Venue of the Week: Grosvenor Casino

Casinos can be a very intimidating place. No matter the time of day, the month or the year, entering a casino can feel like you’ve entered a completely separate timezone, the lighting can be harsh and the gamblers can be abrasive and aggressive. This is why I, like many, tend to avoid casinos, especially in London, and this is why I was left so surprised after my time at Grosvenor.

Invited to attend their Christmas showcase at the Grosvenor Casino on Gloucester Road, I walked out of the torrential rain of rush hour London and was welcomed into a very warmly lit, intimate venue that helped take the chill out of my journey. Taken to their dining area, which was reserved for the Christmas attendees and meeting the fellow guests besides a Christmas tree, sipping a festive cocktail, it was easy to forget that it is, in fact, the end of summer.

What impressed me the most was the warmth of the staff. For those looking to book out the venue this Christmas season, you’ll also be booking the opportunity to play some ‘training sessions’. These give you access to a big pile of gambling chips and the chance to talk through how to play the likes of blackjack and roulette while sipping on drinks of your choice, all without the risk of spending any real money. I must admit, despite how delicious the cocktails were – all with their own winter themes – there was something uniquely satisfying about grasping a handful of casino chips and sipping a martini as I decide to throw caution to the wind and bet it all on red.

The verdict
Grosvenor Casino left me pleasantly surprised, offering businesses care, attention and warmth that isn’t always associated with the business. More in line with the idea of casinos from the movies, the venue is encouraging companies to wrap up 2017 with a bang, and for companies unsure about the experience, I’d say it was worth the gamble.

A special party menu is launching in time for November, and the Christmas packages are on offer at all 53 casinos across the UK and you can learn more by visiting their website.