Enjoying a movie under the stars on a warm summers night is one of those quintessential Sydney experiences. It’s no wonder we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor cinemas – from Bondi Open Air in the east, St George Open Air in the city and Movies in the Overflow out west.

We hopped along to a screening of Sophia Coppola’s Somewhere at ME Bank Starlight Cinemas last week. While it lacks the backdrop that the city venues offer, Starlight Cinemas has its own charm set in North Sydney Oval with its heritage grandstands and ‘hallowed’ turf.

There are three seating areas available at Starlight Cinemas, the most sought after being the Crust Lawn Lounge up front which offers rows of cushy bean beds. Star Class tickets are also available, which include a dinner hamper, bar service and deck chair seating.

As sponsors, Crust is offering pizza deliveries to movie goers. Simply call up Crust Neutral Bay beforehand to place your order and your pizza will arrive at 7:30pm, leaving plenty of time to enjoy before the movie.

While most guests bring along their own snacks and drinks to the movie, I thought the food and beverage offering at the venue was very reasonable: $4 gets you a chocolate brownie, $5 a bottle of beer and $6 a glass of wine.

There’s still time to catch a movie before the 2011 summer season ends on 6 March. Check out www.mebankstarlightcinema.com.au for more information. Tickets start at $16.

A big thank you to the team at Crust for organising our visit.