Acquired by Metropolitan Gaming in 2022, the building previously hosted the troubled Park Lane Club from 1994. The newest addition to Mayfair’s iconic casino district, the Metropolitan Mayfair is a far cry from its origins, putting a modern twist on the classic casino decor for a wholly unique, luxurious vibe.
Casinos in Mayfair
Nowadays, online casinos can recreate table classics like blackjack online – with options to play first person, a single hand, switch it up, place side bets, or even immerse themselves in live gameplay against like minded players – capturing the authentic atmosphere of in-person casinos.
However, when Metropolitan Gaming was first founded in 1981 – starting out as a chain of casinos known as London Clubs, owned by Grand Metropolitan – players had to head to their local casino to play their next hand. And thus, over forty years later, and after becoming known as the host of the World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE), Metropolitan Gaming introduced its newest casino to the world, nestled in the heart of Mayfair – the aptly named Metropolitan Mayfair.
Mayfair’s Newest Luxury Casino
The Metropolitan Mayfair first opened its doors to the public on Friday 2nd December 2022, just a few months after the building was acquired by Metropolitan Gaming. Within the casino, players can dive into classic casino games like punto banco, poker, blackjack, and roulette, as well as perch upon lavish chairs to try their hand at swish electronic gaming and slot machines.
This freshly refurbed and extensively remodelled casino has breathed new life into the building, so much so that it is said to have left the club unrecognisable to the previous Park Lane Club. That said, there’s no mistaking the Metropolitan Mayfair, as visitors are welcomed by swathes of black and white marble and a glowing branded neon sign.
Situated in the heart of Mayfair’s casino district, the refurb harkens back to the heightened luxury of casinos in decades past, with hints of art deco at the core of its design. This luxurious feel is furthered by a sweeping marble staircase and the sparkling crystal chandeliers that adorn the sculpted and intricate ceilings.
The elegance of the Metropolitan Mayfair is elevated with contemporary twists, blending modern clean lines with traditional casino motifs. This is particularly exemplified by the innovative outdoor gaming terrace, which is heated all year round so you can kick back and relax between games, or breathe in fresh air whilst you have another spin.
Once you’re peckish, you can walk through the crystal wall to the restaurant, headed by Chef Lalit. The fine dining restaurant serves internationally-inspired fare using fine, fresh ingredients. From Canadian lobster to lamb biryani, za’atar crusted salmon to the spectacular robata grill, the dishes are varied and glamourous, boasting a selection that seems almost impossible to choose from.
Whether you’re looking to have pre-dinner drinks or take a break from playing, the intimate lounge bar is the central hub of the Metropolitan Mayfair, staffed with skilled mixologists and stocked with a carefully curated drink selection.
Metropolitan Casinos
Over the years, Metropolitan Casinos have seemingly continuously changed hands. Originally known as London Clubs, the initial chain of London-based casinos were owned by Grand Metropolitan upon their launch in 1981. After growing the chain to boast six London Casinos, one casino in France, and five situated aboard the luxurious Cunard Line cruise ships, just seven years later Grand Metropolitan sold their stake in the chain.
At this stage, London Clubs became an independent company. London Clubs International (LCI) then became a publicly traded company in 1994. 10 years later, after an attempt to expand to Las Vegas – a gamble that didn’t pay off – LCI was bought by Harrah’s Entertainment (now Caesars Entertainment, of Caesars Palace fame), which itself was eventually acquired by Eldorado Resorts.
Most recently, the casino chain was bought by Metropolitan Gaming, along with Caesars’ Europe, Middle East, and Africa division (EMEA). Metropolitan Gaming is a recently-formed affiliate company of Silver Point Capital.
In addition to the Metropolitan Mayfair, Metropolitan Gaming boasts several other casinos throughout the UK – namely, Alea Glasgow, Alea Nottingham, Manchester 235, and The Rendezvous Casino Brighton. In London, it also boasts the iconic Empire Casino in Leicester Square, in addition to the Las Vegas-style The Sportsman Casino close to Marble Arch.
Further afield, Metropolitan Gaming has one casino in Vanderbijlpark, South Africa – Emerald Resort & Casino – as well as three casinos in Cairo, Egypt – London Club Cairo, The Ramses Casino Cairo, and The King and Queens Cairo.
