer than I thought they should but, to be fair, the old place has trouble keeping up with all the Odeons as it is. It probably needs significant ad revenue to keep going. At least it was comfortable enough that I didn't really mind. (Frankly some of the adverts were better than the film!) The experience of the old style movie theatre and option of (albeit patchy) alternative movies is enough that I hope it stays afloat. Will go again and see something hopefully better, and hopefully a better drink!

I grew up two doors down from this incredible community cinema, and have seen it evolve over 40 years, the last 20 as a lifetime member. In recent years it has become a local gem, adapting to the changes in the area (and clientele) without forgetting its roots. It serves the community well, not just through variety of niche films but also blockbusters and events. Every weekend began there as a boy, with my friends, who would all look forward to the 11am Saturday morning Picture show. Clowns would introduce the films, kids would be invited on stage to win prizes, it was like a Wide Awake Club of our own. I recently hired the main cinema for my 40th birthday, which was surprisingly economical at around £300- thats an audience of 100 for just £3 each. So, having come full circle on my relationship with the Rio, I plan to do another lap in the remaining half of my life. Thanks for accompanying me up to here, Rio Cinema.

Far off the beaten track. Not my area so continually giving to ask where it was even though l had my Google maps on. Cramped entrance leading straight to the ticket/ food kiosk. It's a bit down at heel and feels very draughty. The copy of the film l was there to watch failed. A rare occurrence. I was offered a free tea to compensate and an invitation to attend on another occasion which l haven't taken up. The stairwell had interesting framed retro prints from its obvious long history. It needs a radical refurb at some point. Kudos though to the valiant crew who have kept this place on defibrillator mode. Don't know how much longer it can hold on for though.Curse my cynicism. I'm just used to my creature comforts in the cinema, namely a warm comfortable seat !

Friendly staff but this doesn't pay for the experience. I got a £6 canned beer that tasted rancid (other two people made the same comment), pop corns cold and a bit wet, probably because had been taken out of the machine and stored aside in big plastic containers. Watched Moonage Daydream in Screen 2 and the sound was so bad! I could barely hear the spoken bits of the film. The room was quite hot and smelly when I first arrived and freezing cold halfway through the movie with the air from the air conditioner blowing in people's face. £13 ticket sounds like very overpriced for this cinema. Although it is a local indipendent cinema and I'd like to support it, I don't think I will be willing to spend my money again here.

No wonder the 149 bus has a stop named by this cinema. Rio, independent cinema known to anyone who knows something about Dalston; their showings are balanced between latest features, without ever going commercial and classics that are always in style. SInce i moved to the area two years ago I must have gone twice and always found the chairs extremely comfortable. What a shame that the lady who greeted me was not as lovely. When there is a magical sunset, the ones only London can give, Rio always reigns over the sky with its blue lights visible from every side of Hackney. If you love Hackney, you'll love Rio.

While many have come and gone, for over 100 years Rio Cinema has remained an ever-present picture house appealing to its East London community. Families, young creatives and older generations come here to take advantage of the fantastic program hosted within its art-deco walls. TSL recommends the Sunday matinee where Rio Cinema show two films back-to-back for the price of one (£9.50, £7.50 concessions) and their late night weekend showings of classic cult films at £8... To find more unique and independent places why not visit the Twenty Something London website!

Quite chaotic today at the Rio again. Problems with the picture quality (which was eventually sorted after mentioning it), then the lights were left on during the film (mentioned it again to the staff, the lights were eventually turned off one hour into the film), very annoying. Also they decided to mop the floors of the lobby as people were leaving at the end of the film. All bit messy and dangerous. I love the Rio, I’m a member and have been going there regularly for 15 years, but it’s been going downhill for a few months unfortunately.

perfect but for the seats. the main thing is that they lack any kind of headrest, which is really, really uncomfortable, to the extent that i was distracted all the way through the film by trying different slouch intensity/leg arrangements. its quite amusing to watch everybody in front of you gradually slouching down as the film progresses so that their neck can get some support on the top of the chair. i'm sure these chairs are doing wonders for hackney masseurs and chiropractors.

Went to see dino torkia there with penguin live. We bought pre booked tickets and bought her book on line which she recently launched she could have pre signed the online orders with priority as we had to collect the preordered n paid for book from rio cinema she could have at least signed it before hand we didnt get the book signed or a selfie with her and we travelled afar on a thursday evening. Long queues over crowded event. However the cinema had a vintage flair.

A wonderful eclectic cinema with a beautifully redesigned basement bar modelled and inspired by the Shining and other classic films, made locally by wooden craftsmen, which added to the local authenticity of the place. Seats are huge leather individual seats and small intimate screens. Super lovely staff and locally sourced drinks including a delicious passion fruit soda and vegetarian snacks. Great place for date night and to find films not on general release.

Lovely retro/20s style cinema with friendly staff ready to greet and serve you. Lots of care gone in to making the place safe without making the experience a chore. Only disappointment was the popcorn and sound quality - the former could be a lot sweeter/fresher and the latter might have been down to intentionally muddy mixing in the new Tenet movie but also down to the echoey walls. Looking forward to my next visit to experience the other screen though!

One of the worst cinema experiences I have had. There was an unannounced 20 min presentation before the film that went into great detail about all the plot points in the film and spoilt it for every single person in the room and then the air conditioning wasn’t working and it was so hot that we were all dripping with sweat by the end and feeling dizzy and sick, I want to support small independent cinema but I will never visit this one again.

This cinema is a jewel.It is not the most technologically advanced or the most impeccably cleaned however it has character. The bar/counter has a selection of all the different sweet/savoury bites. Nice beer and nice pop corns. They have managed to hold that nostalgic feeling of an old cinema. The movies are very well curated and although it always has the big blockbusters you have the option of watching a curated lesser known movie.

I went for the Parent & Baby screening. Was pleased to find that they offered a £3 deal for a hot drink and a vegan treat and they had oat milk. The auditorium is comfortable and the front row is not so close to the screen that you come out with a neck ache. No allotted seating for P&B screenings. Very friendly service; genuinely concerned with parents' satisfaction and enjoyment of event. Would go back again and would recommend.

A great find of a cinema. The staff here are simply brilliant, really helpful and attentive to their visitors The seats are cosy, with enough space between each other, but not sooo much space that you can't reach your date Screens aren't too big, so no fear of too much noise even when it's packed Check out the photos and see how beautiful this little cinema is on the inside Definitely coming back again 5/5

Awful place. Such a shame as it's a beautiful old building. Let down was the staff member on duty who was so rude and only seemed to want to up-sell the expensive drinks and snacks. I get its a non-profit place however treating guests like they don't matter will not inspire them to come back and spend money.The screen and sound are pretty basic too - id rather pay an extra £5 for Hackney Picturehouse.

Going to the Rio is just a beautiful experience. This is the complete opposite of going to a chain cinema. The building is an Art Deco wonder, recently repainted, the service is personal, and the films are arthouse, Indy, or the best of the mainstream. I've been told there used to be seven cinemas on the high street between the Rio and Church Street and Rio is the last standing - long live the Rio!

Most pretentious and rude staff I’ve ever come across at an independent cinema. Literally a joke considering most of the Indie film community is so welcoming and supportive of each other. Enjoy looking down on people just trying to enjoy a movie with your minimum wage job. Will never be back, the staff patronized and made fun of my friends as if they were somehow above them. Yeah right losers!

Loved the experience and historical setting of the Rio - need to get around to supporting independent cinemas more! What a great venue and unique setting, much different from the big commercial Vues or Odeons. Comfy seats, nice ticket on concession, and a really entertaining ensemble film (Glass Onion!) Will for sure be back for another viewing sometime, really enjoyed my time.

The cinema opens exactly the time the first screening of the day is supposed to start. Theratre room is very cold. Staff seems to be indifferent, not valuing this cinema which is a gem of independet cinemas in East London. It is a pity to see a lack of passion in the staff about independent cinema. The feeling is that they dont really want to be there.

I love independent cinemas and this one is in my top 5. We came for an Iranian film which was brilliant and it was very popular. Easy to find, the seating was great and comfortable. The screen was clear and as important the sound was too. The decorations made you feel special to be here. I'd love to have an opportunity to come back again.

A gem of a place. Stunning old (but lovingly restored!) cinema, quirky and lovely. Has features you won't see at any other place in town and is even nice to go for a drink. Programme has lots of great special events (I have fond memories of *late* night screenings!) and I am always prepared to travel the extra distance to go there.

I haven’t visited this cinema as live over 300 miles away, but I saw it on tv last night and am very envious the place can’t be my local cinema venue. I’ve worked. In cinemas all my life and appreciate the older ones far more than the multi screen cinemas we’ve become familiar with. Hopefully I’ll be able to visit the Rio one day.

My favourite local cinema - great selection of films (from blockbusters to independent films). They have two cinema screens - their flagship one which is great and a smaller one in the basement for less mainstream, cosy screenings. They also host events - e.g. a Eurovision evening. All in all it’s the true social heart of Dalston!

It's an Art Deco building with a decadent, retro, red velvet screening room. The films shown include intelligent mainstream, classic indie and the odd absolutely bonkers one. The Rio also does great double-bills in the afternoon and fine snacks, with an especial 'I love you' to the veggie samosa. In the summer they have Minimilks!

Friendly staff and food and drinks are quite cheap compared to the larger chains. Seatings really comfy and currently they're doing social distancing so you've got to sit in your allocated seats. You have to wear a mask in the communal areas i.e foyer but unsure if it's a must when you get to your seat as some people didnt.

I love the Rio. Watching a film there feels like watching a film, inside a film. It’s filmic, is what I’m saying. The old Art Deco style is beautiful and evocative, and the interior has that old school cinema atmosphere that makes the whole experience feel authentic. Only complaints would be sometimes the sound isn’t great.

Bad raking meaning anyone in front of you will obscure your view, no booster seats for kids and awkward keystoning that looks like it favours people looking down from the upstairs, and not the natural front. Projection other than that is fine, sound isn’t great, sometimes quite echoey and hard to make out what’s being said.

Incredible customer service. Unfortunately I was unable to make the screening of King Rocker on the Thursday due to timing. Rang up on the day to give the tickets FOC to resell. The guy on phone was cool about it and out of nowhere I got a credit to use at the cinema. You would not get that at any other cinema!

Love this little gem, one of my favourite cinemas in London! Symbolic spot with a lot of character in the heart of Dalston! Interesting history and a great community around it. Hope this place is there for years to come! Secret tip, check out the ceiling when you go there next time you go to watch a movie ;)

A great, disability friendly community cinema. Although it was packed, a member of staff quickly spotted me in a wheelchair and helped us get our ticket. Whilst doing this another member of staff kindly asked someone if they could move so that we could sit together. They could not have been more welcoming.

Went here last night and it instantly became my new favourite cinema. We chose this place because it has a better selection of films on that you can't find elsewhere in London. Great selection of snacks and drinks, really friendly staff, interesting decor but best of all is the cosy cinema seats.

Lovely cinema. Independent, local movies, great local beers of tap (can take beers to the evening room). Just saw a local documentary, everything was perfect. Actually the temperature of the room could have been higher, but this didn't ruin the experience for me. Look forward to coming back.

Possibly one of the most uncomfortable few hours I’ve experienced in a while. The seats are just terrible. Combined with the poor sound system, the scratched projection screen (the scratch reflects light back) and the weird keystone, I honestly can’t comprehend why people would visit twice.

A lively little independent cinema, showing a range of films. Since the addition of a basement screen, even more films can be shown. There is a mini cafe, serving a range of coffees, brownies, ice creams etc. The Rio has been going for many years now & I like to support independent cinemas!

The most friendly staff who have a genuine passion for cinema. Local beers and wine served with retro popcorn boxes, and big comfy seats in the cinema. I've been coming here for years, and the programme is choc full of insightful Q&As, underground films and... Eurovision parties!

Great atmosphere and super comfortable seats with plenty of leg room. They don't build them like this any more. Had a great evening and enjoyed watching Tarantino's new film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Would definitely be a regular customer if I live locally …

Old world cinema - fairly large screen although not the most amazing quality. Seats at the back on the upper level feel quite far back. Very crowded bar for large screenings. That said, decent atmosphere and managed with a community feel (vs. the classic corporate chain).

My favourite cinema in London. Great interior decour, would definitely recommend for people that are looking for more independent, “festival” movies. Nice bar and friendly staff. Only downside is that with certain films/in certain rooms the sound quality can be a tad bad

Nice enough place, foyer was incredibly small however and with people trying to buy tickets and popcorn from the same desk, it was far too hectic in there. Probably needs a bit of a make over but it's independent so I imagine they'll need a bit more money before that...

I enjoy visiting this cinema. I find the atmosphere pleasant and I like the screen here. I like the selection of films shown and the staff are helpful. If I ask them what they think about something they are happy to give an opinion. I recommend this place to everyone.

Great cosy cinema loved it. As always in slightly hip London venues could be slightly friendlier staff and not ones who think they are cooler than you because they work in such a place... Like ok I'm not cool but I'm a nice person so be nice back ok?? …

Went to Parent and Baby Viewing which is a fantastic idea however film started 45 mins late. They said there wouldn't be trailers as there was a technical error but there was trailers. They did give complimentary tickets for the problems but I'd rather not go again

Went to see a charity comedy gig here. I used to work nearby and always wanted to visit as I love cinema, and independent theatres rock. The interior did not disappoint - quirky, vintage and just how I like it. The event was good as well. Nice bar & lovely staff.

My first time at the Rio cinema watched 'West Side Story' under the senior scheme. Loved it just for £2.50 with biscuits, cake and coffee. What a treat! A great movie too by Spielberg! The staff were so welcoming! Had a great day! Thanks Leigh for recommending!

I see a film here about once a year and experience terrible sound in screen one, whether up or down, reminding me not to return. Back to The Castle or Genesis. Please fix this, it’s a disservice to the audience, the filmmakers, and the supportive community.

I went last night. The place looks very old fashioned which is great. The also have the bar and a couple of movie rooms. The heating wasn’t working while watching the movie and there were noise coming from outside which wasn’t nice while watching a movie.

Nice old arthouse cinema that also shows big first run features. On busy nights, seats are assigned, so you can walk in late to skip some of the 20 minutes of preshow adverts. On weekend evenings, the queue at the bar gets bad 20 minutes before showtime.

I just love it here. Such a friendly cinema with a real sense of community. I go so often I have a favourite seat and I'm not telling you it. p.s. There are also toilets in the auditorium; you can go to the loo and still hear the film! It's fantastic!

One of the best independant cinema London, great selection of movie and a real intimate atmosphere. Of course there's only one screen, chairs might be challenging but what a place and what a selection. Dalston wouldn't be the same without the Rio.

Brilliant little art house cinema in Dalston Hackney. Half price on Mondays with a student card or half-price on Tuesdays with a Hackney library card (which is free for any Londoner, and the library is around the corner next to the train station).

A couple of weeks ago I went to see the Joker at the Rio, the staff were lovely in particular Martha, who helped us with our movie choice. She made us want to visit again. Its nice to have business that understand the value of human interaction.

Very basic cinema, screen 1 isn't brilliant visuals but the sound is very good. The circle seating area was very hot after about 30mins and stayed boiling up there throughout a busy showing. Wouldn't go again unless it was a quiet time of day

Have been going to the Rio for 35+ years now! Since the basement conversion there is a cosy second screen & a very attractive little bar, as well as the cafe on the ground floor. A wide range of films showing & a friendly funky vibe! …

Went for a preview screening. Small, cosy, intimate cinema. Nice offerings at the bar for food and drink, like fresh pop corn and locally sourced gluten free baked goods and choice of beers, teas and coffees. Friendly staff all round …

Amazing experience hosting our film premiere there, staff was very helpful and the event run smoothly with everyone appreciating the 'vintage' look if the cinema and it's long history! Would recommend to anyone hosting a film event! Would

Cinema atmosphere is good, but the seats are just so uncomfortable ! Saw Vice today and I feel like I should have worn cycling shorts! Not sure I'll be back unfortunately. Shame given how close it is to my flat but just too uncomfortable!

The show 'so long my son' doesn't have subtitles most of the time, so you have to figure out what's happening, also blanks through the movie. Alot of people left but if you get through the 2 hour mark then it gets better. Very emotional.

I hadn't been there in a million years, thought it might of had been decorated slightly but it still looked the same. It was very very busy, waiting in the area by the bar to get in to the actual film . Not good if you don't like crowds.

Great local cinema, great vibe and friendly service. There was a small technical issue with the sound so they gave us all a free ticket for the next time although it really wasnt that big an issue. My favorite cinema in London for sure.

A proper old fashioned cinema. The way cinemas used to be and thankfully still is. Comfortable seating. Not much seating in the foyer/bar area which is a minus. But all in all a very enjoyable experience. Would definitely visit again.

Great art deco cinema with brilliant selection of films. Would have given five stars but the views of the screen from the balcony notoriously bad as it's too often the case you'll be staring at the back of the person in fronts head!

Classic Art Deco style cinema with just a single screen but plenty of character. The chairs may not be the most comfortable and the view may not be aided by the angle of the seats but the surroundings will more than make up for it.

The only Cinema on Kingsland Road Hackney left after a time when cinema going used to be the local past time. It has been fairly tastefully renovated recently and shows an eclectic array of local, indie and international films,

Amazing local cinema that is well supported. I’d love to go here more often but the sound quality . Just watched The Favourite and I couldn’t make out all the dialogue . It would be a 5 star review if you changed this …

Best cinema in London? Certainly an absolute institution. Very cosy cinema screens. Always a great atmosphere. Great selection of drinks and snacks. Great crowd. Even brought my baby recently. Love going here. Highly recommend

My fav East London Cinema. Good selection of films on offer. Nice coffee and reasonably priced snacks. Parent and baby cinema is fantastic too for under-1s. Independent, much better business practice than Picturehouse etc.

Felt like going back in time - 30 years. Thoroughly enjoyable experience. Food and drinks even alcoholic all available. Lovely atmosphere. Sat in the 5 row off to the side - surposedly restricted viewing but it was fine.

Love this art deco cinema with so much history behind it. Good movie selection, great space and I like the fact it is independent. Affordable prices too, especially Mondays and Tuesdays. In the heart of buzzy Dalston.

I love my local 1920's cinema. I'm an annual member in fact. Has the up to date films and also much cheaper than the mass corporate cinemas. It has a heart and the people that work here are passionate about film.

The film was great, however, long queues at the bar to get drink/ticket. Also, during my film, you could hear people at the bar waiting for their film - not ideal as it really distracted me and ruined the film.

God bless all the art cinema in London but this is my fav place of them all - full of great initiatives and great offers ranging from low-key festivals and themed midnight projections to more mainstream events.

Fantastic indie cinema. Very connected to the local community and has been involved in numerous fundraising drives over the years. The wonderful architecture and great team really make it a special place.

Cute local and independent cinema, really lovely art-deco heritage. 2 screens. You want to sit up top though or you'll get a sore neck. Good popcorn and independent/ethical beverages (that taste great).

I love everything about this cinema. The feel, the decor, the electric atmosphere on a Friday night for the big features. The sound system also needs a mention as I find it way better than at the Vue.

Bit shabby round the edges, but OK. Seats were comfy and good legroom. Staff seem helpful, though it was a little chaotic the other week when they couldn't find/hadn't printed out guest list tickets.

Good little venue. One star is deducted due to near-nervous-breakdown-causing pop-corn-munching audience. Stop selling pop corn so customers can't cause mental health breakdown of other customers.

Of course it is a beautiful and historic cinema, but the feeling of the Rio arguably has more to do with its patrons and staff. If you've been you'll know what I mean. If you haven't, do.

One of the nicest cinemas in London. Independent, cheap, interesting, really good for children. Nice cafe ( child popcorn and drink for £1.50 !!!! Compare that to the Vue.... About £6??)

Great independent cinema. Been going here for a long time. Unfortunately the downstairs screen has terrible sound and there was no air-conditioning tonight so it was like a sweat lodge.

Really beautiful, historic venue. The main screen is very true to its roots. We sat in the circle and had a great view and experience. Great service as well, very friendly staff.

It's a basic cinema very small and based In the basement. Very affordable price value for money. They don't have cheese natos but have Ice cream tubs popcorn and a.few snacks.

I come here a lot as it's a lovely cinema with a great bar and welcoming staff. People are complaining the seats aren't great but I've always found them very comfortable!

Rio Cinema is the best Independent Cinema in the Area of Dalston/Stoke Newington. It is an iconic venue in the area. Go there if you want to spend a night at the Cinema!

Many of my friends have said they saw rats there but personally i think its a good cinema. Sometimes theres a bit of food left on the seat but apart from that its good

Fantastic little independent cinema in Dalston. Very accessible with lots of seating downstairs with step free access. Great selection of drinks at reasonable prices.

Great old school cinema in the heart of Dalton. Has recently undergone a revamp and is looking better than ever. Superb staff and management, the best is yet to come.

I’d love to go to this cinema again, but my classic car and motorbike are banned by the ULEZ, so I spend all my spare money outside the N and S Circs now, sorry ..

An okay small local Cinema. Not the best seats in the stalls especially for any film longer than 2 hours. They for have an upper circle. There is also a small bar.

Nice,spacious,and reminds me of how cinemas looked when I was a child. Only thing is very expensive for a ticket to watch a film. Overall had a good experience.

Great local cinema. Needs comfier chairs. Bring a Hackney library card and every film on a Tuesday is £5. Happy to watch any old nonsense on for that price.

I used to go to Rio Cinema when living in London, twenty-something years ago. Double session on Mondays. I loved the place and the films they programmed.

First time here yesterday. Hugely impressed with their COVID precautions - I felt very safe - and wonderful to be back in a cinema. A great experience.

I really like Rio Cinema since I have attented a guided tour on Open door weekend. It is an iconic place in the area and I like the program and venue.

Great Art Deco independent cinema in the heart of Dalston. Good prices, nice beer and friendly staff. Excellent place for some left field cinema.

Gorgeous architecture, quirky and interesting. Very comfortable and modern cinema technology very carefully integrated into the classic building

Been coming here for nearly 30 years, lovely independent cinema, that's looking to expand what it does in order to improve its sustainability.

Interesting art deco building with a historical touch. Some sits definitely needs a replacement and it was pretty chilled during the movie.