“It’s a story that has been told many times, but an extraordinary new film shows in gripping detail how the modern Lebanese wine industry exists because of – not despite – the terrible conflicts that have convulsed this most resilient of countries”
DOORS: 14:15 | FILM STARTS 14:25
Now in its third year, our open-air, undercover garden cinema event returns — bigger and better than ever!
Taking place in the beautiful Mall Gardens in the heart of Clifton Village, this is outdoor cinema with a twist. Relax in the Central Arena before the film, with drinks, art displays, tastings and local food vendors, then make your way into one our two cinema spaces for the main event. With covered seating, a state-of-the-art LED screen and wireless headphones, enjoy your film come rain or shine - it's a Summer experience that’s not to be missed.
Saturday afternoon in Screen 2 sees a screening of Wine and War, a documentary about the history of winemaking in Lebanon. Unravelling the story of the world's first wine merchants, this is a complex testament to the Lebanese people's courage in the face of adversity. The film will be introduced by the award-winning author - and Wine and War’s co-writer - Michael Karam, who will be providing some unique insight into the wines of the Lebanon before the main screening.
What your ticket includes:
🎬 Allocated seating for a classic film screening
🎧 Bluetooth headphones for incredible sound quality
🎟️ Access to the Central Arena, which includes:
Complimentary wine tasting before the film begins for all over-18s
Gin tasting with Six O’Clock Gin
Two pop-up art displays from Hidden Gallery and Firewater Gallery
Free-to-enter competitions
The Ivy Clifton Bar
Catering from The Mall Deli and Toff’s Pasta
Pop-up stalls from local businesses
About The Film
2022 | 12A | 94 mins
Wine and War is a documentary about the history of winemaking in Lebanon and the resilience of the Lebanese entrepreneurial spirit seen through the lens of war and instability.
May contain disturbing imagery
About The Location
The Mall Gardens in the heart of Clifton Village, is a serene green oasis surrounded by elegant Georgian architecture and quaint boutiques. Its peaceful, tree-lined setting make it a perfect spot to unwind — as well as an ideal location for enjoying cult classics and beloved films in a unique setting.
About The Speaker
Michael Karam is the author of Wines of Lebanon, which won the Gourmand Award for the Best New World Wine Book, 2005; Arak and Mezze: The Taste of Lebanon; Lebanese Wine: A Complete Guide to Its History and Winemakers and Tears of Bacchus: A History of Wine in the Arab World. He is the Lebanon country contributor to Jancis Robinson’s Oxford Companion to Wine; The World Atlas of Wine; Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book and The Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia. He featured in, and co-wrote, the feature length documentary ‘Wine and War’, which was released in September 2020 and has been a guest on BBC Radio 4, BBC World Service, CNN, CNN Business, CNBC and ‘The Wild Side of Wine’. His latest book Wines of Lebanon: The Journey Continues was published in April 2025.
Watch The Trailer
Tickets
Getting Here
The Mall Gardens is located in the centre of Clifton Village, just off The Mall.
The main entrance to the venue is on West Mall (what.3.words ///woke.bucket.loves)
Parking in Clifton Village is limited and subject to restrictions.
Buses 8 & 9 both stop in Clifton Village, a short walk from the Observatory. The nearest train station is Clifton Down.
Wherever possible, we encourage walking the use of public transport when travelling to our events.
Accessibility
The Mall Gardens Clifton has an alternative entrance for those who require level access. Please contact us directly for further instructions about how to access this.
Whilst the site is flat, some areas may be uneven, or have grass or matting underfoot
If you require a designated wheelchair space please let us know in advance.
If you are attending an event as a registered carer for a disabled guest, please bring appropriate proof of eligibility such as proof of blue badge, access card, cinema for all card, letter from a professional or evidence of DLA/PIP. If you are uncertain, please contact us.
A wheelchair-accessible toilet will be available at the event.
Headphones: this event requires wireless headsets to be used during the film. The headsets can be used with hearing aids. Please get in contact for further detail.
Subtitles: please contact us if you require a film to be screened with subtitles. Many of our screenings can accommodate subtitles; however this varies depending on the film.