Bringing Las Vegas to London, The Casino at the Empire is a venue filled with bars, clubs and restaurants, so even if gambling isn’t your thing you can still check out what all the fuss is about. The Shadow Bar is the VIP members club – and it really ticks all the boxes.

The Venue
The Casino at the Empire is quite a feat. Both inside and out it’s unashamedly over the top and extravagant, but therein lies its charm. It’s just on the right side of tacky – not quite stepping over that fine line – and The Shadow Bar is something even more special.

Tucked away on the level above the main gambling area lies this VIP members club, and upon entering you feel totally detached from London and are transported into a mini Vegas. The bar is named after the Shadow Dancers – girls who dance seductively behind lighted screens – and this gives a definite air of James Bond about the place. There are also TV screens dotted all around the room where more beautiful shadows dance. There’s a large, lighted dancefloor that takes up the centre of the area and changes colour depending on the mood, and it is here where live entertainment is hosted. There’s also a large bar with well-presented bar staff and a nice-sized seating area if you’d rather sit back and watch the entertainment on offer.

The Atmosphere
The atmosphere is one of lavish luxury with a fun twist. It’s not as pretentious as you might expect and the feel of the place is friendlier than similar members clubs. You also can’t help but feel like you’ve just stepped into an old-day James Bond movie. The understated seductiveness of the dancers, whose silhouette is all you see, is sexy without being tacky and women can enjoy the show as well as men. People come here to escape the hustle and bustle of the main casino and the exclusive nature of the club mean it doesn’t get overcrowded or rowdy.

The Music
The DJ plays to the crowd, there are no theme nights and the tunes are people-pleasing and meant to get you out your seats and practicing your own moves on the dancefloor while the shadow dancers dance all around you. The music is as seductive as the rest of the venue, but still stuff that gets your toe tapping.

The Drink
The Shadow Bar, unsurprisingly, has a very well-stocked bar and the friendly barstaff are only too happy to rustle you up a delicious cocktail. They have mixologists on hand and feel free to test their skills and ask for new creations that will be produced in front of your eyes.

The Last Word
If you’re lucky enough to get VIP membership or know someone who does (each member can take 2 guests with them) then this is the place to come for a great night out in grand surroundings.

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