STRAND EAST / LONDON & UK VENUE REVIEW

Lola’s Underground Casino Review

A look back at the intimate, dice-led casino space once promoted beneath the Hippodrome in Leicester Square.

By StrandEast EditorialUpdated 18+ informational guide
Lola’s Underground Casino: photograph supplied with StrandEast original landing page
Image from the original StrandEast site archive; venue details should be checked with the operator.
Historical brand · current status unconfirmed

This listing is historical or belongs to a different category/location. Read the status box before planning a visit.

At a glance

Type
Historical casino space
Status
Historical brand · current status unconfirmed
Location
Historically: Hippodrome, Cranbourn Street, London WC2H 7JH
Hours
Do not assume separate opening hours
Games / products
Historically: Craps · Roulette · Blackjack

Overview: what is Lola’s Underground Casino?

Lola’s Underground Casino appeared in older West End guides as a separate casino recommendation, but its location was inside the Hippodrome building, not an independent address elsewhere in London. The name became associated with a more intimate basement setting and an unusually strong emphasis on dice games.

Its standalone operating status is not confirmed in current official Hippodrome visitor information checked for this guide. Treat this page as a historical overview of the Lola’s concept rather than a promise that a dedicated Lola’s room can currently be booked or visited.

Atmosphere and experience

Where the upper floors of the Hippodrome promoted a broad entertainment experience, Lola’s was described as more enclosed and late-night in feel. Historical accounts mention a bar, comfortable seating and themed entertainment. That contrast helped it stand out within a very large building.

The original landing page highlights dancers and two dice tables. Those details belong to the older description of Lola’s, not to a verified current operating schedule. Visitors looking specifically for that format should contact the Hippodrome before setting out.

Games and gaming floor

Craps was the distinctive attraction in historical write-ups: a game with a social table dynamic that is less common in London than roulette or blackjack. Older descriptions also name roulette and blackjack. Do not assume the same games, minimum bets or staffing survive under the Lola’s name.

For a current, clearly identifiable West End gaming floor, compare the main Hippodrome Casino and The Empire Casino, both of which maintain current operator information. The latter also offers a dedicated poker-room proposition.

Location, access and practical details

Historically Lola’s used the Hippodrome address on Cranbourn Street, close to Leicester Square station. It would be misleading to give it a second pin or claim separate trading hours for the basement concept.

If searching for the former Lola’s experience, use the Hippodrome’s official contact details and ask whether its current floor plan includes a comparable dice area. Identification and 18+ entry requirements still apply to casino gaming in the building.

Pros and limitations

What stands out

  • Recognisable place in West End casino history
  • Historical focus on social dice-table gaming
  • Located within a well-known theatre-and-casino building

What to keep in mind

  • Dedicated current brand status not confirmed
  • Older game lists should not be read as current
  • No independently verified opening schedule

Our verdict

Lola’s remains a useful historical reference for visitors researching distinctive London casino rooms. As a live venue recommendation it needs a caveat: confirm what exists at the Hippodrome today before expecting the original basement concept.

StrandEast does not publish invented numerical ratings or claim to have tested accounts or casino floors in person.

Frequently asked questions

Where was Lola’s Underground Casino?

Inside the Hippodrome Casino complex on Cranbourn Street near Leicester Square.

Is Lola’s Underground Casino open today?

We could not confirm current standalone operations for the Lola’s name from the venue’s official visitor information.

What was Lola’s known for?

Historical descriptions emphasised craps/dice tables, roulette and blackjack.

What is a current alternative nearby?

Read our Hippodrome Casino and Empire Casino reviews for operator-listed venues in Leicester Square.

Sources and verification

Venue status, naming and operating hours may change. We relied primarily on official operator or public regulator information rather than assuming every historical listing remains open.

Editorial review date: .

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