A long and established casino in the heart of the West End, the Golden Nugget is a popular hang out where you can chance your hand at blackjack, poker, or roulette; or sit back and enjoy watching sports on the big screen in the bar and dining area.

The Venue
A stone's throw from Piccadilly Circus tube station, Golden Nugget is located on Shaftsbury Avenue adjacent to Trocadero. Once you have signed in, you can either chance the rickety old lift or walk up the narrow 50+ steps to the first floor.

Inside the actual casino, the first room that welcomes you is the dining and bar area and the strong pungent greasy smells of chicken wings deep frying in the kitchen mere metres away. The brave ones will make it to the bar; a counter no more than four metres in length. The open plan area then continues into a large room crammed with playing tables galore.

The Atmosphere
This poky casino lacks character and is only busy due to the loyalty of its punters; it’s the same faces day-in-day-out. In the small 3mx6m bar you will almost always be guaranteed a continuous loop of cheesy pop music including the likes of Westlife, Boyzone and Leanne Rimes. However, with the lack of young faces (the average age of the clientele is approaching 50), there isn’t much boogying here. The bar is pretty stark of life where punters can be seen marching up demanding drinks and expecting to be served immediately. However, as a consolation, the staff are very friendly and will serve you with a smile.

The Food
If you’re looking for a cheap feed in the West End then head to the Golden Nugget. The menu starts at £2 for a basket of five deep fried chicken wings and a portion of chips, £4.50 for a bowl of pad Thai noodles or, if you’re really hungry, £6 will buy you a huge portion of stewed lamb curry served with a serving of rice and naan bread.

The Drink
Soft drinks (coke, diet coke, sprite), orange cordial, coffees and teas are free for players or diners. If you’re looking for something stronger, on tap is Fosters or Kronenbourg lager (£3.20 a pint) or a single shot of whiskey and cold is £3.50. Don’t expect any fancy drinks or cocktails at the Golden Nugget – what you see is what you get.

The Last Word
Even if you’re after a cheap feed and free drinks, the Golden Nugget stands our like a sore thumb amongst some of its more glamorous neighbouring casinos in the West End.

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