Leicester Square Cinemas Explained: Which Venue Hosts Which Premiere

Leicester Square is the centre of London’s premiere scene, but there isn’t one carpet. Different films use different cinemas. Knowing which one matters for planning where to stand and where to enter.

The main premiere venues

Odeon Luxe Leicester Square

The flagship. The Odeon opened in 1937, and its black granite façade and tower dominate the square. Cinema Treasures notes that in recent years it has become the go-to place for premieres, which happen there very often. It also hosts the Royal Film Performance on alternating years with the Empire.

Cineworld Leicester Square (the Empire)

The Empire, Leicester Square is now run by Cineworld, which acquired it in July 2016. Press photo captions in 2026 use both names, so you’ll see “Cineworld” and “Empire” used for the same cinema.

Vue West End

Vue’s flagship in the square has nine screens. It also hosts premieres and festival screenings, including as an LFF venue.

Odeon Luxe West End

Another Odeon in the square, at 38 Leicester Square, used mainly for regular screenings and some events.

Prince Charles Cinema

Just off the square on Leicester Place. It’s known for cult films, repertory screenings and 35mm and 70mm prints, not studio premieres, though it’s also an LFF venue.

Which venue hosted what in 2026

Film	Date	Venue
Wuthering Heights	5 Feb	Odeon Luxe
Project Hail Mary	9 Mar	Cineworld
The Devil Wears Prada 2	22 Apr	Cineworld
Masters of the Universe	27 May	Cineworld
Disclosure Day	4 Jun	Cineworld
House of the Dragon S3	8 Jun	Odeon Luxe
Spider-Man: Brand New Day	Late Jul	Odeon Luxe

Venues come from photo-agency captions and studio pages; see our premiere calendar for sources. Studios choose venues per film, so a past pattern is not a promise.

What this means for you

Always check the venue in the fan-access announcement. Studios’ ballot pages name the venue and the fan-area location.
Don’t assume the Odeon. Four of the seven premieres above used Cineworld.
Charity premieres often use the Odeon. The Film and TV Charity’s 2025 A Big Bold Beautiful Journey premiere was at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square. See buying premiere tickets.

Not Leicester Square

BFI London Film Festival galas take place at the Royal Festival Hall on the South Bank every October.

Getting there

Leicester Square Underground station opened in 1906 and sits on the edge of the square. Piccadilly Circus and Charing Cross are also a short walk away.

Conclusion

While Leicester Square remains the heart of West End film premieres, fan access requires knowing which venue is holding the event. Major studios routinely split high-profile releases between the Odeon Luxe and Cineworld (the Empire), while independent galas and festival screenings frequently make use of Vue West End or the Prince Charles Cinema. Because premiere locations vary by film and studio agreement, always check official ballot announcements to confirm the exact venue and designated fan entrance before heading into central London.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cinema hosts most London film premieres?

Odeon Luxe Leicester Square has been London’s flagship premiere venue since 1937, but Cineworld Leicester Square (formerly the Empire) is used just as frequently. Studios choose venues on a title-by-title basis; for example, more than half of 2026’s major Leicester Square blockbusters were held at Cineworld.

Is the Empire Cinema still in Leicester Square?

Yes, though it now operates under a different name. Cineworld acquired the historic Empire in July 2016. Press captions, studio updates, and fan announcements in 2026 use “Cineworld Leicester Square” and “the Empire” interchangeably to refer to the same venue.

How do I know which Leicester Square cinema a premiere is using?

Never assume a premiere will be at the Odeon Luxe. Always consult the studio’s official fan-ballot page or event announcement, which explicitly names the target venue, security perimeter, and designated fan area.

Are BFI London Film Festival (LFF) galas held in Leicester Square?

No. Main LFF gala premieres take place at the Royal Festival Hall at the Southbank Centre, beside the River Thames. However, select secondary festival screenings and Q&As take place at Leicester Square venues like Vue West End and the Prince Charles Cinema.

What is the easiest way to get to Leicester Square premiere venues?

Take the London Underground to Leicester Square Station (Northern and Piccadilly lines), which opens directly onto the edge of the square. Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines) and Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo lines, plus National Rail) are both within a 5-minute walk.

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Michael P: Editorial Contributor - Freelance Los Angeles based writer
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