Charlie Shakespeare is on his travels again (he doesn’t sit still for a minute, does he!).
This time, Charles is in the big smoke to uncover the magic of the famous venue: the Hippodrome. Opened over 120 years ago, the Hippodrome has been everything from an arena with a 100,000-gallon water tank sunk into the floor to where escapologist Harry Houdini performed in 1904, and a Peter Stringfellow-run club. Now, father and son entrepreneurs Jimmy and Simon Thomas have returned the Leicester Square landmark to its majestic glory as a beautifully-restored casino and entertainment space.
This brand-new, three-part documentary series, Inside Hippodrome Casino takes us behind the scenes at this one-of-a-kind venue.
The trailer for episode one goes live Thursday 12th February @ 5pm. Read on for the inside scoop.
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The Hippodrome Casino, London

The London Hippodrome has always been a shape-shifter. Since opening in 1900, it’s lived many lives. But today, after decades of reinvention, the building is now a multi-level entertainment destination in the heart of London where gaming, live performance, dining and nightlife work together.
It’s got everything you’d expect from a casino and then some! It certainly gives casino sites a run for their money. There’s “seven floors of fun, three casinos, London’s largest dedicated poker floor, a multi-award-winning steak house, the famous Chop Chop Chinese restaurant, a hidden bar, 326-seat Magic Mike Live theatre, nine bars, sports lounges, event spaces, an amazing three-floor outdoor terrace and more”, apparently.
Alongside its four gaming floors and PokerStars LIVE poker room, the building unfolds into a full night out with delicious dining at Heliot Steak House and Chop Chop, considered as some of London’s best restaurants. Bars are scattered throughout, from The Gods Rooftop overlooking Leicester Square to hidden corners like Archive & Myth, while Paddy’s Sportsbook brings live sport with Paddy Power. Add headline shows such as Magic Mike Live (opened by the legendary Channing Tatum in 2018) and a packed calendar of regular events, and the Hippodrome feels like the ultimate destination.
What You’ll See in the Inside Series
- Episode 1: Thursday 26th February
Exploring the venue’s history and the casino that’s lighting up London.
- Episode 2: Thursday 5th March
Exploring all the gaming options available over four floors, including poker, slots, Paddy’s Sportsbook (sports bar in partnership with Paddy Power)
- Episode 3: Thursday 12th March
The rest the venue has to offer – bars, restaurants, and Magic Mike Live!
The series trailer drops Thursday 12th Feb at 5pm. This is one series you’ll want to call full house with. Enjoy!


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