I recently moved to Oxford having joined the Mail as a reporter and I’ve been exploring the city in the meantime.

It has been brilliant to get out and about through work and during my free time to see all the goings on across Oxford.

But despite being here for almost a month, I had not yet engaged in one of my favourite hobbies.

Going to the cinema is such a fantastic experience, especially if you pick the right film and venue.

Oxford Mail: New reporter Ed Burnett visited the Oxford cinema for the first time this week.New reporter Ed Burnett visited the Oxford cinema for the first time this week. (Image: Newsquest)

Despite the rise of streaming services, there is nothing quite like the thrill of sitting down in front of the big screen.

On Wednesday evening I found the perfect place to catch a film in the city which just happened to be Oxford’s only independent cinema.

The Ultimate Picture Palace on Jeune Street dates back to 1911 with its art deco building intact including the original box office window opening onto the street.

In 2022, the cinema celebrated becoming a community-owned business after a campaign in which over 1,200 local investors bought shares.

Oxford Mail: The cinema’s interior was cosy with comfortable seats.The cinema’s interior was cosy with comfortable seats. (Image: Newsquest)

Fast forward to the present and the experience offered by the cinema is authenticity at its best.

A single screen immediately greeted upon entry into the building is faced by old-fashioned theatre seats making for a cosy ambience.

There is a snack bar towards the back which serves fresh brownies as well as an array of other sweet treats and drinks.

Any venue that serves Coca-Cola in a glass bottle in this day and age gets a gold star from me and, to my delight, the Ultimate Picture Palace offered this.

Oxford Mail: The cinema’s snack bar is well stocked with sweet treats and drinks.The cinema’s snack bar is well stocked with sweet treats and drinks. (Image: Newsquest)

After picking up a blonde brownie and a coke, and getting seated comfortably, I was blown away by the audio clarity and impressive screen.

By this point you are probably wondering what the film of choice was so here it is: I opted for ‘American Fiction’ directed by Cord Jefferson.

A witty comedy starring Jeffrey Wright, the film tells the tale of an author’s plight to get his book published and the extreme lengths and disguises required to do so.

The movie was incredibly entertaining in its own right but being able to watch it in such a special little cinema made the night all the more fun.

Oxford Mail: The view of the big screen from Ed’s seat was great.The view of the big screen from Ed’s seat was great. (Image: Newsquest)

I highly recommend The Ultimate Picture Palace to anyone who has not been because I’ve never had a cinema experience quite like it.

How wonderful to have a community-ran and historic location such as this on our doorstep with the ability to get lost in the magic of the big screen.

This isn’t a paid advertisement, just a city newbie reflecting on what has already become his favourite spot in the city.