Poker is more popular than ever at the moment and London is as smoking hot a place to play as any destination. But where are the hottest spots in the city to pick up a game or join a tournament?
Says Greg Shaun at PokerSites.com about playing poker in London:
Online poker might be convenient, but sometimes you want the glitz and glamour that only a London card room can offer. That way you can watch your opponent’s face as you play, learn to gather information, and get even more clued up for the fast-paced online games. It is in these clubs that you can put your skills to the test and show your opponents how important gaining experience at the online tables is.
With that in mind, you’rre ready to step off the virtual felt and into the real world of London poker, here’s a list of some of the best poker rooms around town. All you need to do is get suited and booted and head out for some great cash game and tournament action.
Asper’s Casino Westfield Stratford City
312 The Loft, Westfield Stratford City, Montfichet Road, London, Olympic Park E20 1ET
The closest London Underground station is at Stratford.
Asper’s is the home to London’s largest poker room featuring 300 permanent seats, extended to 500 seats for large tournaments. There are daily tournaments here as well as cash 24/7 cash games at this upscale venue located at Westfield Stratford City mall right next to the London 2012 Olympic Park.
Big Slick
Royal Oak Centre, Brighton Road, Purley, Surrey CR8 2BG
Slightly out of town in the Surrey suburbs of leafy Purley, Big Slick is a private members club offering TV sports, an internet cafe, sporting celebrity receptions, darts, backgammon, chess, Scrabble and, of course, poker.
The Casino at the Empire
5-6 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7NA
The closest London Underground station is at Leicester Square.
Situated inside the Casino at the Empire, the London Poker Room is located in the very heart of London – Leicester Square. With 24/7 tournaments and cash games and a guaranteed monthly prize pool of £25,000, The Casino at the Empire’s Poker Room is one of the most happening places for live poker action in the UK.
Equal Chance
74-78 St James’s St, London E17 7PE
The closest London Underground station is at Walthamstow Central.
Equal Chance is a family run private members club in the North London neighbourhood of Walthamstow. The place is known for its friendly atmosphere and special activities such as free BBQs and more. For a venue focused more on the spirit of competition and joy of gaming more than glitz and glamour, keep Equal Chance in mind.
Golden Nugget Casino
22-32 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 7EJ
The closest London Underground station is at Piccadilly Circus.
A Los Vegas style casino in Chinatown? How wonderfully exotic … and oh so very London. Come here for Texas Hold ’em, cash games, three card poker in London’s “ultimate poker pit” and more.
Grosvenor G Casino Piccadilly
3-4 Coventry Street, London W1D 6BL
The closest London Underground station is at Piccadilly Circus.
Roulette, Blackjack, Three Card Poker and two Texas Hold Em’ cash game tables plus slot machines, two bars, wraparound big screen TVs showing the biggest sporting events, a balcony looking onto Leicester Square and plenty of other facilities and amenities make the “G” an excellent venue for gaming or just a night out on the town.
The Grosvenor Victoria Casino
150-162 Edgware Road, London W2 2DT
The closest London Underground station is at Edgware Road.
The Poker Room here caters to the serious player as well as the novice with weekly tournaments and cash games for all levels. Beyond the poker, here you’ll find a range of 24 hour gaming activities with all the expected conveniences and facilities for you to make the most of your time.
The Hippodrome Casino London
Cranbourn Street, Leicester Square, London WC2H 7JH
The closest London Underground station is at Leicester Square.
Perched above the main gaming floor of this legendary casino, The Top Deck is one of the most sensational spots in town for poker. Renown as a haven for the rich and famous, spiffying yourself up to take a peek inside is a great way to have a fabulous night.
Palm Beach Casino
30 Berkeley Street, London W1J 8EH
The closest London Underground station is at Green Park.
The exclusive Palm Beach Casino in fashionable Mayfair has a strong reputation for some of the best rounds of poker in town. Looking to rub elbows with the international elite? You’re in the right place.
Playboy Poker Club
14 Old Park Lane, LondonW1K 1ND
The closest London Underground station is at Hyde Park Corner.
In the words of Hugh Hefner, “Life’s too short to live someone else’s dream”. See Hugh’s dreams made real, enjoy some of your own and take in a few rounds of three card poker and more at this luxurious club with some of the most beautiful bunny-eared and cotton-tailed croupiers in town.
