The Prince Charles Cinema, a beloved cult film venue off Leicester Square, is preparing for a court battle with its landlord, vowing to go “all the way” to remain open. The dispute, ongoing since January 2025, centres on proposed rent increases and a six-month break clause that could force the cinema out if the landlord decides to redevelop.
Owner cites frustration and costs
Ben Freedman, the cinema’s owner, told The Standard that the legal process has been “very long” and “frustrating”. He described the financial strain of taking on a major property firm, noting the cinema has appointed strong legal representation at significant expense.
“It's expensive. I mean we're up against a £6 billion property company. We have very good professionals we've appointed because we felt it was important to have good representation, but that comes at a cost,” Freedman said.
Public support and community status
The cinema has received widespread backing, with more than 167,000 people signing a petition to remove the break clause. It has also been designated an Asset of Community Value by the local council, giving it extra protections as a building important to the community.
Freedman added that fans have become more committed to attending screenings since the dispute began, which he said “evens what felt originally like a bit of an uneven playing field.”
Cultural significance and next steps
The cinema has attracted admiration from directors including Quentin Tarantino, John Waters and Paul Thomas Anderson, who said it “has a place in my heart.” Support has also come from figures such as Paul Mescal and Edgar Wright.
The cinema has previously claimed the developers are trying to “bully us out of the building,” warning that losing the venue would harm the West End economy. With no agreement secured, the cinema is scheduled to head to court to challenge its landlords. The Standard has reached out to Criterion Capital for comment.
