With one of the most renowned restaurants in Kensington and a gaming environment that’s unlike any other, gamblers who wish to taste the life of an aristocrat need not look any further than Maxims Casino Club.
‘A house built for a gentleman by gentlemen’ was the description given to Palace Gate House on the completion of its reconstruction in 1899. This handsome tribute came from G.H. Leonard, writing in the Studio, the avant-garde spokesman of his time.
The interior of Palace Gate House is remarkable for having been preserved almost intact and today lends its air of graciousness to Maxims Casino Club, providing members and their guests with an exclusive and unique gaming experience.
Gaming options
Gaming at the Maxims Casino Club is an intimate affair. There are 26 gaming tables at the club, where gamblers can play American Roulette, Blackjack, Three-card Poker, and other games, all at various stake levels. And, of course, there are also private gaming rooms available for any affluent gambler who wishes to play in a much more discreet environment.
Card sharks will also be glad to know that Maxims offers regular cash poker games, and even caters to private poker parties, all arranged in a dedicated room. Their well-trained and professional dealers are ready and waiting to assist gamblers with their poker games.
In keeping with its international reputation, Maxims Casino Club offers some of the highest stakes available worldwide. The Club also has a range of sensible minimum bets for the more modest player.
On stepping downstairs, there are two rooms available for gaming at the Club, creating a discreet and spacious gaming area for members and their guests.
Moving up to the first floor, the gaming area is situated in the original Drawing Room of the house. The room has long been famous for its barrel-vaulted ceiling, marble fireplaces and intricate pearwood panelling.
Private gaming
The Salle Privée at Maxims Casino Club is situated in the Library on the first floor of the building.
This superb galleried room is a recreation of John Forster’s original library, although his books are now housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum. A special feature of the Library is the colourful pharaonic ceiling design. Members also have the opportunity to view the Club’s own collection of rare early editions of Charles Dickens and John Forster’s works. >> The Dickens Room
All the principal casino games can be offered in the Library, including American Roulette, Blackjack, Casino Stud Poker and Punto Banco (Baccarat). Complete privacy is offered to those members and guests who request it.
Dining options
Perhaps even more renowned than the Maxims’ gaming scene, is their restaurant that comes highly recommended from all those who’ve had the pleasure of trying out their cuisines. It is often regarded as the best restaurant in all of Kensington, offering the finest dishes made with nothing but the freshest ingredients. Expertly trained chefs prepare everything from French, Thai, Indian, and Chinese cuisines.
The Restaurant at Maxims Casino Club is recognised internationally as one of the finest Casino Club Restaurants in the world. The room is lavishly furbished, imparting an aura of comfort and luxury. It has the advantage of occupying the former Dining Room of Palace Gate House, with its original limed oak panelling and engraving.
They also offer a rather extensive wine list – perfect for any discerning sommelier. The restaurant’s menus are available on their website, and guests are also free to make bookings and reservations at the restaurant through their website.
It is a tradition at the Club to offer an extensive menu, providing an international choice of cuisine. The present menu includes a selection of French, Indian, Thai, Lebanese and Chinese dishes. The club also offers an extensive late night supper menu. The Club’s award-winning Head Chef presides over a specialist team of chefs from the countries concerned.
Members can also entertain their guests in complete privacy in the exclusive Private Dining Room: The Dickens Room, which is located on the second floor of Maxims Casino Club. Exclusive use of The Dickens Room allows members to entertain their guests as if they were in their own home, and to enjoy the internationally renowned cuisine at Maxims Casino Club in the finest and most exclusive surroundings.
The Room was designed by leading Interior Designer, Nina Campbell, with the comfort and enjoyment of members in mind. Maxims Casino Club’s international team of Chefs can create special A La Carte menus for any occasion, with a choice from French, Indian, Thai, Lebanese and Chinese dishes.
[modula id=”681″]
Entertainment and events
Regular poker games are available at the casino, but other events are quite rare. Tournaments and other such events are hardly ever held at the casino, mostly because they cater only to the high-end gambler. However, private poker parties and other private events are always welcome at the casino.
Dress code
Dressing smart is expected of all their guests, in keeping with the casino’s theme and ambience. Anyone found to be dressed inappropriately or too casually would either be asked to leave the premises, or wouldn’t be allowed into the casino at all. The dress code also applies to guests of members who simply wish to dine at the casino.
Membership
In order to maintain the air of exclusivity that the Maxims Casino Club prides itself on, only members are allowed into the casino’s premises. Should you wish to join the casino, however, the process is also quite easy. There is no membership fee, and all one needs to do is head to the reception area of the casino, fill out an application form and present one photo ID. Once your membership application is approved, you can then enter the casino and begin gaming or dining in their five-star restaurant. Be warned, however, as unlike most modern London casinos, the Maxims Casino Club is only open from 1pm to 6am – not 24/7.
Contact
Website: http://www.maximsclub.com/
Phone: +44 (0) 20 7581 0337
Fax:
Email: maximsreception@gentingcasinos.co.uk
Opening hours: Mo-Su
Address:
Palace Gate House, 1a Palace Gate
Kensington
London
W8 5LS
United Kingdom
