When it comes to iconic London venues, the Hippodrome is hard to beat. Built in 1900 by Frank Matcham (your go-to Victorian-era architect for big, ballsy music halls), it started life as London’s campest venue, with a 100,000-gallon water tank through which boats could enter the stage as well as a gallery for flying acrobats. Over 100 years later and not much has changed – things here are still furiously flamboyant. The closest thing London has to Las Vegas, it’s open 24/7, and spread like glittery eyeshadow over seven floors; with three casinos, a poker floor, Magic Mike Live, nine bars, and the Heliot Steak House – named after lion tamer Claire Heliot, who performed at the Hippodrome and wowed the crowds by feeding her beasts hunks of raw meat.
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a Temu George Clooney in Ocean’s 11, Heliot Steak House is where to come. Sit yourself down on a balcony table overlooking the rattling roulette wheels and blackjack tables, as distractions don’t get much better than a hedge fund manager losing his first born child’s private school tuition fees as you chomp on prime cuts. The space itself is all sleazy-chic, with 1990s chrome and leather chairs, while the menu is packed with classic steakhouse offerings.
As a starter you can’t go wrong with the shrimp cocktail, with juicy, fat prawns and a potent, US-style horseradish sauce. USDA steaks start at £39 and go up to £99 for Japanese wagyu sirloin. When it comes to toppings, the spicy chimichurri packs a serious punch and there’s also thick, creamy béarnaise, red wine sauce, and a house steak sauce. Martinis are ice cold and there’s a big old wine list too.
Time Out tip
Heliot Steak House is open until 2am on weekends, making it the latest steak in London by far. Ideal for those insatiable midnight meat cravings.
Nearby
All of Soho is your oyster and some of London’s best pubs are mere moments away, including the Coach and Horses.