Sir Henry Royce, automotive genius – 1863-1933
27 March 2023
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3 April 2023The Red and the Black
London’s casino scene combines the historic with the modern to create something that’s really rather good
E xciting, glamorous and peopled by larger-than-life characters as well as having a great heritage to celebrate – London’s casino scene is, in some ways, a microcosm of the city itself. It’s also particularly exciting and dynamic at the moment as alongside some of the most celebrated names, a whole new collection of casinos is opening to satisfy the growing demand for glamorous gaming from visitors from the emerging economies as well as well-established markets. Meanwhile, many of those centuries-old institutions are also refurbishing, revamping and embracing 21st century gaming culture and nightlife.
The Playboy Club
14 Old Park Lane, W1
Tel: 020 7491 8586
playboyclublondon.com
When it exploded onto swinging London’s nightclub scene back in 1966 the city’s first Playboy club attracted names such as Sean Connery, Joan Collins and Jack Nicholson. ‘It was one of my favourite times for the brand,’ said Hugh Hefner, understandably, in a recent interview.
Designed to incorporate a number of influences from the original club, the new venue, which opened to much fanfare last year, integrates gaming with contemporary nightlife in a setting that aims to be both sexy and sophisticated – complete with Playboy Bunnies. Cocktails are created by the celebrated ‘mixologist’, Salvatore Calbrese.
‘The nostalgia for the original club is something that plays in our favour,’ says director Adam Roberts. ‘We’re in a time where retro is cool and the Mad Men craze seems to keep growing. Many of our members’ parents were members in the Sixties so the kudos attached to being a Playboy Club key holder has been passed down a generation.’
The Ritz Club
150 Piccadilly, W1
Tel: 020 7499 1818
theritzclub.com
It has the name and it has the grandeur. With its sumptuous gilt interiors, the Ritz Club is probably one of the most celebrated casinos in the world. The main salon was once the ballroom where the celebrated actress Lily Langtree, ‘The Jersey Lily’, danced with King Edward VIII.
But it’s not resting on its – gilded – laurels. The club recently introduced a High Stakes Poker Evening each Wednesday, in the members’ lounge, the Amber Room. Luxury need not necessarily mean cloying richness, either. The club now has a ‘Healthy Options’ range on its menu for members watching their figure.
The main salon was once the ballroom where the celebrated actress Lily Langtree, ‘The Jersey Lily’, danced with King Edward VIII
Hippodrome
42-43 Cranbourn Street, WC2
Tel: 020 7769 8888
hippodromecasino.com
The Hippodrome is a vivid example of how London is reinventing its heritage as a centre for gaming and nightlife. In this Grade II listed building with its Flemish Renaissance plasterwork, friezes and mosaics a new club has just opened.
It features a top-class restaurant and lounge bar, a cocktail bar, private dining rooms and events spaces plus a dedicated live entertainment venue together with traditional and state-of-the-art electronic gaming. Food includes sharing dishes such as Beef Wellington with wild mushrooms, foie gras, prosciutto in a red wine sauce and ‘fish and chips for two’.
Owner Simon Thomas says: ‘If you want to have a flutter on the tables, then we’ve got areas for those with either £20 in their pockets or the keen gambler wishing to stake higher amounts. People are surprised when I say the Hippodrome Casino is not just about gaming. We’re about fun, entertainment, great food and drink in amazing surroundings.’
Les Ambassadeurs
5 Hamilton Place, W1
Tel: 020 7495 5555
lesambassadeurs.com
With a history dating back to the early 19th century, this great London institution has welcomed dukes, movie stars and the biggest names in pop – often simultaneously.
Like some other London clubs it’s currently undergoing a major refurbishment. The aim is to expand the exclusive, private gaming salons to create a more secluded environment for high net-worth individuals and well-known names.
The new-look ‘Les A’ will also have an updated and enlarged bar and lounge area as well as refreshing the overall design in a way that will celebrate the club’s history while giving it a more contemporary feel. Games, too, are being reviewed to appeal to new audiences – craps will now be available, and following the growing interest in cards among a younger generation of gamer, high stakes poker will be available, albeit by invitation only.
Interior designer Tara Bernard, whose clientele includes modern venues such as Thompson Hotels, has celebrated the luxury of Aspinalls
Aspinalls
27-28 Curzon Street, W1
Tel: 020 7499 4599
crownlondonaspinalls.com
London’s gaming scene is proud of its larger-than-life characters and John Aspinall easily fits that mould.
Having founded the Clermont Club in Berkeley Square in 1962, a venue both celebrated and notorious in equal measure – but certainly the place to be seen – Aspinall took time out to concentrate on his other great love, wildlife. He established a number of parks to protect animals. However, he then returned to the business in 1992 and opened Aspinalls.
Many of the wildlife paintings that adorn the walls of the club are from his private collection, but this is another London gaming landmark that has undergone a refurbishment in order to appeal to a younger audience.
Interior designer Tara Bernard, whose clientele includes modern venues such as Thompson Hotels, has celebrated the gaming club’s luxury with its panelled walls and deep leather armchairs but she has contrasted that with powerful modern art and splashes of strong colour.
Crockfords
30 Curzon Street, W1
Tel: 020 7493 7771
crockfords.com
Back in 1828 William Crockford, the son of a fishmonger, had the idea of creating a club of ‘splendour and elegance fit for royalty, diplomats and the aristocratic élite’. Its modern incarnation is Crockfords. One of the more traditional London clubs, its décor aims to recreate the Regency splendour of William Crockford’s initial venture and so it features swag curtains and dark wood furniture and panelled walls.
One very modern aspect, though, is the Lounge, which offers business facilities for those looking for a temporary office facility. Games on offer include American roulette, blackjack, baccarat and casino poker. As well as the gaming areas, there’s a range of high stakes rooms that provide privacy if required.
Words: TG
This article was originally published in Halcyon magazine in 2012
