Drive-in cinemas are making a comeback and the hottest ticket this summer is Duke’s Drive-In Cinema at Ballymore’s west London development, The Brentford Project. Classic and supercar hub Duke of London will be screening a string of appropriately automotive-themed blockbusters including “The Italian Job”, “2 Fast 2 Furious”, “Bullitt” and “Layer Cake”, starting on July 16.
The drive-in is initially exclusively for classic and supercars, but those who don’t yet have a sufficiently stylish automobile can still enjoy the complete drive-in experience. Duke of London is also offering classic cars to hire for screenings via partner RNG Classics, including a Porsche 928, Lamborghini Murcielago, Jaguar E-Type, Ferrari 308 GTSi and MGB GT.
Cinema-goers will be able to enjoy a vintage American ‘carhop’ dining service, complete with rollerskating waiters and waitresses. On the takeaway menu will be food from Santa Maria Pizzeria, draft beer from The Brewery Tap and cocktails by Vault Vermouth. Cars from famous films will be on display at screenings and there might even be a celebrity face or two in attendance. The cinema has been created with health and safety in mind, incorporating measures such as scanning of tickets through closed car windows, contactless food and drinks delivery and socially-distanced toilet queuing.
Duke of London Director of Events, Georgia Peck, said of the screenings: “We really hope to create an iconic and intimate series of drive-in movies – in true quirky, vintage Duke of London-style – that goes on to become a permanent fixture in our events calendar, and is loved by our clients and locals alike.”
Tickets are selling fast, with the launch screening of Layer Cake on 16 July already sold out. Ticket prices start at £60 a car and can be bought from dukeoflondon.co.uk.