The Hippodrome

Address: Cranbourn Street, Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7JH , United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)207 769 8888
Website: view The Hippodrome’s website
Door: Open door/walk-ins
Style: Casino bar

Review

The Hippodrome reopened in late 2012 in a new slick casino guise, hopefully enough to shed its reputation as a seedy nightclub and reflective of the recently remodelled Leicester Square itself. Anyone is welcome, at the doormens' discretion, and you don't need to become a member to enter.

Looking over the gaming floor is half the fun of visiting. Even for non-gamers the sight of the blackjack tables, the uniformed dealers and the poker faces seem like a glamorous other world.

The Hippodrome is home to several bars, of which cocktails are served at two. Head upstairs first to the wrap-around mezzanine, where a curved bar overlooks the green velvet tables and players' hopeful faces, while the decor harmonises with the red of hearts and black of spades, epitomising the typically understated - ahem - casino styling. Underfoot is a floor surface embedded with thousands of pennies. A lounge is tucked away behind the bar.

Head upstairs again and you'll find a second cocktail bar with an adjoining smoking terrace. A small selection of cigars is available to take outside and smoke among the iconic racing chariot statues that populate the Hippodrome's rooftop.

The drinks available tend to the classics, which are executed well, and homage is particularly paid to the gin and tonic which can be ordered in eight different serves. Renowned experimental bartender Tony Conigliaro has also curated a collection.

Staff are plentiful and service is efficient and fast.