Cineworld plans chain of luxury cinemas

The boss of Cineworld, the listed movie group, is scour-ing the capital for sites to launch a string of upmarket, adults-only cinemas.

The chain opened a test cinema in Cheltenham last year, with a licensed bar selling elderflower cordial and Italian olives, ushers showing customers to their seats, and tickets costing up to £15.

Chief executive Steve Weiner said: "We're finding from our test location that people are prepared to pay for more comfort. Now we're working on expanding it. We've bought in extra people to find new locations in London."

More people visited Cine-world screens last year but spent less when they got there. Revenues grew 1.5% in 2011, with box office takings up 2.7%. But the popcorn index of discretionary spending fell: retail earnings were down 0.1%. This year's expected big hits include Spiderman 3D and The Hobbit.