Overview

The Omni Centre isn't the sort of place you'd expect to find a Hobbit. However, I just visited it to see the rerelease of the Lord of the Rings trilogy and had a thoroughly enjoyable time. Located in Edinburgh on Greenside Road, it’s one of the city’s biggest cinemas. It reponed recently after the Covid 19 pandemic and plays movies and live performances of sport and theatre.

Transport & Parking

There are several bike racks out the front of the building, and three bus stops nearby with shelter and seating. One is just a few yards from the Vue, while the other two are across the road. The nearby carpark is connected to the Omni Centre via a tunnel with access to an elevator. Usually, a few taxis are waiting just outside if you need a lift home.

Access

There are automatic doors at the front that allow easy access for wheelchair users. The cinema is located on the second floor of the Omni Centre. There's a lift in the centre of the foyer for anyone who can't use the escalator. The building operates on a one-way system, with your path clearly marked by large arrow signs on the floor. The doors inside the cinema are a little heavy and might be difficult to move for if you don’t have two hands free. Hand sanitizer is available on both floors, and the dispensers are all automatic. They are relatively high up and might be difficult for some visitors to reach. The cinema has disabled seats and lighting along the floor to guide you to your seat. Due to social distancing precautions, seats are spaced out, limiting the number of people per screening. I recommend booking online well in advance due to the limited number of seats.

Toilets

The loos are clean (as clean as a loo can be), and the urinals are spaced out to conform to social distancing measures. They include a changing bed for babies and young children. There is an accessible toilet in the hallway of the cinema itself. It has a red emergency cord, though it does not have a red cord card. However, there are no changing places toilets.

Staff

The staff were helpful and understanding. The phone on my camera could not register with the track and trace app, but the guy taking the tickets was great. He directed me to the till, where I signed in my name and phone number.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

The Omni Centre team have done a great job at creating a sense of security while also allowing for a fun experience. All in all, I had a relaxing return to Middle Earth (Aside from the Orcs).

Photos