Poker is at times plagued by a shady reputation. With every portrayal on TV of a seedy card room, you’ll find some old-timer ready to spill the beans on how there was always a ‘criminal element’ surrounding the game ‘back in the day’.

Indeed, after hearing such tales from the hard-nosed regulars at London’s Grosvenor Victoria Casino, you’d think its famous card room was some kind of underworld dystopia. But in reality, ‘The Vic’ creates an ambience that breeds nothing but mutual respect.

The Vic has recently undergone major refurbishments, transforming the card room into a modern gambling haven. It’s moved from its original location on the first floor and now takes up residence on the whole of the second floor.