For years Centrale carpark had been the place I park my car when I’m off to the shops in central Croydon.
For me it is what it is, simply a place to leave my car and return to when I’m laden down with bags. So when I was asked along to a showing of Dirty Dancing in this very carpark I was pretty unsure as to how they were going to carry this off!
When I think of open air cinemas parks are normally the venue that springs to mind so I was intrigued to try out a more urban setting and I was extremely expressed at what I was greeted with.
The top level of the carpark had been sectioned off and behind the barriers homed a huge cinema screen and rows of super cool deckchairs to sit in and watch the film.
It isn’t just a cinema area though, there is also a heated lounge area that is under cover perfect for the temprimemtal English weather and a fab courtyard garden that you can sit and relax in whilst sipping on one of many alcoholic or soft drinks they have available or even grab a bite to eat from the grill.
Music was pumping from the DJ booth and there was a really relaxed friendly vibe filling the whole area.
One thing I didn’t expect to see was a fantastic pop up nail bar where you can get a free manicure from Nails By Mets who works her magic with a huge range of colours and nail art from MeeBox while you are waiting for your film to start.
I was lucky enough to go along on a special event evening where they were not only showing the cult classic Dirty Dancing but they were also giving a dance lesson before the start of the film.
For anyone that knows me you will be all to aware that I own two left feet and it normally takes me a few to many gins before I would ever consider taking to the dance floor!
The professionals took to the stage and I was in awe of how they effortlessly reenacted the famous final dance scene.
I was super nervous to join in but once I got started with my husband being equally as useless as me I thoroughly enjoyed every minute.
Dance class over we took to our seats with popcorn in hand and snuggled in the blankets provided whilst the sun set over the colourful Croydon skyline.
There are plenty more showing over the summer including Pretty Woman, The Full Monty, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Bridesmaids and many more.
It would be great to hear what you think of you decide to go along for yourself.
*we were given tickets for the purpose of this review and they are all my own, honest options.