London Hippodrome to reopen next month as Hippodrome Casino

The Hippodrome will reopen as the UK's first 'international style' casino next month following a £40m investment project.

Work began on the iconic London venue in Leicester Square, designed by archtitect Frank Matcham, in July 2009 to restore it to its original 1900s glory.

The Hippodrome Casino will comprise the Heliot restaurant, lounge and bar, a cocktail bar, private dining rooms and events spaces, a dedicated live entertainment venue together with traditional and state-of-the-art electronic gaming.

"People are surprised when I say the Hippodrome Casino is not just about gaming," said owner Simon Thomas. "This is an evening out for everyone from 21 upwards looking for the best all-round 24-hour venue in the capital. And we also have a smoking terrace too, in the heart of the West End."

A new work by British pop artist Sir Peter Blake, best known for the cover art of the Beatles classic album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band, has been commissioned for the casino foyer.

The food and beverage operations will be managed by US restaurant chain the One Group. Heliot, which will have a street entrance on Cranbourn Street leading to the first floor balcony, is a three-tier restaurant and cocktail bar overlooking the main gaming floor of the casino.

The menu of contemporary British brasserie food, with some American classics, aims to appeal to a broad clientele. Seating 44, the third tier of Heliot will be reservations only, the second is open to walk-ins and the first tier will be a bar area offering light sharing dishes.

Two private dining rooms, each seating up to 25 people, will also be available. The One Group's Barry Vera, who has just been announced as the executive chef of STK at forthcoming Aldwych hotel ME London, will also oversee F&B at the Hippodrome.

Geoff Todd, former general manager of Ronnie Scotts, will manage the venue, while mixologist Tony Conigliaro has been recruited to develop the cocktail offer.

By Janie Manzoori-Stamford

E-mail your comments to Janie Manzoori-Stamford here.

If you have something to say on this story or anything else join the debate at Table Talk - Caterer's new networking forum. Go to www.catererandhotelkeeper.com/tabletalk

Catererandhotelkeeper.com jobs

Looking for a new job? Find your next job here with Catererandhotelkeeper.com jobs