A Landmark of London Entertainment
Few buildings in London command as much respect as the Hippodrome. Sitting proudly on the corner of Cranbourn Street and Charing Cross Road, it has been a fixture of the West End since 1900. Over more than a century it has evolved from a grand variety theatre into a world-class casino, yet it never lost the theatrical magic that made its name. That rare blend of history, architecture and modern gaming is exactly why it remains one of the UK’s most iconic venues.
Few venues in Britain carry the same sense of occasion, and the hippodrome casino has earned its reputation as a landmark for players and theatre-goers alike.
From Variety Theatre to Gaming Destination
The Hippodrome was designed by Frank Matcham, one of the most celebrated theatre architects of his era. When it opened, it hosted jugglers, acrobats, dancers and music hall stars. Its stage even featured a water tank for aquatic performances, a spectacle that drew crowds from across the city. In later decades it became a nightclub and then a casino, but the original stage, balconies and ornate plasterwork were carefully preserved. Walking through its doors today feels like stepping into a piece of living history.
Architecture That Still Dazzles
Very few casinos in the UK can match the Hippodrome for sheer visual drama. The Grade II listed interior features gilded ceilings, sweeping staircases and intricate detail at every turn. The main gaming floor occupies what was once the auditorium, giving players the unusual experience of gambling beneath a theatre proscenium. This combination of heritage and atmosphere is impossible to fake, and it is a major reason the venue attracts visitors from around the world.
A Full Night Out Under One Roof
What sets the Hippodrome apart is that it offers far more than tables and slots. Guests can enjoy fine dining, cocktails, live entertainment and late-night music without ever leaving the building. The venue spans several floors, each with its own character, from intimate poker rooms to a lively rooftop bar. It is a place where a meal, a show and a session at the tables can all form part of the same evening.
Gaming for Every Kind of Player
The casino caters to both newcomers and seasoned regulars. Its gaming options include:
- Traditional table games such as roulette, blackjack and baccarat
- A dedicated poker room hosting regular tournaments and cash games
- Hundreds of slot machines and electronic gaming terminals
- Private gaming salons for high rollers and special occasions
- Sports betting and live dealer experiences
This variety means visitors can start with a small stake and a friendly dealer, or aim for something more exclusive, all within the same historic walls.
Location, Location, Location
The Hippodrome sits in the heart of Leicester Square, surrounded by theatres, restaurants and transport links. That position makes it easy to reach for Londoners and tourists alike. It is a short walk from Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden, and it stays open around the clock, which suits the rhythm of a city that never really stops. For many visitors, it becomes the natural end point of a West End night out.
Why It Endures
Fashionable venues come and go, but the Hippodrome has survived two world wars, shifting tastes and changing laws. It endures because it respects its past while embracing the present. The staff, the setting and the sheer scale of the operation give it a sense of occasion that smaller casinos simply cannot replicate. Whether you are a serious player or simply curious about one of London’s grandest buildings, it offers an experience that stays with you long after the last spin of the wheel.
