HAWTHORN’S LIDO ON THE ROOF RETURNS

Lido Cinemas – Melbourne

 

Words by Kate Taylor

You may have heard of the Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn, but what you may not have heard is that they have a rooftop. And on that rooftop they have a bar. And to the left of that bar, is a large outdoor cinema screen. Scattered around this rustic rooftop are brightly coloured sling-back chairs waiting for you to sit back, relax and enjoy a drink and film under a fading summer sky.

So, why should you go? Why is the Lido different? You’re wondering why should you go all the way to Hawthorn, aren’t you? It’s not the first place you think of when you’re looking for an evening out. But you’d be sorely mistaken!

Glenferrie Rd is a bustling main drag – and the train station is right there. Jump on any of three lines from the city, get off at Glenferrie Station, and you’re a matter of metres from the Lido. 

So, now you’re there, here are a few reasons why it’s worth your time.

Because the Lido rooftop is attached to the cinema, the Lido can play their full program including the much-anticipated The Shape of Water (20 January), as well as your cult classics such as The Big Lebowski (29 November) and Empire Records (4 April). In fact, we hope you managed to get your truffle shuffle on and managed to catch The Goonies last night!

Did I mention the bar? On the roof? Rooftops are rare over in the leafy east of Melbourne – stand above the fray of the Glenferrie Rd nightlife, catch a new release flick or a comfort screening and sip your Deakin Estate Pinot Grigio.

And what’s a bar without snacks? Nachos and hot chips caught my eye – and you absolutely don’t have to try eat them in the dark. They’ve thought of that. There’s multiple booths and a large communal table to settle in, and dig in. That is, of course, if you’re not upstairs enjoying the balmy evening.

Owners Eddie and Lindy Tamir have bought and revived three previously run-down cinemas in Melbourne over the last two decades, and they’ve managed to build a culture and community around them, and around the beautiful old buildings themselves. With the Lido, they’re breathing life back into this 106 year-old building, and the regenerating community in its wake.

Both in and out, the Lido offers beautiful spaces for single ticketers, groups,  families…all ages.

By the way, I caught an advanced screening of The Florida Project – a beautiful and thoughtful independent film absolutely not to be missed. It’s a champagne cocktail – you can swallow the harshness of its contents with some sweet, sweet sugar.

Cinema is alive and well, my friends.

Images Courtesy of Zilla & Brook – Deveta Patel

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

E: connie.lambeth@theaustraliatimes.com.au

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