Cinema-going seems to have taken a bit of a dip since we were all able to create our own mini-cinemas at home, but do you know one version of the big screen experience that people are falling back in love with? Independent cinemas. Melbourne has a couple that draw big crowds; the Lido or the quaint Sun Theatre in Yarraville spring to mind as favourites, but now, thanks to EBV, we have a new contender!
Fomo Cinemas is the newest addition to East Brunswick Village, and it gives residents and locals even more of a reason to spend their date nights in our precinct. The six-screen, 392-seat theatre stands apart from the competition as moviegoers will have the ability to order chef-made food to their seats! FoMo, in this case, isn’t about missing anything; it actually stands for “food and movies,” which couldn’t make more sense when you see the line-up of dishes and flicks on offer.
Picture being cozied up in your seat, about to dive into the latest summer blockbuster, and a New York-inspired deli sandwich or a cheese and charcuterie board is delivered right to you. FoMo is taking the movie night snack game up a notch, promising a feast of burgers, pizzas, desserts, and more, all while you soak in the on-screen magic.
A trip to the movies that doesn’t break the bank
Another reason cinema attendance has dipped of late is that it’s usually a pricey night out. Despite the top-notch culinary offerings, FoMo is aware of this and ensures standard movie prices apply ($25 for adults, $20 for concessions with the option to snag a reclining seat for just an extra dollar). You can indulge in a gourmet movie night without sacrificing your wallet.
Plus, all great cinemas have a cheapie night, and FoMo is no exception! The ‘Cheap As Chips Chooseday’ means $14 tickets and $6 buckets of chips every Tuesday!
The opening lineup
FoMo is open now, and it’s kicking things off with some of the absolute must-see flicks released right now. See the epic part two conclusion to the sci-fi blockbuster Dune II, Bob Marley’s incredible life story in One Love, arthouse award-sweeper Poor Things and the freaky teddy-led Imaginary. It’s a cinematic buffet catering to every taste.
To keep things classy, there will be no pesky advertisements before movies. Instead, you get trailers and a custom pre-show reel loaded with movie trivia and classic clips.
The dynamic duo behind the curtain at Fomo Cinemas
Natalie Miller OA and Barry Peak are the visionary minds turning EBV’s movie nights into epicurean adventures. No strangers to the cinema scene thanks to their work as the founders of the Nova Cinema in Carlton, Miller gives FoMo inspiration credit to her partner in crime, Peak, who, two years ago, embarked on a culinary cinema journey across the United States.
Peak’s inspiration came from iconic dine-in theatres like Nitehawk Cinema in Brooklyn, renowned for its cookbook and expertly pairing dishes with on-screen delights, and Alamo Drafthouse, a luxury chain that redefines the movie-watching experience.
Head chef Darren Collier took the reins in crafting Fomo’s in-cinema menu, a gastronomic symphony featuring deli sandwiches, chopped salads, double-baked cheesecake, and a cheekily named vegan pizza – “The Other Hemsworth.” The venue is a liquid paradise, too, with a licensed selection including wine, beer, spiked seltzers, and boozy milkshakes. And let’s not forget the candy bar, offering classic cinema snacks like popcorn, Maltesers, and choc-tops.
But Fomo is not just about food; it’s an immersive experience. Its Blade Runner-inspired theme envelopes the entire venue – neon artworks, retro-futuristic styling at the candy bar – all paying homage to Ridley Scott’s cyberpunk classic.
The perfect date night at EBV
The addition of FoMo to the EBV line-up means you can craft the perfect date night, all without leaving the block. Here’s how we would do it:
- Start early with a delicious Australian Ale or Beechworth Pale Ale at Bridge Road Brewery; if you want to go a little bit more unique, opt for a Village Pils, Bridge Road’s EBV creation, which is brewed onsite.
- Head across the road for a dinner full of delicious Middle Eastern delights at the famous Rumi. The Caramelised Eggplant Braised with Tomatoes & Green Peppers with a side of Freekeh Salad are strongly recommended.
- Settle in for a movie at FoMo and a to-your-seat delivery of dessert and a cheeky nightcap (you can walk all of this deliciousness off with a stroll down Lygon Street after the flick).
If that isn’t the absolute perfect date night, we don’t know what is! EBV ticks all of your boxes for a great night out.
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We wanted to put East Brunswick Village (EBV) to the task and have had our sales team answer these ‘six essential questions you should ask when buying an apartment’, and we think we shape up pretty well!
We wanted to put East Brunswick Village (EBV) to the task and have had our sales team answer these ‘six essential questions you should ask when buying an apartment’, and we think we shape up pretty well!