Discover how the newly redesigned Horizons Casino is elevating the player experience in the heart of London’s West End.
Interview with Ryan Livingstone, Director of Gaming.
Horizons Casino has been a fixture of Leicester Square’s nightlife for nearly four decades, evolving from its beginnings as Napoleons Casino in 1987 to today’s premium gaming and entertainment destination. Following a bold refurbishment, Director of Gaming Ryan Livingstone reflects on how the venue is striking a balance between heritage and modernity, intimacy and spectacle, ensuring Horizons remains at the heart of London’s entertainment scene.
Before we explore the recent refurbishment, could you share a brief history of Horizons Casino and its significance within Leicester Square’s entertainment scene?
Horizons Casino has been part of Leicester Square’s story for almost four decades. Originally opening its doors in 1987, it was the very first and – for many years – the only casino in and around the Square. That pioneering presence gave it a unique role – a discreet yet refined gaming experience right in the heart of London’s entertainment district.
Initially operating as Napoleons Casino under A&S Leisure, it became a trusted destination for those seeking not only gaming but also a sense of community in the West End. Its boutique scale and reputation for personal service earned it a loyal following that valued both its intimacy and its prime location.
In 2018, the casino entered a new chapter when Mayfair Casinos acquired it and rebranded the venue as Horizons Casino. That rebrand signaled more than just a change of name. It marked a new ambition to elevate the guest experience while building on the strong heritage of the site. Since then, Horizons has been positioned as a central part of Leicester Square’s nightlife ecosystem: a sophisticated yet welcoming environment where gaming, hospitality and entertainment seamlessly converge.
Over the years, the casino has grown to become more than just a place to play. It has become a social hub for regulars, visitors, and high-value clientele who want the buzz of Leicester Square combined with a sense of exclusivity and refinement. Under the leadership of a dedicated management team, including long-standing figures such as Jeremy Cummins the Casino Director, the recent refurbishment is the culmination of that journey — a bold evolution designed to ensure Horizons not only honors its past but also defines the next chapter of premium leisure in Leicester Square.
When did the concept for this major renovation and expansion first emerge? What vision guided its development?
The concept for the refurbishment and expansion first began to take shape in the years immediately following Mayfair Casinos’ acquisition of the venue in 2018. While Horizons had always enjoyed a loyal following, it became increasingly clear that, to fully unlock its potential, we needed to think beyond a cosmetic upgrade. The ambition was not simply to refresh the décor but to reimagine what Horizons could represent within Leicester Square — a destination where gaming, dining and social experience are integrated seamlessly.
The vision was guided by three principles: to respect the heritage of the casino, to modernize and expand the facilities in line with evolving guest expectations as an intimate setting, and to set a new benchmark for premium leisure in the West End. That vision was shaped and refined collaboratively by our senior team, to ensure the concept remained both ambitious and achievable.
In essence, the project was about more than refurbishment. It was about repositioning Horizons to ensure that it continues to thrive at the heart of London’s entertainment scene for decades to come.
What were the primary design objectives for the project? How did you strike the balance between modernizing the space and retaining its distinctive character?
Our design objectives were centered around three things: flow, flexibility and feel. We wanted the space to flow naturally between gaming, dining and social areas, encouraging guests to move effortlessly from one experience to another. Flexibility was equally important, ensuring each space could accommodate intimate VIP gatherings, lively social occasions or high-stakes gaming with equal ease. The overall feel needed to be premium, contemporary and welcoming, without losing the intimate character that long-time patrons valued.
To strike the balance, we worked closely with designers who understood the importance of respecting Horizons’ heritage. While the finishes, lighting, and furnishings are undeniably modern, “The expansion preserves the venue’s sense of intimacy." A good example of this is the ceiling-mounted digital skylight on the gaming floor. It subtly mirrors the ambient conditions outside, creating a sense of openness and natural light within an enclosed environment, without overwhelming the venue’s discreet character.
It was about evolution, not erasure – retaining the personality that has always defined Horizons but presenting it through a more refined and contemporary lens.
Leicester Square is one of London’s most iconic locations. In what ways did its unique setting influence both the interior and exterior design choices?
Being in Leicester Square is both a privilege and a responsibility. The Square is internationally recognized as a symbol of entertainment, glamour and energy, and our design choices needed to reflect that while also complementing the conservation area around us.
Externally, we took care to ensure the building respected its historic setting, while discreetly signaling the modern luxury that awaits inside. Internally, the setting inspired us to be bold – creating a venue that embraces the vibrancy of the West End but channels it through a refined, premium aesthetic. We wanted the atmosphere inside to feel like an extension of Leicester Square itself: dynamic, theatrical and alive, but always with a sense of elegance and control.
Could you outline the key stages of the refurbishment process, from initial preparation and reconfiguration through to the final fit-out?
The project unfolded in several key phases. The initial stage involved stripping back the existing layout to create a clean slate – removing structural and design limitations that had built up over decades. From there, we reconfigured the space to prioritize guest flow, ensuring that each area connected logically to the next.
The next stage was the installation of core infrastructure: new mechanical systems, upgraded gaming technology, and the preparatory works needed to bring the restaurant and terrace to life. Once those essentials were in place, we moved into the fit-out stage, installing new gaming furniture, bespoke bar designs and carefully selected finishes.
Finally, the soft touches were layered in: lighting design, art and décor that brought the vision to life. Every stage was meticulous and, while the process was complex, it was incredibly rewarding to see each layer add up to a cohesive, world-class venue.
Operating in the heart of central London presents unique logistical challenges. What were the most significant obstacles encountered during the build?
Operating in Leicester Square meant every aspect of the build had to be carefully managed. The location is within a conservation area, so planning permissions and design approvals were subject to heightened scrutiny. At the same time, we were dealing with one of the busiest pedestrian areas in London, which made deliveries, contractor access and noise management particularly complex.
From an infrastructure perspective, the project required us to reassess how power was distributed across the building. A casino and a full-service restaurant, operating side by side on the ground floor place significant demands on energy supply. Ensuring those needs were met without compromise was a major coordination exercise.
Equally, integrating new HVAC systems into a historic building brought its own challenges. With the introduction of an open-fire kitchen, ensuring sufficient airflow while also keeping both the restaurant and gaming floor consistently cool and comfortable was essential. Balancing those technical requirements with the sensitivities of the site was one of the most demanding aspects of the project, but also one of the most rewarding to see successfully resolved.
Did any unexpected developments or challenges arise during the project that altered its course?
As with any project of this scale, there were unforeseen challenges. One of the most significant was the discovery that the way power was distributed within the building was not sufficient for a casino and restaurant of this scale, operating together on the ground floor. Ensuring those needs were met required a fundamental reassessment and redistribution of power across our estate – a complex exercise, but one that was essential to delivering the service and reliability expected at Horizons.
Equally critical was the HVAC system. Creating an open-fire kitchen at the heart of the restaurant demanded significant airflow solutions, not only to meet safety and compliance standards but also to ensure that both the gaming floor and the dining spaces remained cool, comfortable, and welcoming at all times. Balancing these requirements within the constraints of a historic building was a major challenge, but one that proved essential to the success of the redevelopment.
Finally, aligning our signage ambitions with the strict requirements of the Leicester Square conservation area required creativity finding solutions that allowed us to maintain the impact of our brand without compromising regulatory expectations. Each of these developments forced us to adapt quickly, but in doing so we often arrived at solutions that were stronger than our original plans.
The introduction of new gaming furniture, machines and technology is a significant undertaking. What factors guided your selection and installation process?
Every decision was guided by two questions: Does this enhance the guest experience? Does this reflect Horizons’ brand promise?
On the gaming side, we selected furniture that balances comfort with style, ensuring that players feel both relaxed and engaged. Machines and electronic options were chosen for their innovation and reliability, with a focus on offering variety without overwhelming the floor.
The same philosophy extended to Ember at Horizons. The kitchen was designed around flexibility and pace, with the infrastructure to accommodate open-fire cooking and the ability to adapt quickly to new menu directions. Even details like the seating and flow of the restaurant were selected to echo the premium-but-welcoming aesthetic of the gaming spaces, ensuring a sense of continuity across the venue.
Installation across both gaming and dining areas was handled with precision to ensure everything integrated seamlessly. It wasn’t about showcasing equipment for its own sake but about creating an atmosphere where technology and design support the overall guest journey.
How did you incorporate the latest gaming technologies while maintaining a seamless and engaging guest experience?
At Horizons, we believe technology is most powerful when it enhances the experience without drawing attention to itself. We incorporated the latest gaming systems, security measures, and cashless technologies in ways that streamline the guest journey while preserving the sense of theatre and excitement that defines live gaming.
For example, digital systems were installed to improve efficiency and player convenience, but always in a way that blends into the overall environment. A standout innovation is the large, ceiling-mounted display, designed to act as a digital skylight. It reflects the ambient conditions outside – shifting in tone and light throughout the day – and it subtly transforms the atmosphere of the gaming floor. Guests may not consciously think of it as “technology,” but it contributes enormously to the immersive and seamless environment we wanted to create.
The key was integration – ensuring that technology supports human interaction rather than replacing it. Horizons remains about people first, with technology serving as a quiet but effective enhancement to the overall experience.
The addition of the new fusion restaurant launching on the second of October, “Ember at Horizons” and of al fresco dining areas has expanded the venue’s appeal. How did you approach designing these spaces to complement the overall experience?
Ember at Horizons was conceived as more than just a restaurant. It is designed to be a core part of the Horizons experience. Launching on October 2, Ember will deliver a global menu cooked largely over open charcoal fires, bringing a sense of theatre and energy that complements the vibrancy of the gaming floor.
The only addition we needed to make in the kitchen was a wok burner, as the space was purpose-built to handle flexibility. It has been designed with simplicity and adaptability in mind, allowing the team to move at pace and evolve the menu easily as tastes and seasons change.
Both the restaurant and the terrace were approached as natural extensions of the casino, rather than standalone offerings. Ember’s warm, elegant design reflects the same premium-yet-welcoming ethos as the rest of Horizons. The terrace, meanwhile, was envisioned as an oasis in the middle of Leicester Square – somewhere vibrant and connected to the buzz of the area, yet private enough for guests to feel comfortable and relaxed. By weaving Ember and the al fresco experience into the wider design narrative, Horizons now offers a holistic journey where every element – gaming, dining, and socializing – complements the other.
In your view, what role does the enhanced F&B offering play in enhancing the overall customer journey at Horizons Casino?
Food and beverage have become central to the Horizons experience, and the launch of Ember at Horizons represents a step change in how we deliver that. The kitchen has been designed to adapt quickly, allowing the menu to evolve with pace and creativity, ensuring there is always something new and exciting to discover.
By pairing Ember with our al fresco terrace and cocktail bar, we’ve created a complete hospitality journey. Guests can begin their evening with drinks on the terrace, enjoy the drama of open-fire dining and then flow naturally into the gaming spaces. This integration doesn’t just enhance the customer journey — it extends it, creating more reasons for guests to stay longer, engage more deeply and return more often.
Were there any individuals or departments whose contributions proved particularly instrumental in overcoming challenges?
Absolutely. Our design and construction partners played a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of the build, particularly around conservation and infrastructure. Internally, our gaming and hospitality teams were instrumental in stress-testing concepts, and ensuring the final product worked operationally as well as aesthetically. I would also highlight the contribution of our compliance and security teams, who worked tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the refurbishment aligned with regulatory requirements without compromising guest experience.
Equally important was the support from head office and stakeholder engagement throughout the project. Our chief executive was personally involved on a daily basis, ensuring alignment across the business and keeping momentum high. At venue level, our director, Jeremy Cummins – both venue director and a board director – was central to bringing the project to life. His dual perspective, combining strategic oversight with hands-on operational leadership, ensured the redevelopment stayed true to our vision while also working flawlessly in practice. It was truly a collective effort and the finished venue is a testament to that collaboration.
Looking to the future, are there further innovations or developments planned for Horizons Casino?
Yes, Horizons is always evolving. While the refurbishment represents a major milestone, we see it as the foundation for further innovation. We are exploring enhanced digital integration, more bespoke VIP experiences and a calendar of curated events that leverage our new spaces.
Our philosophy is never to stand still. Horizons will continue to adapt to shifts in guest expectations and industry trends, ensuring it remains at the forefront of premium leisure in the West End.
It could be said that with all the investment in the leisure entertainment and casinos that the West End is the fun destination of London.
I would agree wholeheartedly. The West End has always been the beating heart of London’s entertainment scene and recent investment across leisure, dining, and gaming has only amplified that status. Horizons is proud to be part of that movement,
Casino Life Magazine would like to that Ryan Livingstone and PR Team for all their help and cooperation with this exclusive interview
*** This feature interview was originally published in the October 2025 edition of Casino Life Magazine Issue 181***
