It will be the UK’s first “international style” casino boasting The Heliot restaurant, lounge and bar spread over three floors; private dining rooms; a live stage area with a 200-seat cabaret theatre and outdoor smoking terraces – as well as, course, a casino.
The Grade 11-listed building has been regenerated by casino tycoons and father and son, Jimmy and Simon Thomas. The pair admitted completely their budget on the project which lasted seven years.
They hope to return the venue to its former glory – back to the days when it hosted legends such as Charlie Chaplin, Judy Garland and Stevie Wonder – and don’t want to exclude non-gamblers.
“If people want to come in, watch a show and have a few drinks without doing any gambling, we’ll still be happy,” said Simon Thomas.