Film Event: Miami Beach at Backyard Cinema, Capitol Studios

Since my big 3-0 birthday was spent in semi-lockdown and was kept *fairly* lowkey, we thought we'd make my thirty-first count with a long-awaited visit to Miami Beach at Backyard Cinema* in Wandsworth, London. Complete with flamingo themed cocktails, a faux beach and a film on the big screen, what more could I wish for?

Readers of my blog will know my long-standing love of Backyard Cinema and, at risk of sounding like a broken record, it really does seem to be getting bigger and better with each theme. For those of you who don't know, Backyard Cinema create an immersive cinema experience. Having started quite literally in its founders back garden nearly a decade ago, it has now grown to three locations across London and Manchester. 

Since my last visit to Miami Beach (in 2017, previously in Mercato Metropolitano) and LA Nights (in 2019 - previously in Camden), Backyard Cinema has continued to grow and develop in to an even more impressive all-immersive joyride for film lovers of all ages. This summer was no different as it returned to its, now permanent, Wandsworth location at Capitol Studios. We headed along to Miami Beach having been very kindly gifted some tickets to attend for my birthday. 

I picked Miami Beach due to its striking millennial pink hotel entrance which, of course, is highly Instagrammable - very much my aesthetic. Through the revolving doors and inside the gorgeous art-deco foyer, cinema guests are greeted by 'hotel staff' and escorted to an elevator that is not all it appears. Arriving at the flamingo floor, prepare to put on your most '80s denim jacket and high-top dancing shoes as a secret entrance to the neon-lit Flamingo bar awaits. Here, you can grab a selection of delicious alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (I highly recommend the slushy) and/or your much-needed popcorn and snacks before the film starts.

Keen film fans will notice the many nods to classic movies and one of the things I love so much about Backyard Cinema is the sheer level of detail and hidden surprised that comes with each and every theme. Having grabbed ourselves some cocktails in a parrot, we headed to 'the Beach' and took our seats in the world's comfiest bean bags to watch the film. 

Backyard Cinema currently offers two themed cinema experiences at Wandsworth so you can choose between Miami Beach or LA Nights. Though we didn't visit the LA one on this occasion, you can expect a similar experience. Guests here enter an 'airport lounge' before boarding Backyard Airlines and flying 'first-class' to LA, where cabin crew escort you to your screen. Safe to say, it's definitely worth revisiting for a second experience if you get the chance. 

Of course, if your screening is sold out, or perhaps you just fancy soaking up the theming, you can visit Backyard Cinema to grab a drink with friends and enjoy some of the delicious street food. 

All in all, we had a fantastic time at Backyard Cinema Miami Beach and I can't wait to see what the future holds for them in the future. Don't forget to check out my Backyard Cinema Miami Beach reel on Instagram.

A huge thanks to Backyard Cinema for allowing us to visit on my birthday. We had a fantastic time and it was the perfect way to spend a few hours whilst visiting London. Miami Beach and LA Nights will close for the season as we reach the winter months, but that's only to make way for a new and exciting Christmas theme so stand by for more in 2022 and 2023.  

Until next time movie lovers,

*Disclaimer: We were gifted tickets to attend but have also attended as a paid customer. As always, all opinions are my own.