Dining at the casino hippodrome is a treat in itself, with several bars and restaurants spread across the building.
A Legendary London Landmark
The Hippodrome sits on the corner of Cranbourn Street and Charing Cross Road in Leicester Square, a spot it has occupied since 1900. Over the decades it has served as a circus, a variety theatre, a nightclub and now one of the capital’s best-known casinos. That layered history gives the building a character you simply do not find in modern gaming venues, and it carries through to the food and drink on offer.
For visitors heading to the West End for a show, a match or a night out, the venue works as both a pre-theatre stop and a late-night destination. The kitchens and bars are open long after most Soho restaurants have called last orders, which makes it a genuinely useful option rather than a novelty.
What to Expect from the Restaurants
The dining offering leans towards modern European cooking with a few British classics thrown in. Menus change with the seasons, but you can generally rely on steaks, grilled fish, pasta and a solid burger. Portions are generous and presentation is polished without being fussy.
Service is friendly and used to the rhythms of theatreland. Tell your server you have a curtain time and they will pace the meal accordingly. Walk-ins are usually fine earlier in the evening, but it is worth booking if you are a group of four or more, or if you are visiting on a Friday or Saturday.
Bars for Every Mood
There is no single bar here; instead, the venue spreads its drinking across several spaces, each with a slightly different feel. The main casino floor bar is the busiest and the most atmospheric, with low lighting, attentive staff and a cocktail list that covers the classics well. If you want somewhere quieter for a conversation, the lounge areas away from the gaming tables are a better bet.
Expect to find a good range of spirits, a short but well-chosen wine list and a handful of beers on tap. Non-alcoholic options have improved in recent years, so designated drivers and teetotallers are not stuck with orange juice.
Practical Tips Before You Go
- Dress code: Smart casual is the safe choice. Trainers are generally fine, but sportswear and ripped jeans may be turned away.
- Entry: You will need photo ID to enter the casino, even if you are only eating or drinking. A driving licence or passport works.
- Age: The venue is strictly 18 and over, so it is not suitable for children.
- Timing: Book before 6pm if you want a relaxed meal. After 9pm the atmosphere shifts towards the gaming floor and it gets louder.
- Location: Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus tube stations are both a short walk away, and there are plenty of taxis on Charing Cross Road.
Food, Drink and the Gaming Floor
One of the advantages of eating here is the proximity to the tables. You can enjoy a full meal, then wander a few steps to try your hand at roulette, blackjack or poker without braving the Leicester Square crowds. Staff are happy to explain the basics if you are new to casino gaming, and the minimum bets are reasonable for central London.
If you would rather keep things low-key, the bar areas offer a comfortable vantage point. Order a drink, settle into a seat and watch the room without committing to a game. It is a pleasant way to spend an hour before catching the last tube.
Is It Worth It?
Yes, particularly if you value convenience. The combination of a central location, late opening hours and a kitchen that takes its food seriously is rare in this part of London. Prices are what you would expect for the West End, so budget accordingly, but the quality justifies the cost.
Whether you are planning a full dinner, a few cocktails before a show or a bite after a late finish, the Hippodrome covers all three without requiring you to move between venues. Book ahead at peak times, bring ID, and you will have a smooth evening from start to finish.
