Is this the world’s smallest cinema? And why is it in Leeds?

The converted London cab is thought to be the smallest cinema in the country.

It is one of the more unusual venues being used as part of the 29th Leeds International Film Festival, which begins today and runs until November 19 - the cab will be in situ, on the first floor of the Trinity shopping centre in Leeds until November 18.

Also known as ‘The Tipple Taxi’, it is big enough for just three people to sit comfortably, with a nearby bar selling local coffees and teas in the morning and ales and cocktails in the evening.

What could be the country’s - if not the world’s - smallest cinema will be showing a series of half-hour short films, all of which will have a driving theme.

Chris Fell, festival director, said: “It’s something a little bit different. One of our venues for the festival is the Everyman cinema and so if people arrive early, perhaps they can spend half an hour watching a film in the cab while enjoying a cocktail.”

Tipple Taxi owner Lucas Sinclair, who has toured the cab at Glastonbury and hires it out for weddings and other events, said: “I started with it in 2004 but this is the first time I’ve used it as a cinema.”

The festival itself will be screening dozens of films at venues across the city - there will be screenings at Leeds Town Hall and an exclusive preview of the new Nick Horby-scripted historical drama Brooklyn, which is released in cinemas nationally on Friday.