Is this the UK’s most beautiful cinema?

Cinema attendance is the highest it has been since the 1970s, with the rise of boutique theatres playing a key part in the box-office boom.

More and more audiences are seeking a cosy film experience where they can also socialise over a cocktail and dinner.

One of the latest to open is the first Tivoli cinema in Bath. It has state-of-the-art projection, plush extra-wide sofas, designer interiors and a first-class food and drink menu, leading Somerset Live to dub it “the poshest cinema in the UK”.

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Having opened its doors on 21 December, it is the first of the new Tivoli boutique cinemas range set to pop up around the country. Built around a design framework its CEO describes as “laid back luxe”, these high-class theatres are far from the sticky floors and popcorn crumbs of garish multiplexes.

Stepping into the foyer of Tivoli Bath, guests are greeted to a tasteful bronze-tinged bar area punctuated by comfy sofas, deep armchairs and the muted, cosy paletes of decorative rugs, wooden chairs and upholstered stools.

In each of the four 50-seat “screening studios” and the twelve-seat “Director’s Lounge”, velvet-clad sofas allow for maximum comfort, with custom-designed lights and tables making it easy to take advantage of the in-screen drinking and dining options available.

The distinct yet homely look of this ambitious complex is the work of London-based design agency Run For The Hills, which worked in collaboration with Tivoli to create, in its own words, a “super stylish but very welcoming and ultra comfortable” atmosphere throughout this beautiful cinema.

Justin Ribbons, chief executive of Tivoli, says he chose the design house because he believed they could make his vision become a “destination in its own right”, rubbishing the concept of the modern movie theatre as a purely functional entity.

“We are very excited to finally reveal the look and feel of this brand new concept,” he said. “We have created Tivoli as a charismatic neighbourhood destination, set to reclassify the cinema experience in Bath and beyond.”

Anna Burles, creative director of Run For the Hills, said: “This is our first foray into cinema design and we’ve absolutely loved it.

“Our client really enjoys the design process and it has been a privilege developing the concept with him and we are so proud to show it off now that it’s open.”