London’s Best Poker Rooms
For millions of players all over the world, poker has a special allure. It’s thanks to the fact that it’s a unique card game that involves a tantalising combination of luck, skill and bravado. So even if you have the worst hand around the table, there’s always the chance that you could still emerge as the winner.
It’s also not surprising that there are plenty of opportunities to play the game at major cities around the world – and this naturally includes London.
There are numerous casinos that make a special point of the facilities that they offer poker aficionados and here, in no particular order, are five that will welcome you with open arms.
The Grosvenor Victoria
Arguably the most famous poker room in London can be found not in the heart of Victoria as you might expect, but on the Edgware Road, north of Marble Arch.
It has gained the reputation as somewhere that the serious players gravitate towards when they want to play for high stakes – although there are also plenty of lower stakes games on the go around the clock. Incidentally, it’s also the second biggest poker room in the capital.
Something else that has also helped to build its reputation is the fact that many professional tournaments are held there. This includes the final of the UK’s most prestigious event, the GUKPT as well as the EPT and WHUP. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, a visit to “The Vic” is always a welcoming experience.
The Empire
Once upon a time, The Empire was recognised as being one of London’s most comfortable cinemas. Today, it’s undoubtedly the most comfortable place to enjoy a game of poker. That’s because in its poker room all the seating comes in the form of reclining chairs.
This might not seem so important. But if you’re in for a long session it can make quite a difference.
Despite the exclusive surroundings, there’s no need to register to play here. But if you do then there are loyalty points and bonus for the taking. It can also make you eligible for certain tournaments that are not open to walk-in players.
Another great feature is the bad-beat jackpot that can go to any player who loses any game of Texas Hold’em with a hand of four twos or better.
The Hippodrome
In a previous life, the Hippodrome was a legendary 60s nightspot called The Talk of the Town. All the big stars of the day from Shirley Bassey to Judy Garland played there adding a little taste of Vegas glamour.
Today it’s home to a casino split over three floors and the poker room, though only small with four tables, has plenty to recommend it. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to play in a more intimate environment and also to mix things up a little with other casino games like blackjack and baccarat.
If time at the poker table helps to build up an appetite then there’s another one waiting for you at the Heliot Steakhouse Restaurant. And if you fancy a musical interlude then there’s also a 180-seat cabaret room harking back to the building’s star-studded past.
Aspers
When London was preparing for the 2012 Olympics the area to the east of the city was a hive of new developments. This was good news for poker players as well as for sports fans as it saw the building of the massive Westfield development, home to Aspers Stratford Poker Room.
It boasts the fact that it’s the UK’s biggest and often hosts satellite tournaments offering entry to even bigger events for the winners. Among its features are a number of free rake tables where you can sharpen your skills before playing for real money.
There’s also the special accumulator jackpot that is awarded to any player who manages to get the magical hand of a diamond royal flush.
Crown Aspinalls
Aspinalls is a name that, for many decades, has been synonymous with exclusive gaming in the city. Its original founder, John Aspinall, may no longer be with us but his spirit lives on in this casino.
Set in an elegant 17th century townhouse in Mayfair it offers the opportunity to enjoy the fast-moving and exciting version of the game, three-card poker. In the Aspinalls version there’s even a progressive jackpot to be claimed by a lucky winner.
The casino prides itself on offering private gaming that is also offered in a very friendly and hospitable ambience. In the 27 Restaurant and Bar you will also find exquisite international cuisine under the superb leadership of the executive chef Nicola Ducceschi.
So next time you’re in London with an urge for a game or two of poker, head for any one of these five places. And may all the cards fall your way.