The Ritz Club Review
There aren’t many casinos in the world as luxurious and upmarket as the Ritz Club. Set in opulent surroundings, the Ritz Club is a casino for high-rollers, with the ability to sit down at high-stakes games without batting an eyelid. But with a name including the word “Ritz” what more would you expect? So, before you head out to visit this iconic casino in London, why not read through this short guide first?
- See the games offered at the Ritz Club
- Understand the minimum stakes required to play
- Learn about the history of this iconic venue
The Game Selection at the Ritz Club
The Ritz Club is a small, yet distinguished, private member’s club, so you won’t find a huge amount of games there. As you might expect from this kind of establishment, there are no electronic gaming machines anywhere in the building, and players head there to instead enjoy playing high-stakes table games. The games on offer are roulette, blackjack, baccarat and three card poker, however there are no poker tables in the building.
The main feature of each and every game at the Ritz Club is clear to see: the minimum bet amounts are pretty large, and can only be afforded by those with deep pockets. Roulette is the most affordable game, with a minimum bet of £5 per spin, while all of the other games have a minimum bet of £25 per hand. All side bets must also meet this £25 minimum amount. Most games are played in the Main Gaming Salon, however VIPs are able to get private tables in one of three different salles privée (private rooms).
Set in opulent surroundings, the Ritz Club is a casino for high-rollers, with the ability to sit down at high-stakes games without batting an eyelid.
Other Facilities at the Ritz Club
Those looking to eat while visiting the Ritz Club will be able to dine in fine style at their restaurant, which features a mix of foods from around the world, including Thai, Indian and Middle Eastern dishes. It is also available to cater for players regardless of the time, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, as well as an all-day dim sum menu. Wine connoisseurs will be able to select from a comprehensive range of fine wines to accompany their meal. Those with really lavish tastes can even purchase a bottle of champagne, for the princely sum of £2,300.
Those simply wanting some refreshment will be able to find just that in the bar, which offers a large collection of the finest drinks, ranging from expensive whiskey through to cultured cocktails. The bar often plays host to some of the biggest stars in the world, and the Ritz Club themselves state that Johnny Depp acquired his love for Irish whiskey while at the club – and that he regularly returns when in London.
The Pros and Cons of this Casino
The biggest upside to this casino is also the biggest downside as well – its exclusivity. Not everyone will be able to get into this private member’s club, and even fewer will be able to afford the huge bet sizes required to play. If you are one of the lucky ones able to play at the Ritz Club though, you’ll find it to be one of the most luxurious and refined places to play casino games in the world. Before even being allowed into the casino you’ll need to become a member though, and this will set you back £1,000 for a lifetime membership.
The bar and restaurant also have to be considered huge highlights of a visit to this casino, as they offer some of the best food and drink found at any casino in the world. You might even get to rub shoulders with the world’s rich and famous while you are there. The fact that the Ritz Club is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week is also a huge point in their favour.
A Brief History of the Ritz Club
The Ritz Club has been located underneath the Ritz Hotel for over 100 years, however it hasn’t always been a casino. In fact, it was initially a ballroom, before then turning into a nightclub during World War II. It also at one point featured one of London’s most popular bars, the Ritz Bar and Grill. This closed in 1976, and the basement rooms of the hotel were then closed to the public.
It didn’t take long for the basement to reopen though, as in 1977 the Ritz Club was opened. Decorated in a manner designed to resemble the same style as the above hotel, 6,000 sheets of gold leaf were required for its finish. Original furniture was also restored, in order to give the casino an authentic look. The club is now owned by London Clubs, which shut the casino briefly in the late 1990s, before then reopening it after a quick refurbishment.
Address and Contact Details
The Ritz Club,
150 Piccadilly,
London.
W1J 9BS
Phone: 020 7499 1818
