Cityscape kicks (way) back in the refined surrounds of Hoyts Lux, where the classic date-night staple of dinner and a movie has been launched into the stratosphere.

It’s the cinematic equivalent of flying first class; we’re stretched out on the dangerously comfortable buttery leather recliners (think near flatbed) sipping chilled flutes of bubbles, surrounded by that spanking new luxury car aroma someone really oughta bottle. On screen, Ryan Gosling, channelling Neil Armstrong, is getting a bead on eyeing off the groaning pop rivets in his archaic spacecraft when our starters ‘appear’ on the illuminated table. Any preconceived ideas of how intrusive dinner service during a movie might be slinks away into the darkness with Hoyts Lux manager Stuart Jones’ stealthy, black-clad ninja moves.

Stuart’s welcoming smile greets us as the tinted glass rolls back to reveal the city’s swankiest new bar. Perched above EntX, Hoyts Lux is a capacious, dark and broody space working some effortless New York loft cool, where plush booth seating is orbited by satellites of tables and chairs, creating a sense of intimacy. Perusing the specially crafted menu by celeb chef extraordinaire and My Kitchen Rules host Manu Feildel (pictured), we opt for starters of Southern Style Fried Chicken and the Duck Bao Trio followed by the Grilled Chicken and Nam Duck salads. With our glasses of bubbles on the tray, Stuart escorts us to our seats, opening doors along the way.

Futuristic and super high-tech (there’s cordless mobile phone chargers on the arm rests and USB ports for those kicking things ol’ skool, a call attendant button for additional drinks and/or eats and a handy cupboard for stashing handbags, jackets and anything else you don’t want to trip over if you have to hit the swishy bathrooms mid movie), the theatre features tiered seating and partitions, ensuring we can’t see the people in front of us.

And with our closest neighbours beyond arm’s reach, it feels like we have the theatre all to ourselves. The cinema experience is immersive, the sound and picture quality is so crisp that, at times, it feels like we’re sitting alongside Gosling (albeit on much better seats) launching into space. Feildel’s menu doesn’t disappoint either. It’s seriously restaurant quality – the fried chicken is tender, crunchy-coated, fiery-sauced and soothed by a ranch dressing while the (huge) bao would have to be among the city’s finest. What’s more, when the salads of exceptional size and flavour arrive later in the movie, they’re joined by the two glasses of Russian Jack Pinot Noir we ordered earlier. Cinema-going will never be the same again!

hoyts.co.nz

We have 5 x double movie passes to Hoyts EntX to give away. To enter, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with ‘HOYTS’ in the subject line and tell us what movie you have to see. Entries close November 30.