About Time: London’s Historical Empire CasinoBy Angelica Malin
London is one of the great capitals of the world. A bustling and vibrant metropolis of 9 million people, drawing in millions of tourists and visitors each year. A multi-cultural centre boasting the world’s finest cuisine, arts, and historical sites, the sheer amount of choice of attractions can be bewildering at first.
It can be difficult to visit all these historical landmarks, especially if you want to visit some of the best entertainment venues in town. When it comes to casinos, there are few places with as interesting and long a history as the Empire Casino.
The Empire Casino is located in the heart of London’s West End and stands at 55,000 square feet, it is home to 127 slot machines and 50 table games. Open 24/7, it is the perfect destination for weekend high rollers or just a casual gambler looking to place a £10 bet. The classic style of this venue is one that many online betting and gambling operators aim to emulate in their platforms, with online slots now not only reflecting this aesthetic but many of the specific games available onsite too.
Although the casino only opened its doors in the mid-2000’s, the building itself has a historic past dating back to April 1884 when it was the Empire Theatre. Designed by Thomas Verity, the theatre underwent many changes previous to becoming a leading casino establishment. It was reconstructed three times in the period prior, taking shape as a cinema, music hall and even a ballroom. It was in 2007 when the casino was fully established and finally opened its doors to the general public.
With over a century of history, the modern luxury casino still has that timely feel. But although it has moved away from its theatrical background, the building still hosts some excellent on-stage entertainment.
The venue plays host to events like the Soho Comedy Club at its shadow bar every Saturday night. The comedy is outstanding, producing a new line-up of talent every weekend and have won several awards. The Soho Comedy Club was named one of the top 10 comedy clubs in the city by Time Out.
There are also “experiences” that can be booked within the casino, perfect for birthdays or anniversaries. There is a “Cocktail Masterclass” option where you are taught how to make expert cocktails by an in-house mixologist and a “Poker Experience” a two-hour lesson with a dealer.
If you are an avid sports fan and want an optimised viewing experience, you can visit the King Sports Bar. You have your pick of 14 screens surrounding the bar and two giant screens to enjoy your favourite sport around the clock.
The hustle and bustle of a city like London is hard to avoid but if you want to take a break from the traditional tourist attractions, then the Empire Casino is perfect for you.
