Overview
Not all moviegoing experiences are created equal. At-home viewing will always be trumped by the silver screen and, once you're out of the house to see a flick, different picture palaces offer different vibes, seats, snacks and beverages. Care more about the film than the surroundings? There are venues for that. Keeping an eye on your bank balance but still want to see the latest and greatest features? There are spots for that, too. Fancy grabbing a drink from a glam new bar, enjoying privacy shrouds in Gold Class and, in the future, settling into a next-level boutique cinema? That's all on the menu at Event Cinemas Chermside.
The northside shopping centre mainstay has been undergoing a massive revamp, with its first stage unveiled late in 2022. So, if you stopped by to see a Boxing Day flick — or box-office behemoth Avatar: The Way of Water — you will have noticed a few changes. If you're a Brisbanite who hasn't been in that part of town for a while, or even just that section of Westfield Chermside, big differences await.
When it comes to actually catching a movie, the venue has upgraded its Gold Class cinemas. That means new whole-body reclining seats with those privacy barriers — so no one will interrupt your viewing — and far more seats
Before you get comfy in Gold Class' treat yo'self setup, however, you'll spot Event Cinemas' new lounge and bar. It's where you grab a drink, of course, and pairs timber, blue hues and geometric designs, plus twinkling lighting above. Nab your tipple of choice — including a sizeable spirits range behind the bar — then relax in velvety, jewel-toned booths. Just remember to go see your movie when it starts (or save your trip here for a post-flick chat).
The Chermside cinema has also gained a marketplace-style food offering and beverage centre for your flick-viewing snacks, which serves up freshly made flavoured popcorn, nachos and churros. And, there's a lolly tree stacked with movie confectionary favourites.
As exciting as all of the above is, perhaps the best part is still on its way: Queensland's first next-level Event Boutique cinema. Already operating down south, and hailing from the same minds behind Gold Class, V-Max and the multi-sensory 4DX cinema, this addition to the chain's offering takes an existing theatre, decks it out with unique theming and turns the decor into a huge drawcard. Within the intimate but roomy spaces, movie buffs will also find luxurious recliner chairs and state-of-the-art sound technology, too, plus a levelled-up food and drink menu.
Exactly what Chermside's boutique addition will look like hasn't yet been revealed, and neither has an opening date. Design-wise, it'll have a similar layout to Sydney's versions, but no two Event Boutique spaces look the same. Still, if you're wondering, the New South Wales capital's George Street cinema has two boutique theatres: the 'Paparazzi' auditorium, which is inspired by red carpet glamour; and 'The Library', which is all about the art of storytelling.
Also yet-to-be-announced: Chermside's Event Boutique culinary and beverage range. As a guide, Sydney's iteration launched with cheese and charcuterie, smashed avo, croissants, banana loaf, wagyu beef burgers, braised brisket pies, reuben sandwiches, goat's cheese mini pizzas, fried-to-order cinnamon doughnuts, pints of Magnum ice cream and popcorn-topped chocolate brownies — and waiter service.
Event Boutique George Street, Sydney
Find Event Cinemas Chermside at Chermside Shopping Centre, 38 Hamilton Road, Chermside. We'll update you with further details about the venue's new Event Boutique setup, including a launch date, when they're announced.