We went to a movie at Dome Cinema in Gisborne for the first time this year, and what a treat it was. There’s a bar onsite, add a sunny evening and we were happy with a pre movie drink of cold Gisborne Gold.

Gisborne Gold at Dome Cinema & Bar

Dome Cinema & Bar is in the grand old Poverty Bay Club, the cinema is in the billiards room of the former gentleman’s club. The bar still has a gentleman’s club feel with low lighting, old framed photos, an ornate wooden fire surround, and worn  leather couches. The gentleman’s club finally opened its doors to women in 1988, today an image of Ina (Ena) Te Papatahi painted by CF Goldie is projected above the cinema entrance.

Bar at Dome Cinema

Pizza is on the food menu, and you can have Rush Munro ice cream at the old school intermission. On Thursday and Friday nights during summer you may be able to ‘Dine at the Dome’ – see Dome Bar and Cinema on Facebook for more details.

Bar at Dome Cinema

When it was time to watch the movie, Sally, the friendly owner, was on hand to give us first timers tips on how to settle comfortably into the bean bags – doubles for those on dates, singles for those with mates, or couches up the back if preferred. It was such a lovely touch and Sally is one of those people who can light up a room.

Interior of Dome Cinema

I was also reminded that in a country with plenty of chain stores/cafes/cinemas etc there are independent businesses out there offering something super special and they’re well worth supporting.

Choose from bean bags and couches

We watched the sobering film 99 Homes at the Dome, there were no happy endings for the home owners, I hope Dome Cinema lives on to tell a different story.

PS. If you’re a keen movie goer and like independent cinemas, check out the website
cinemasofnz.info created by film enthusiast Geoff Lealand.

Details
Find Dome Cinema inside the Poverty Bay Club on the corner of Customhouse Street and Childers Road. Tickets are $14 adults, films are usually shown Wednesday – Sunday nights – see the Calendar.