All you need to know about Backyard Cinema during the Lockdown & COVID-19

We know this year has been incredibly challenging, and it’s particularly confusing at the moment. Will we be allowed out? Won’t we? If you have a booking with us, or are planning on booking with us, please see the answers to all* your COVID-19 questions below.

*If we’ve missed one or you have a different question please check our normal FAQs here.

We are in a National Lockdown, will you be open?
Following the Government announcement on Monday 22 February it’s clear that we will unfortunately be unable to open as planned on 7 April. To help keep you safe Backyard Cinema will remain closed until our brand new summer themes arrive in May.  We will be in touch with all customers with affected bookings. Please sit tight and wait for our email, we will be working as quickly as possible. As a small business we appreciate your patience and support during this time.

When will you be open again?
We are planning on reopening in May dependent on government guidance. Please keep an eye on our social media channels for regular updates.

What happens if I had a booking before 17 May? 
We’re devastated not to be able to have you in. Please sit tight and wait for our email, we will be in touch with all customers with affected booking.  As a small business we appreciate your patience and support during this time.

If London goes back into Tier 2, can different households attend on the same booking?
When London is in Tier 2 we will follow government guidance and you will only be able to attend the cinema with members of your own household and/or support bubble. Please note London is currently in Tier 3.

In Tier, 2 will your bars be open?
Yes, as a cinema we are exempt from some government guidelines. We’ll be serving all our usual food and drinks in The Yard, our Studio Bar and our cinema bars. To drink an alcoholic drink in the Studio Bar or The Yard, you must hold a cinema ticket and also have a meal. Please note London is currently in Tier 3.

In Tier 2, can I drink alcohol in the cinema?
Yes! You can buy alcoholic drinks in our cinema bars, as long as you drink them in your seats. Drinks bought at the cinema bars cannot be consumed in The Yard or Studio Bar. Please note London is currently in Tier 3.

In Tier 2, can I come for a drink even if I’m not watching a movie?
Usually we’d love to have you, but for now we are limiting entry only to cinema ticket holders, in keeping with government guidelines. Please note London is currently in Tier 3.

Does that mean you’re outdoors or indoors?
Our cinemas and experiences are indoors so all indoor COVID-19 restrictions apply. We do have outdoor seating to enjoy our street food and bars.

I had tickets for a screening during lockdown, what do I need to do?
Sit tight, we’re currently working to reschedule all the cancelled shows. You’ll should have already received your email from us, with new dates. If you haven’t received it please contact us here.

What if my new date doesn’t suit?
Not to worry, we’ll work with you to find a date that does. We can’t wait to have you back in the cinema.

My screening date is going to be shifted but I want to see my Christmas film before Christmas?
We hear you! We all need some festive cheer this year. Best thing to do is wait for your new date and follow the process if it doesn’t suit. If you want to guarantee a certain date, one option is snapping up tickets to that screening and coming to see us twice *wink*.

If I buy tickets for the future now and another lockdown is put in place, what happens?
If you buy tickets for the future we will get you in. If a new lockdown is announced, we’ll be in touch. Please have patience while we work through any rescheduling and know that we will get you back in and make sure the date suits.

I never got my confirmation email and now I’m worried because my date is cancelled?
First stop is a Spam folder check. Don’t worry, even if you didn’t receive your first email we will still reschedule you and you’ll receive a new confirmation. If you haven’t received this by 20 November please head to the contact page and fill out an enquiry form.

What COVID-19 safety measures are in place at Backyard Cinema?
We have been working closely with specialists and following government guidelines to ensure Capital Studios is safe for you. This includes reduced capacity and social distancing, temperature checks, ventilation and one way systems, increased cleaning and sanitising stations, and staff training. Find our full safety measures here.

Do I have to wear a face mask during the movie?
As per the current government guidelines, you will need to wear a face mask in the cinema unless you are eating or drinking. You will not be required to wear one in our bar or food areas though (when seated).

If you have any other questions please check out our FAQs.

Lastly, we’d just like to say a big thank you for your support and patience through this time. We’re a small team and appreciate all your love. We can’t wait to have you back in the cinema.

BYC Team.