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The Screening Room Masterton: Movie Times, Menu & Reviews

James Edward Bennett Sutton • 2026-09-23 • Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

Planning a night out in Masterton often means choosing between a good meal and a good film. At The Screening Room, you don’t have to pick. This purpose-built boutique cinema and eatery on Queen Street combines both under one roof, with two 60-seat screens and a menu that runs from brunch to dinner. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit — from today’s session times to what’s on the menu and how to book.

Screens: 2 (60 seats each) · Location: 435 Queen Street, Kuripuni Village, Masterton 5810 · Eatery Hours: 10am–late weekdays; 9.30am–late weekends · Type: Purpose-built boutique cinema and dining complex

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact ticket prices per category (adult, child, senior) — not consistently publicised
  • Specific menu items and daily specials — only partial pricing available
  • Whether the menu can be ordered from your seat during the film
3Timeline signal
  • New movie line‑ups typically start on Thursdays (The Screening Room (now‑playing page)) (The Screening Room (events page))
  • Session times published online and updated regularly (The Screening Room (now‑playing page)) (The Screening Room (events page))
  • Special sensory‑friendly screenings every second Tuesday of the month at 10.30am (The Screening Room (events page))
4What’s next
  • Check the official website for the weekly film schedule
  • Book tickets online to guarantee your seats
  • Reserve a table at the eatery 90 minutes before the movie for a full dining experience

Seven facts about The Screening Room Masterton, one pattern: every detail points to a venue designed to merge cinema and dining seamlessly.

Category Detail
Cinema Name The Screening Room Cinema and Eatery
Address 435 Queen Street, Masterton 5810 (WairarapaNZ (local tourism guide))
Venue Type Boutique Cinema and Dining Complex
Screens 2
Seating Capacity 60 seats per screen
Eatery Hours 10am–late weekdays, 9.30am–late weekends (The Screening Room (official menu))
Booking Method Online via official website (The Screening Room (reservations page))
Price Range (Mains) $19–$36 (Cuisine Magazine (New Zealand food publication))
Special Screenings Sensory‑friendly sessions every second Tuesday, 10.30am (The Screening Room (events page))

What are the current session times at The Screening Room Masterton?

How to find today’s movie schedule

  • The Screening Room (now‑playing page) lists today’s films, including titles such as PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie, Sons, Taboo: Egon Schiele, Practical Magic 2, De Gaulle: Liberte, Lomu, and The Weight.
  • Session times are displayed directly on the page — no sign‑up needed.
The upshot

Checking the own website is the fastest way to confirm today’s screenings, since third‑party aggregators often lag by a few hours. The now‑playing page was last refreshed on 2026‑09‑21.

How to find tomorrow’s movie schedule

  • Film schedules typically update on Thursdays, so tomorrow’s line‑up will appear on the now‑playing page after that weekly refresh.
  • Bookings for future sessions can be made online through the The Screening Room (reservations page).
Bottom line: The Screening Room updates its session times weekly on Thursdays. For Masterton locals planning a weekend movie night, checking the website from Thursday afternoon gives you first dibs on tickets.

The pattern: Thursday is the pivot point — the entire weekly rhythm of new releases starts there, and late afternoon is the sweet spot to check what’s coming.

What is on the menu at The Screening Room’s Eatery?

Dining hours

  • The eatery is open 10am–late on weekdays and 9.30am–late on weekends (The Screening Room (official menu)).
  • Lunch and dinner are served daily, with brunch available on weekends.

Food and drink options

The menu balances share plates, mains, and classic cinema snacks. Selected items from the official list:

  • Arancini, roasted mushroom, porcini, truffle and aioli — $18 (The Screening Room (official menu))
  • Platter with arancini, hummus, dukkah, pork skewers, falafel, pickles, salami and grilled focaccia — $26
  • Falafel with tahini yoghurt, coriander, mint and olive oil — $18
  • Crispy salt and pepper squid with lemon aioli — $20
  • Grilled focaccia with hummus and dukkah — $12
  • Fries with aioli — $12
  • Mixed lolly box — $5
  • Ice cream selection — $6.50

Mains range from $19 to $36, as reported by Cuisine Magazine (New Zealand food publication).

Pre-ordering for movie sessions

  • Diners are typically allowed 90 minutes for a meal before a movie, depending on group size (The Screening Room (reservations page)).
  • Booking a table in advance is recommended, especially for weekend sessions.
Why this matters

The 90‑minute window means you can enjoy a full sit‑down dinner and still make the credits. For couples or groups, the platter at $26 becomes a cost‑effective way to share before the film.

The implication: this is a dine‑first venue by design. The 90‑minute rule makes the experience deliberate, not rushed — the dinner is the appetiser, the film is the main course.

How can I buy tickets for a movie at The Screening Room?

Booking online

  • Tickets can be booked via the cinema’s website on the The Screening Room (reservations page).
  • Online booking locks in your seats — useful for popular evening shows.

Ticket prices

  • Exact prices per category (adult, child, senior) are not publicly listed on the official site.
  • Cuisine Magazine (New Zealand food publication) notes that the venue positions itself as a premium boutique experience, so pricing is expected to sit above multiplex chains.

Cinema seating

  • Two screens, each with 60 seats.
  • Seating is unassigned unless you book a private screening.
The catch

Without published ticket prices, first‑time visitors may face sticker shock. Call ahead or check the official site’s FAQ — transparency on pricing would help, especially for families.

The pattern: transparency is the gap. Budget for the premium positioning, and you won’t be surprised when you arrive.

What are the customer reviews and ratings for The Screening Room?

TripAdvisor reviews

  • TripAdvisor lists the venue as “The Screening Room Cinema and Eatery”, describing it as a “purpose‑built, contemporary complex” with a “sophisticated café/bar”.
  • Reviews consistently highlight the quality of food and the convenience of a combined dining‑cinema experience.

Facebook community feedback

  • The cinema’s Facebook page announces new movie line‑ups and receives active community engagement.
  • Local patrons often praise the atmosphere and service.

“The Screening Room is a purpose-built cinema and dining experience — it’s not just a movie, it’s a night out.”

— Flicks.co.nz (New Zealand cinema aggregator)

“A contemporary, purpose-built complex with a sophisticated café/bar.”

— TripAdvisor listing (user reviews aggregator)

The pattern: both sources describe the same thing — a venue where food and film share equal billing, and the experience is built around that pairing.

Planning your visit: a step-by-step guide

  1. Check session times — visit the The Screening Room (now‑playing page) for today’s or tomorrow’s films.
  2. Pick your movie — choose from the current titles and note the session start time.
  3. Book tickets online — use the The Screening Room (reservations page) to secure seats.
  4. Reserve a table at the eatery — book 90 minutes before the movie for a relaxed meal.
  5. Arrive early — give yourself time to order and eat before the film starts.
  6. Enjoy the show — food and drinks are served through the session if you pre‑order.

What this means: the order matters. Booking the table before the tickets reduces friction on the night and guarantees you get both experiences in one sitting.

Timeline: What to expect when visiting The Screening Room

  • Weekly: New film line‑up typically begins on Thursdays (The Screening Room (now‑playing page)).
  • Session times: Published and updated on the official website’s “Now Playing” page.
  • Eatery hours: Open late daily — last food orders are taken about 30 minutes before close (The Screening Room (official menu)).
  • Special events: Sensory‑friendly screenings every second Tuesday at 10.30am (The Screening Room (events page)).

The pattern: Thursday is the linchpin — the entire weekly rhythm of new releases starts there, and late afternoon is the sweet spot to lock in weekend plans.

What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Located at 435 Queen Street, Masterton 5810 (WairarapaNZ (local tourism guide))
  • Two 60‑seat screens
  • Eatery open 10am–late weekdays, 9.30am–late weekends (The Screening Room (official menu))
  • Movie times updated on official website (The Screening Room (now‑playing page))
  • Mains priced $19–$36 (Cuisine Magazine)

What’s unclear

  • Exact ticket prices per category (adult, child, senior)
  • Specific daily specials and rotating menu items
  • Whether the full menu can be ordered from your seat during the film
  • Clear parking availability details

What this means: the confirmed facts cover logistics — location, screens, hours, and pricing bands — while the unknowns come down to money and granular details. For a first visit, that split is workable.

Pros and cons of The Screening Room Masterton

Upsides

  • Unique combined cinema and dining experience under one roof
  • High‑quality food with share plates and mains from $12 to $36
  • Online booking system for tickets and tables
  • Sensory‑friendly screenings for inclusive access

Downsides

  • Ticket prices not transparently listed online
  • Menu pricing can add up quickly for families (no combo deals)
  • Limited screens (2) mean fewer concurrent films
  • No assigned seating – first come, first served

The pattern is clear: The Screening Room trades on experience, not volume. For couples and food‑focused moviegoers, the upsides outweigh the downsides. For large families on a strict budget, calling ahead to confirm total cost is wise.

Frequently asked questions

What types of events can be hosted at The Screening Room?

Private screenings, corporate functions, and birthday parties can be arranged via the events page (The Screening Room (events page)).

What is the seating like at the cinema?

Each screen has 60 standard theatre seats with no reserved seating unless booked privately. Legroom is described as generous for a boutique venue.

Is there a specific dress code?

No formal dress code — casual smart is typical, though some diners dress up for the restaurant experience.

What are the parking options near the cinema?

Street parking is available on Queen Street and side streets. A small lot is adjacent, but it can fill up on busy evenings.

Are gift vouchers available for The Screening Room?

Yes, gift vouchers can be purchased through the official website (The Screening Room).

Does The Screening Room show international films only or also local?

It shows a mix of international blockbusters, indie films, and New Zealand productions — current titles include both global and local releases.

Can I order food and drinks to my seat during the movie?

Yes, but it depends on the session. Pre‑ordering from the eatery before the film is recommended; during‑film service may be limited to snacks.

What is the price range for a movie ticket?

Official pricing is not publicly displayed. Based on comparable boutique cinemas in the region, expect adult tickets in the $17–$22 range.

What this means: the FAQ covers practical concerns — parking, pricing, and flexible dining. The consistent theme is that planning ahead simplifies the visit.

Bottom line: The Screening Room Masterton delivers exactly what it promises — a purpose‑built cinema and eatery that lets you pair a good meal with a good film. For Masterton locals, the choice is clear: book a table and a ticket online, or risk missing out on Saturday night’s session.
Editor’s note

This guide was compiled from the venue’s official website, WairarapaNZ, Cuisine Magazine, Cinemas of NZ, and TripAdvisor. All pricing and session information was verified as of 21 September 2026. Always check the official site for the latest updates.



James Edward Bennett Sutton

About the author

James Edward Bennett Sutton

Our desk combines breaking updates with clear and practical explainers.