Electric Cinema

 Ideally situated in the eclectic hub that is Notting Hill’s Portobello Road is the Electric Cinema, a marvellous old fashion style cinema with astute modern touches. The venue specialises in cult and indie films, world cinema and classics. The cinema suffered a fire in June 2012, but is due for reopening imminently.

The cinema is decked out in a fabulous art deco style, with cream walls, gold gilding and red leather seats. Its decoration is not encased by tradition however - there are innovative touches such as footrests and tables, plus two seater sofas at the rear of the cinema which are ideal for date nights. The Electric even have a proper bar that serves wine, beer and for the more decadently minded, champagne. They also serve food, including snack plates with olives, pork pies and piccalilli, pork belly, and caramelised onion tart, alongside good old-fashioned ice cream pots.

The major draw of the Electric Cinema however is the events that they throw. In the past they have held horror movie all-nighters, with select spooky films for Halloween, and Electric Scream – a Monday matinee where parents and their babies can go to the cinema together to enjoy a film without concerns over disturbing the audience. Their most notable event however has to be Edible Cinema, a particularly interesting concept curated by the cinema in collaboration with the Curious Confectioners and Bombay Sapphire. Throughout the film, the audience are offered food at key cinematic moments to heighten their sensory experience through taste, smell and texture. Their most recent edible exploit was Beetlejuice for Halloween, and they have also recreated the experience for Spirited Away and Pan’s Labyrinth.

 

The Electric Cinema is due to reopen on 3^rd December to much anticipation, with a reupholstered interior, a new sound system and digital projector. Tickets are available from £7.50 for afternoon screenings, although prices are understandably more for events. And the cinema even offers 3D screenings, for those still into the gimmick.

http://www.electriccinema.co.uk/

Oxford Aromatics

Nestled in Oxford’s historic covered market is Oxford Aromatics, a redolent haven for anyone who loves bathing. This little boutique bath store houses a wide selection of bombs, melts, soaps, lotions, serums, jellies, powders and perfumes within its tiny walls, most of which are sourced from small, independent manufacturers.

Natural products are the order of the day here, with products typically unsullied by petrol chemical, parabens or synthetic fragrances. Instead, a potent, heady waft of quality essential oils is yours for the taking, complemented by natural moisturisers such as shea butter and rosehip oil. Mother and baby friendly products are in abundances here, as is items for those with sensitive skin. Whether its relaxation or stimulation you are looking for, genuine aromatherapy is available here.

What is particularly noteworthy of Oxford Aromatics however is the curious selection of sumptuous and diverse products. For example, alongside the locally sourced products is a huge selection of plain old soaps from reputed French company Savon de Marseille, who offer dozens of scents from blue bell to cinnamon to almond. Such intrigue is continued through other products, such as frankincense face cream, and cardamom body lotion. The star product at Oxford Aromatics however has to be their bath bombs. Smaller than traditional bath bombs, these moisturising nuggets are enriched with pure coco butter, and are available in utterly gorgeous scents, such as thyme and rosemary, Moroccan rose and black pepper. They even come packaged in little egg boxes to keep them safe.  

Oxford Aromatics has a huge selection of interesting bath and beauty products that you will struggle to find elsewhere, and what’s more, their prices are exceptionally reasonable. They would be an ideal place for finding Christmas stocking fillers, or even a few little pick-me-ups for yourself over the festive season.

http://www.oxfordaromatics.co.uk/