bazaar entered a whole new world of entertainment through a glittering disco ball of a magical portal found in The Avenues, Phase 4 (Grand Plaza). Like a magical carpet ride, the escalators delivered us to the VOX Cinemas foyer where, to the left, our eyes rested upon the beautifully presented reception desk reminiscent of checking into Business Class which is THEATRE by Rhodes.
This is the ultimate cinematic experience for those bazaarites who like to be comfortable at home on the couch engrossed in a TV series binge watch, but THEATRE by Rhodes is even better than that, if you can believe it. You get to experience the latest must-see movie and still recline onto a soft pillow, a blanket wrapped around you, and in-cinema waiter service the mere push of a service-button away.
With a warm welcome the staff explained the entire process so we could choose the best theatre experience. They helpfully pointed out the direction of the screen and who was sitting elsewhere within the cinema so it felt like we were getting our own private screening.
The first noticeable thing was the exclusive seating in the cinema with no more than thirty one seats available in the largest of the four cinemas. Plus we were guaranteed that no giggling kids would annoy us during the screening as all the clients of THEATRE by Rhodes must be over eighteen.
Source: bazaar Studios
Courtesy of VOX Cinemas
We moved beyond the ticket desk into the main lobby with a wonderfully presented bar on the righthand side. Here, we relaxed before the show and there were a number of immaculate tables or bar stool areas to sit and enjoy a refreshment while the staff took our orders.
Presented was a full menu curated by British Chef Gary Rhodes, who boasts 6 Michelin stars to his name, and the staff further explained that included with the theatre ticket is a starter, main course and dessert, and the choice of two drinks. For example, you can opt for a mocktail and a hot drink to relax with while you settle in to watch the end of your movie.
The menu is extensive and the fine food is handcrafted on location using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. Chef Rhodes himself has plated dishes in these kitchens making sure that each dish presented lives up to his exacting standards. The menu even has options that are suitable for vegetarians with dairy, gluten, nuts and shellfish clearly indicated.
Courtesy of VOX Cinemas
Courtesy of VOX Cinemas
For a delicious starter you can’t go wrong with that cinema staple of nachos, offered here plate-warm and Mexican style, but there is another world of flavors to discover with Edamame beans, Manchego and Feta fritters, and Breakfast Burritos amongst other international influences to be savored. Whether to totally indulge, or to go for something a little lighter, there is every option available to you here.
Take the perfect cinema hotdog and top it with richly smoked BBQ onions or melting Swiss cheese. Order the burger plate with three kinds of juicy burger; homemade New York deli or French-style beef burgers, grilled chicken breast.
Courtesy of VOX Cinemas
The vegetarian’s favorite Portobello mushroom burger comes laden with guacamole and sour cream to take your taste buds to the next level. We ordered the Satay Skewers, and the prawns were cooked to perfection. It is good to note that even if you do not want to watch a movie, you can enjoy THEATRE by Rhodes as a stand-alone restaurant. It certainly has fine food excellent enough to make you want to come here solely to eat.
Wash your food down with fresh juices or mocktails worthy of top mixologists, and local tastes will certainly find the Nutella and peanut butter milkshake hard to resist. Ice creams, sorbets and sundaes make the dessert list, so they melt into what little holes are left of your appetite.
Source: bazaar Studios
Source: bazaar Studios
But, the absolute luxury of THEATRE by Rhodes is in the seating. Making your way into your seat with ease is a joy with each seat row being placed far part enough from the other which makes the wide walkways wheelchair accessible. Also, the seats which are placed in twos, are distant enough from other pairs so that when you receive table service the other theatregoers are not overly disturbed and you can’t see what other viewers are up to.
Take your shoes off and relax! The reclining leather seats boast an adjustable foot rest and for the complete cozy experience, a freshly laundered and individually wrapped complementary pillow and blanket is folded waiting for you to unfurl and wrap around yourself while you settle back to enjoy the fantastic viewing on screen.
A service button is set neatly into the arm of your chair for swift responses from attentive staff, perhaps to clear away each course or to take more orders for some other foody indulgence, whatever is your whim.
Source: bazaar Studios
“Yes madam, you called” gave me a slight startle as my foot had obviously pressed the service button as I was squirming around luxuriating in the sheer enjoyment and comfort of it all. My fellow bazaarites giggled because THEATRE by Rhodes feels like you are doing something naughty and actually getting away with it!
Thoughtfully here is a little rectangular dish ideally situated to place your keys and your wallet so you don’t lose them or to rest your cell phone while you charge it in the usb port which is placed in each seating space. The table area given to each seat is roomy with extra surface area provided the dining element of the experience obviously carefully considered in the planning.
Dish after dish can arrive, as there is plenty of room to have your starters and mains delivered at the same time so you and your friends can share each other’s award winning menu choices.
Everything about this experience is utterly indulgent and luxurious, and what better way is there to share a film with friends. You can hide under the blanket during a scary horror, cry into your pillow during sad scenes or cheers cocktails in joy at happy endings, looking forward to your next THEATRE by Rhodes experience.
THEATRE by Rhodes is housed in VOX Cinemas, The Avenues, Phase 4 (Grand Plaza). Follow them on Instagram and Facebook @voxkuwait for more information and download the VOX Cinemas App from Appstore for iPhone and Google Playstore for android to buy your tickets or visit kwt.voxcinemas.com.
