A family film night in our own private pod at Cosy Cinema Cardiff – review
Thanks to Cosy Cinema Cardiff for inviting us to review the experience in return for this review
Missing cinema during lockdown, Dinas Powys couple Sian and John Colderley set about creating their own big screen experience in their garden.
Their son posted a video of their custom-built pod on TikTok and when it gained over five million views, they knew they were onto something… and a fantastic business venture was born.
Cosy Cinema Cardiff started with three private viewing pods in Dinas Powys, and has been so successful that a few weeks ago they opened six more in Cardiff.
It’s been a massive success over the summer, with couples, friends and families keen to book the pods for a unique, private viewing experience.
We were lucky enough to be invited along to put it to the test – and can confirm it’s as fantastic an experience as it sounds. Read on for the full review plus check out my Reel on the Cardiff Mummy Says Instagram channel for a video review.
Located at Cardiff Caravan Park in Pontcanna, just a stone’s throw from Sophia Gardens cricket ground, the pods look fantastic from the outside, with their asymmetrical shape and lights draped around the door. And they’re even better on the inside.
My children’s faces were full of amazement as they unlocked the door to our pod and saw the huge bed filled with pillows and blankets, a 92 inch screen, blackened walls, and sweet treats on the bed. It was so lovely to cwtch up together and watch a film in such a unique place.
As the company name says, this is Cosy Cinema indeed.
With access provided to Disney Plus, Netflix, Amazon Prime and all Sky channels, there are plenty of films or programmes you can choose from. You can also log into your own account if you want to continue watching a favourite you started at home. The screens operate through a PS4 console meaning you can bring along a game and play, or bring your own console and hook it up to the screen in the pod.
Our film of choice for the night was Free Guy on Disney+. It’s a film we’ve seen before and enjoyed, so we thought it’d be a good one for the big screen. We shut the door, dimmed the lights, opened the popcorn and snuggled under the blankets.
The huge beds fit up to two adults and four children so there was plenty of room for me and my three (my husband couldn’t make it sadly, but there definitely would have been space if he could have joined us).
The prices are also reasonable too. You can book a pod for a three-hour showing for £55, with time slots available from 12.30pm-3.30pm, 4pm-7pm and 7.30pm-10.30pm.
There is one complimentary parking space available for each pod, or it’s walking distance from the centre of Cardiff.
As well as regular screenings, they cater for children’s birthday parties, girls’ nights in, anniversaries, live sports events and gaming events, with the different packages available on their website.
Over 18s can stay overnight, priced between £115-£135 for two adults, with the campsite’s toilet and shower facilities available for Cosy Cinema customers.
The pods are already attracting people from all over the country with two couples even travelling from as far as Glasgow to Cardiff for the experience.
Available to hire all year round, the pods have A/C in the summer, heating in the winter, plus big fluffy blankets, making them suitable whatever the weather.
We took along a selection of sweets and popcorn to share, but lots of guests order takeaway direct to the pod, which is a great idea for special occasions. For £15 you can order a Cosy Combo, featuring drinks and sweet treats.
We absolutely loved our Cosy Cinema experience. It was a great way to spend quality family time and we thought it was good value too. My children are already planning future birthday parties in the pods and want to visit with their friends for pizza and movie nights..
The hardest thing for me was getting out of that comfy bed at the end of the film and having to drive home. Maybe next time I’ll come along without the children so I can stay overnight!
Cosy Cinema, Cardiff Caravan Park, Fields Park Road, Cardiff, CF11 9XR.
For more information, visit the Cosy Cinema website here, follow Cosy Cinema on Instagram or email them on info@cosycinema.com
For more ideas of local family-friendly days out, see the Cardiff section of Cardiff Mummy Says, follow Cardiff Mummy Says on Instagram, the Cardiff Mummy Says Facebook page, and Cardiff Mummy Says on Twitter.
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