Aspers- the Westfield Stratford Casino- is the biggest casino in the UK, nestled inside the largest urban shopping mall in Europe. It’s a 24 hour operation, apart from Christmas Day that is. We take a look at how the casino has fared since its opening in 2011.
It’s big. Not Vegas or Macau Big, but certainly big by UK standards. It measures 65,000 sq. feet, and has 40 roulette and blackjack tables, 92 video gaming terminals ( video roulette etc), a 150-seat poker room, a restaurant, 2 bars, , and 150 video slots with many of the popular IGT and Aristocrat titles you’s see in Vegas, such as Cleopatra, Siberian Storm, Sex and the City and the Lobstermania slot. The Westfield Straford Casino owes it’s very existence to the 2005 Gambling Act.
The casino is run by James Packer’s Crown and Damian Aspinall, whose Dad John Aspinall was the brains behind the famous Mayfair casino in the sixties.
How Do You Get There
The casino is on the 3rd floor of Aspers in Westfield, Stratford City.
Click the map for a bigger version
By Car
Park in Car Park B in Westfield then take the lift to Level 3.
By Foot
There are several ways in to Aspers Casino once you get to Westfield Stratford City.
1. From ‘The Street
‘The Street’ is the outdoor shopping arcade over the main bridge. Look for the signs. Aspers is right opposite Nike.
Take the lift up to the 3rd Level.
2. Main Escalator Entrances
On Level 2 of the shopping arcade, in the food area are escalators that will take you right up to the casino floor (opposite Nando’s, next to to Vue Cinema).
Address
The casino address is:
Aspers Casino Westfield Stratford City
312 The Loft
Montfichet Road Olympic Park
London E20 1ET
Tel: +44 (0)20 8536 5636
By Taxi
From Leicester Square, it’ll take you about 35 minutes by taxi unless you are travelling at Rush Hour. It’s about 7 miles. The fare will cost you around £30-£35.
By Train
Take the Central Line out to Stratford. The casino is about 10 minutes walk from the station. In total, it’ll take you about 35 minutes from Leicester Square and around 45 minutes from Knightsbridge.
What’s it Like?
We’d say it’s definitely worth the trip. We went by taxi, but then it was quite late. There and back for £70 shared between 4 wasn’t too bad.
Drinks and food are standard London prices. There’s always a buzz, and it’s a good place to watch sports- there are huge TV screens everywhere. The dress code is “smart casual”, but we saw some people who seem to be pushing that one and they weren’t refused entry.
Bring your ID if you look close to 25.
