Brunch at a Casino? Sounds like the end of an all night bender, rather than the start of what turned out to be a somewhat civilised afternoon. This is the new offering from the Heliot Steak House at the iconic Hippodrome Casino off Leicester Square and, newsflash, it's cracking.
The Heliot Steak House is best known for its steaks. Duh, I know. They do a host of USDA Prime steaks, aged between 4-6 weeks (sadly, a rarity) and now they've launched themselves into the competitive world of brunch. Their USP? Most dishes are a pinch at £7, and you're enjoying them in the luxury of this swanky ass casino, surrounded by crystal and gilt and looking out over the gaming floor. Pretty cool.
They have the full range of brunch dishes: all the varieties on eggs benedict, including a tasty duck egg with hash browns and hollandaise, pancakes, waffles, croque madame…you get the picture. They even venture into steak territory with a dish of country fried steak, sausage gravy (as US invention as artery wrenching as it sounds), eggs and fries – insane value for a measly £7. A coffee and a panini from Starbucks costs £8.69…just to put things in perspective.
Bookatable offer a deal too for this brunch menu + a Bellini or a Bloody Mary for £11.95. Set an alarm, book me a cab…I'm going every day.
The cocktails here were also excellent. They've got a new Negroni menu, a cocktail I normally hate but which I was able to enjoy here. A favourite for me lost the bitter campari that I struggle with, blending in elderflower instead and was delicious.
I couldn't go to the steakhouse and not try their steaks. I tried their rib eye with pepper sauce and was well impressed. Cooked perfectly, a salty crisp char on the outside and the right amount of fat, adding flavour and juice. No complaints here. A medium sized one is £20, which is about right for London.
Desserts were £6.50 and I tried a Baked Alaska with cherry sauce and an Almond Millefeuille with summer fruits and mascarpone cream. The Baked Alaska brought theatre to the table, with its sauce drizzled live in front of you, and was really very large! The Millefeuille was crisp, light and full in summery, red berry flavour. Both paled in comparison however to what had been really a very nice steak.
I was chuffed to find this brunch. London is so saturated with great brunch places and this offers something a bit different. Something a bit….wow. The casino itself is insane – spanning 4 floors with a 24 hour restaurant, 180 seat cabaret theatre, music room, SIX bars, and a beautiful indoor terrace. It would take months to discover every corner of this place. I took a walk around and found a secret barbershop at the bottom, where a barber offers free haircuts to casino customers!!
Do visit. Perfect for group brunches with a sparkle and a sprinkle of something…naughty.
Heliot Steakhouse, Hippodrome Casino. Brunch available weekends 11:30-4pm.
http://www.hippodromecasino.com/restaurant-bars-lounges/
Cranbourn St, Leicester Square, London WC2H 7JH
