Carlton Cinema
Carlton Cinema
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
419 reviews
Excellent
351
Very good
45
Average
11
Poor
4
Terrible
8
Pete
3 contributions
Jan 2023
The Carlton is located in a unique “Swiss-gothic” style building in the heart of Westgate-on-sea, easily accessible by bus or train. The cinema comprises three screens, screen one being the original and largest with two and three being much small, more recent additions.
The cinema is hard to miss as the entrance is through what looks like gothic church tower emblazoned with traditional neon cinema signs, wedged between two large Swiss style cottages. This forms a short tunnel where the latest film posters are carefully displayed amid hardwood window frames, intricate leaded windows and Edwardian tiling. At the end of the tunnel is the box office and concessions counter which I feel is somewhat cramped but welcoming none the less. The staff are friendly and helpful but tickets and concessions are sold at the same counter, something I found a bit confusing initially but does save on queuing twice. Tickets are very reasonably priced and there is a good selection of the usual drinks, popcorn and sweets.
At the far end of the of box office are the entrances to the screens, each with a display over it to help guide you to the right screen. Through and unassuming doorway and directly behind the very modest box office is my favourite screen, screen one. This cavernous 326 seat screen is clean and comfortable yet retains the charm of a bygone era of cinema with dark red walls and gold corbels. Unusually there are no steps, or none that I found, and no balcony making the auditorium very accessible with no concerns of awkward sightlines unless Marge Simpson happens to sit in front of you! Once the film starts the projection screen covers most of the front wall of the auditorium, giving a big yet flawlessly clear image. This was perfect for the excellent cinematography in Empire of Light, shot just down the road in Margate. Recently this screen has been equipped with new sound equipment that provides great sound without being overbearing or distorted as it is in many of the multiplex chains.
At the end of the film there was a member of staff at the exit thanking people for coming yet knowing full well he was about to have to sweep up all the popcorn that inevitably gets dropped in the dark.
An excellent cinema, we will be back.
The cinema is hard to miss as the entrance is through what looks like gothic church tower emblazoned with traditional neon cinema signs, wedged between two large Swiss style cottages. This forms a short tunnel where the latest film posters are carefully displayed amid hardwood window frames, intricate leaded windows and Edwardian tiling. At the end of the tunnel is the box office and concessions counter which I feel is somewhat cramped but welcoming none the less. The staff are friendly and helpful but tickets and concessions are sold at the same counter, something I found a bit confusing initially but does save on queuing twice. Tickets are very reasonably priced and there is a good selection of the usual drinks, popcorn and sweets.
At the far end of the of box office are the entrances to the screens, each with a display over it to help guide you to the right screen. Through and unassuming doorway and directly behind the very modest box office is my favourite screen, screen one. This cavernous 326 seat screen is clean and comfortable yet retains the charm of a bygone era of cinema with dark red walls and gold corbels. Unusually there are no steps, or none that I found, and no balcony making the auditorium very accessible with no concerns of awkward sightlines unless Marge Simpson happens to sit in front of you! Once the film starts the projection screen covers most of the front wall of the auditorium, giving a big yet flawlessly clear image. This was perfect for the excellent cinematography in Empire of Light, shot just down the road in Margate. Recently this screen has been equipped with new sound equipment that provides great sound without being overbearing or distorted as it is in many of the multiplex chains.
At the end of the film there was a member of staff at the exit thanking people for coming yet knowing full well he was about to have to sweep up all the popcorn that inevitably gets dropped in the dark.
An excellent cinema, we will be back.
Written January 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PETER T
Margate, UK947 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We visit this cinema regularly to show support to a local cinema. This establishment is like walking back in time and the staff are so polite and friendly. There are three viewing screens in this building and the seat prices are great. We normally book online to reserve our favourite viewing seats
Written May 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kandig
Tonbridge34 contributions
Aug 2020
On holiday in Margate for a few days and looked up local cinemas, having not been to one since the start of lockdown. Very efficient anti-coronavirus measures in place (one-way system, temperatures taken, hand sanitiser everywhere, etc), staff welcoming and helpful, everywhere spotless. Extremely good value. We really enjoyed our visit - wish all cinemas were this nice!
Written August 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlotte A
1 contribution
Jan 2023 • Family
We were refused entry without photo ID for our 15 year old on Sunday (to see Empire of Light, rated 15) and then refused a refund after I had booked online. It is fair enough to require photo ID but this should be stated more clearly on the website. I produced some ID on my phone and one kind staff member said we could go in but then the duty manager came out and refused us! The main problem though was how rude and aggressive the rest of the staff were about this- they seemed to enjoy arguing with us. I hadn't planned to write a review- I came on this site just to check other reviews and i'm very saddened to see this has been an issue since 2016 and doesn't appear to have been resolved!! The staff said they require photo ID for anyone who looks under 18 so probably best not to risk it with anyone under 25!
Such a shame as it looks like such a lovely little cinema and we didn't get to enjoy it- especially disappointing after we travelled 45 mins from Rochester to get there.
Such a shame as it looks like such a lovely little cinema and we didn't get to enjoy it- especially disappointing after we travelled 45 mins from Rochester to get there.
Written February 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barones
Rye, UK34 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
So, decided to see 1917 in this lovely classic cinema in Westgate following the debacle of trying to see it in Rye, and hey presto!
A wonderfully polite and efficient lady sorted tickets in no time. It’s only £3.50 per person and we grabbed a couple of coffees and small bag of sweets which was still less than half the price of one ticket at the Kino in Rye. Decent seat room and a very good film
A wonderfully polite and efficient lady sorted tickets in no time. It’s only £3.50 per person and we grabbed a couple of coffees and small bag of sweets which was still less than half the price of one ticket at the Kino in Rye. Decent seat room and a very good film
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are really glad you have enjoyed the Carlton and hope to see you again soon.
Written February 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Christopher D
13 contributions
Jan 2020
I’m a regular user of this independent cinema . I saw the film “ 1917” there this week which I can recommend , and I recommend that you see it at The Carlton cinema where the seats are comfortable and the surround sound is amazing .
I also suggest that you sign up for a loyalty card .
Oh I nearly forgot ! The prices are the cheapest that I know for a cinema , and it’s on our doorstep ! How good is that ! Lol
I also suggest that you sign up for a loyalty card .
Oh I nearly forgot ! The prices are the cheapest that I know for a cinema , and it’s on our doorstep ! How good is that ! Lol
Written January 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Very many thanks for your really supportive comments. We aim to please.
Written February 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rhys Hughes
Westgate-on-Sea, UK42 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
We are so lucky to have this wonderful cinema on our doorstep.
All three screens are great - although screen 1 is particularly special. Wonderful venue, beautiful architecture. Ticket prices are unbeatable, food and drink selection is good. Excellent staff - always willing to help 👍
All three screens are great - although screen 1 is particularly special. Wonderful venue, beautiful architecture. Ticket prices are unbeatable, food and drink selection is good. Excellent staff - always willing to help 👍
Written April 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carley M
Ramsgate, UK44 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Been too see 100% wolf with my 3 year old very good as norm. Temps taken on arrival one way system in place. The screen we were in was very clean. Look forward to visiting again.
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gavin T
Canterbury, UK29 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
Purchased 4 tickets online for the whole family ages 47,46,21 and 15 to see a 15 rated film. Website says ID may be asked for. When there was told that a birth certificate is not acceptable ID. Neither is an Adult buss pass with a photo on it.
I asked to speak to the manager who was not available , neither would the duty manager give me the contact details to complain to. I had to firmly ask for him to give me some contact details but would still not pass me on any details for the owners of the cinema for me to make my complaint to. They refused to give me a refund also. I had all of this disagreement in the Foyer in front of the queue as clear underage people were walking past.very poorly handled by the duty manager and I ended up driving to Vue in Westwood cross and paying an extra £40 to watch the film I had already paid to see here (birth certificate is suitable ID in Vue)I have emailed the cinema requesting the information I asked for from the duty manager and will await there response. It's a shame the staff are so poorly trained in conflict resolution. I will avoid this place in future and recommend others to do the same.
I asked to speak to the manager who was not available , neither would the duty manager give me the contact details to complain to. I had to firmly ask for him to give me some contact details but would still not pass me on any details for the owners of the cinema for me to make my complaint to. They refused to give me a refund also. I had all of this disagreement in the Foyer in front of the queue as clear underage people were walking past.very poorly handled by the duty manager and I ended up driving to Vue in Westwood cross and paying an extra £40 to watch the film I had already paid to see here (birth certificate is suitable ID in Vue)I have emailed the cinema requesting the information I asked for from the duty manager and will await there response. It's a shame the staff are so poorly trained in conflict resolution. I will avoid this place in future and recommend others to do the same.
Written August 14, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are very sorry you have had these problems but rest assured they will be sorted and we do hope we can welcome you back again soon
Written August 18, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MB1970
126 contributions
Sep 2012 • Solo
Not over priced and very good cinema with friendly staff has three cinemas one main and two small ones
Written October 19, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How old is the Carlton cinema?
KarlTroop
Ramsgate, England, United Kingdom113 contributions
The village of Westgate on Sea was started somewhere in the 1870's as a private estate but gradually plots were sold off and shops etc built. What is now the Carlton cinema is on the lower floor of the building and upstairs is the Town Hall. Because of this, I would assume that the building dates from around the 1890's.
What’s on Friday 21st December?
meredithonly
Ramsgate, UK19 contributions
Internet
orbit92
Canterbury, UK167 contributions
Is there a cinema car park?
hilaryjones1121
Ramsgate, UK14 contributions
hi sorry no there is not a carpark but you can park on the street and it is safe
Carlton Cinema (Westgate-on-Sea) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Carlton Cinema
- Hotels near Carlton Cinema:
- (0.04 mi) The Bay Apartment
- (0.07 mi) Sands holiday apartment Westgate on Sea, Kent
- (0.18 mi) 2 bedroom accommodation in Westgate, near Margate
- (0.21 mi) 5 Bedroom Victorian House in Westgate-on-Sea (nr Margate) 5 min walk to beach
- (1.97 mi) Twentieth Century B&B
- Restaurants near Carlton Cinema:
- (0.01 mi) Fredericks Tea Room
- (0.02 mi) Julia's
- (0.09 mi) Quince
- (0.05 mi) Westgate Fish & Chips
- (0.10 mi) Paul’s Bar & Bistro