It is often said that if you are bored of London, you are bored of life. And to a certain extent the various forms of entertainment in this city make it more exciting than others. One such key place is The Sportsman Casino, right on Oxford Street, below the Thistle Hotel.
I have been to the same Casino for a Diwali party 4 years ago, and had a sumptuous dinner at the Zaman restaurant a couple of times, but when I walked into the casino this time, the excitement had reached a new level. The ambience was totally electric, as happy people gambled on different tables – three card poker, punto-bunco, American roulette, blackjack and so much more. Greeted with a big smile, the dealers looked friendly and for a beginner like me, I even had a live demonstration of how to play.
The Casino allows betting from £2 onwards, and anything from £10 and above have a separate section, that can prove to be an exciting spot for corporate hire. From champagne to soft drinks all are available for self help as well as waiters who come around asking in case you want to order anything else.
The Casino opens from 12 noon, and has an open door policy for anyone above 18 years of age and has fantastic reward facilities. During a quick tour of the newly refurbished casino, Joshi Haque, Customer Relations Manager, told Asian Voice, “Sportsman Casino treats its loyal, regular and high end customers with equal importance. It is never about how much you spend with us. It's also about returning customers.
“We offer instant memberships to high end players and also to regular customers depending on the points they have earned through their frequent visits and games.
“Membership treats include all kinds of perks – such as bespoke services to hospitality to free tickets for some of the most sought after games like cricket, football or rugby matches.
“Our casino has many visitors from India, especially Delhi and some from Mumbai. Of course being close to Edgware Road, many Arabs too visit us. It is interesting to know how the customer requirements work – they are always different and we love to make the experience unique for everybody.”
The Sportsman Casino has a homely atmosphere. The welcoming and friendly staff with the longest serving years at the Casino, make it a warm and cosy place to go back to – much less intimidating and judgemental than other West End Casinos. From greeting you at the door to a certain level of personal attention – they make sure you are comfortable playing whatever you would love to. Not only that, you are free to use the dining space right next to the gaming tables, and enjoy any particular dish the head chef Zaman and his team of 16 other chefs have to offer in their restaurant, served exclusively for you at the Casino.
The restaurant Zaman, named after head chef Mahmud Zaman, is situated at the lower ground floor. Very well illuminated with a hint of orange, Zaman's cuisine extends from Chinese to Thai to Italian to English to Indian – more of a global food joint. The taste of food is authentic, quite classy, and the quantity is generous for a West End restaurant.
On one side of the restaurant, there are slot machines, and it's truly awesome to see how many people actually play on those, while sipping on to their favourite drink. There is a bar at the restauarnt as well. The two sides of the restaurant are separated with a glass wall, or a transparent divider with Zaman's hologram. The staff, including the Manager, have a keen eye for detail, are courteous and they offer every dining member equal attention and hospiltality.
The restaurant also has undergone a sea change since my last visit and 'upped its look' into this chic, fine dining, high-end place, with affordable prices, and a menu for everyone.
Speaking to Asian Voice, head chef Zaman said, “I have been in Britain for the last 24 years, and have experience in the field for over 30 years. I have worked in various hotels. Having started as a kitchen porter, climbing the ladder to become a chef, including at Hilton, and soon followed by joining this establishment and becoming the head chef, finally having this restaurant named after me.
“I have personally designed the halal menu that includes many mouth-watering delights, but we have quite a few items for strict vegeterians too. My kitchen staff here are mostly Bangladeshi and I am doing whatever possible to help the Asian curry industry, in this period of austerity. In fact one of the most popular dish in this restaurant is Biriyani – and every day at least 25-30 plates are sold.
“Last year I won the 'Chef of the Year' award at the Asian Curry Awards and this year I won the Lifetime Achievement category.”
The award is a huge triumph for Zaman, celebrating his artistic style and love for experimental cooking. It is also a recognition of Zaman's commitment to offering the very best dining experience that is both accessible and affordable to customers.
