I have often been described as jammy. I would disagree with this title personally as I think that all good things can be achieved by a lot of hard work and large dose positivity and drive, but I can understand why, from the outside, I might appear to be considered lucky.
Perhaps one of the reasons I have been awarded this title in the past is because I rarely place myself in scenarios where I will (probably) definitely lose. I am TERRIBLE at gambling. I played roulette once and lost £70 in 10 minutes. I have never won the lottery, despite being totally convinced I’m going to every time I buy a Euro Millions ticket (I have already chosen the apartment in Covent Garden that I will buy when I win). I once lost a man a huge bet at the races after he insisted I was going to choose his winning horse, despite me objecting profusely and promising him that whoever I chose was guaranteed to lose. This year at Ascot, I decided to dress up, enjoy the sunshine, sip free champagne and have a delicious lunch rather than fall in to the trap of spending loads of cash on bets that were never, ever going to come through. No one on my table won anything either. I am positively a BAD luck charm.
The last time I set foot in a casino was with a wealthy friend of mine who can afford to take risks with his money. I found myself back at the roulette table (why!!!?). What’s your birthday? he asked, I’ll put 100 quid down for you. DON’T DO IT!! I exclaimed, I promise it’s a waste of your money!! Buy a bottle of champagne instead! At least we know we’ll enjoy it! Needless to say he lost. You get the idea.
So, when I was invited along to the launch of the new Hippodrome casino in Leicester Square, I was a little nervous. However I am powerless to turn down a party so ventured out into the rain to see what it was about.
Now, I have never been to Vegas (for obvious reasons – see above), but I can imagine how slickly executed the casinos there are based on reports of braver friends. If a Vegas casino came to London, surely this must be it!?
After a £40million rebuild, one of the most iconic venues in London that once played host to legends like Charlie Chaplin , Tom Jones, Judy Garland and Stevie Wonder, has opened its doors once more.
As I was taken around this enormous building I was amazed. Frankly, it has everything anyone could possible want for a night out! Three floors of gaming for the bold gamblers including a gorgeous high rollers room (unfortunately it was empty as we were early – I was hoping to find me a husband), a 180 seat theatre which will apparently show off some of the best talent from around the world, a fantastic restaurant headed by Executive Chef Barry Vera whose impressive CV includes multiple Michelin-starred establishments, several bars, a smoking terrace that makes you feel like you’re on a boat, and a 24 hour licence.
Famous faces that showed up for the launch to sip mini Pop bottles of champagne and try their luck on the tables included Daisy Lowe, the gorgeous Jade Parfitt, East-End boys Danny Dyer and Tamer Hassan, Jodie Kidd and Imogen Thomas.
As I chatted away, laughing and sipping pink bubbles, I saw no reason why I wouldn’t come back here to do exactly that again. And I think that’s the point. If you like the thrill of placing a bet, this place will be your paradise. But if you don’t (like me) there’s no reason why you can’t have just as good a night with your friends soaking up the atmosphere and sipping a few great cocktails. Now that’s what I call a win!
