I’m not sure if those of us who think we are familiar with all the famous cinemas and tourist attractions in and around Leicester Square in central London are aware of the city-within-a casino complex that is the Empire Casino on the square.
Asians love to enjoy themselves on festivals, special nights out and weekends, and this completely international place provides you with all you can want- at a ridiculously good value for central London.
Inside, there is a whole array of opportunities for people to play and have fun, as well as a sports bar and a fantastic Asian fusion restaurant. The atmosphere is buzzing on arrival
Guests can come in and use the bars and restaurant without even playing, but it is more fun to combine activities.
On the upper level, almost a hidden secret, is the lovely Icon Bar which has a warm-as-toast outdoor veranda for smokers and those wishing to enjoy the fresh air, with high misty glass walls so revellers in Leicester Square are not immediately aware of those right above them. The view is really spectacular and it is hard to believe that you are actually in central London- you almost feel as though you might be in Vegas or some exotic resort somewhere. It even connects to a private 80- seat cinema.
The entrance to the Empire Casino is wide and welcoming, and the whole place has strict security with plenty of smiling friendly staff- so you are well looked after and safe, wherever you are in the complex. Wherever you look, people are fully engaged, having a good time.
Firstly, there is a cosmopolitan atmosphere with Chinese, Indians, Philippinos and other nationalities a- plenty enjoying themselves at assorted tables all over the sparkling chandeliered ground floor.
Our evening consisted of a Cosmopolitan package, available for £35.00 a head. There is a glittering array of different priced packages on offer, and you can also freestyle a la carte to your heart’s content too.
After a smiling welcome from the very nice Lithuanian Eleta Gudeliunaite, we were conducted to a reserved table hosted by a happy dealer; Sean, who has been at the club for nine years. In an easy, professional manner, he taught me how to master the basics of different forms of Blackjack over half an hour. The club also offers Roulette, all sorts of Poker (including Three Card and Texas Holden), and, popular with the Chinese; Punto Banco, similar to the Baccarat enjoyed by James Bond when he is seen at casinos. Later on, I was even given a free bet to play at one of the live tables- great fun, I felt very grown up!
The casino is open 24 hours, seven days a week, and is only shut one day of the year- Christmas Day.
Sean told me that he enjoys his stress- free job, and during the week he has a host of regulars. (He and his colleagues keep an eye out for those who may need help, and there is management support for those who need it).
Sean says that Asians and East Asians love to spend money in such establishments; they understand how to enjoy themselves and are not generally too frugal with their cash.
The Empire Casino is for those with £5.00, £50.00, £500, £5000, or more to spend, he tells me. In other words, whatever is in your pocket, you can have a good time.
After the lesson, we are shown upstairs- past the Carlsberg Bar full of cheering rugby fans gripped by a match – and into The FuLuShou restaurant where a sumptuous two course meals awaits us, consisting of starters- prawn crackers, spring rolls, prawns, and tempura vegetables. Then the main course. We were served by a friendly Hungarian lady, Viktoria Csele, and enjoyed our chicken chow mein-type dish, beef and cashew, and beef in black bean sauce with rice and sauces. It was all steaming hot, served in the blink of an eye, and made freshly in front of us by two white- hatted chefs –utterly delicious and filling!
The restaurant is on the first floor, with nice carved partitioning giving a feeling of being separate from but still part of the main casino.
Impressively, when Eleta’s Lithuanian colleague Victoria came to take us up to the Icon Bar, freshly made Cosmopolitan and fruity alcohol- free cocktails awaited us in a reserved area –she must have radio’ed up to the Icon Bar without us knowing- fantastic service!
The high level of care and attention at the Empire Casino is something we will not forget- an Asian trait that Asians love. For us, a Saturday night out that was something completely different and the best action in town.
