Sheffield's beloved Napoleons Casino Ecclesall, which was closed down in January 2018 after 42 years in business, is now set to make a glorious comeback as a brand new sports bar and restaurant, The Wildcard. With a rich history and fond memories among the Sheffield community, the revitalization of the famous venue is a testament to the city's spirit and determination to keep its local landmarks alive.
The Closure of Napoleons Casino Ecclesall
In January 2018, The A&S Leisure Group announced the closure of Napoleons Casino & Restaurant on Ecclesall Road, Sheffield. The decision was made to re-site the current license to the Napoleons Owlerton, Sheffield operation and invest heavily in developments in the site, with the introduction of a 500-seater purpose-built Banqueting Suite. Residents and patrons expressed their shock and disappointment at the closure, reminiscing about the great times they had at the casino.
Owner Dave Allen claimed that Ecclesall Road, known for its nightlife, was 'not what it used to be'. Despite the closure, the A&S Leisure Group assured the public that there would be job opportunities across the board for the employees of Ecclesall Road, including positions at their four other Napoleons Casinos & Restaurants in Yorkshire, one in Leicester Square, Owlerton Greyhound Stadium, and two new upcoming operations.
The Wildcard: A New Beginning
In a bold move to revive the premises, the owners of Kettle Black bar on Ecclesall Road, Pete Harpham, Dave Nicholson, and Mark Holland, are now transforming the ground floor of the former Napoleons Casino into The Wildcard. The new sports bar and restaurant, set to open in spring 2020, aims to offer a unique experience for sports fans with over 40 TVs and a giant Jumbotron screen like those seen at sports grounds hanging above the central bar.
The Wildcard is inspired by the classic North-American-style sports bar and aims to create a more family-friendly venue while maintaining a 2 am license for those who wish to escape the late-night madness of Ecclesall Road. The restaurant will serve North American-style food like wings, burgers, and snacks, with the former owner and chef of the old Yankees diner on Ecclesall Road joining the team to ensure menu authenticity.
Gaming Floor at Napoleons Casino Ecclesall
Before its closure, Napoleons Casino Ecclesall Road boasted a brand new look after its recent £1.5m refurbishment. Although smaller in size when compared to other venues, it offered a more intimate casino experience. The lower floor featured eight live tables offering classic games such as American Roulette, Blackjack, Three Card Poker, and Punto Banco / Baccarat. The casino also provided a dedicated poker room with five tables and a decent poker schedule, catering to all levels of players.
In addition to the live games, Napoleons Casino Ecclesall offered electronic gambling with a new automated roulette system and nine slot machines featuring top titles such as Lobstermania, Wolf Run, Golden Goddess, and Cleopatra for jackpots ranging from £4 to £10,000.
Bar & Restaurant at Napoleons Casino Ecclesall
The award-winning 110-seater restaurant at Napoleons Casino Ecclesall offered a delicious dining experience with a new menu designed each month by head Chef Richard Burden. The bar and restaurant area also provided a complimentary selection of hot and cold drinks, a valet service, and a private bar and dining area available for hire on the mezzanine floor.
Promotions, Events & Entertainment
Napoleons Casino Ecclesall Road frequently hosted promotions, events, and entertainment, such as a resident DJ playing Old Skool RNB and Ibiza House every Friday and Saturday from midnight until 3 am. Tribute dinner packages were also available, featuring live entertainment, a specially designed 3-course meal, and a £5 gaming chip. Popular past events included tributes to Frank Sinatra, Kylie Minogue, Abba, and Peter Kay.
Parking & Transport
Napoleons Casino Ecclesall Road offered ample on-street customer parking immediately outside the venue. Multiple bus routes, including the 271 and 65 from the City Centre, stopped on the corner of Ecclesall Road, providing easy access to the casino.
Dress Code, Membership & ID
The dress code at Napoleons Casino Sheffield was smart casual. While membership was not required to enjoy the facilities, it provided access to numerous promotions, discounts, and offers. To sign up for a free membership, patrons needed to provide a valid photo ID, such as a passport or driving license.
A New Era for Sheffield's Iconic Venue
The transformation of the former Napoleons Casino on Ecclesall Road into The Wildcard marks a new era for Sheffield's iconic venue. As a sports bar and restaurant, The Wildcard promises to offer a unique and family-friendly experience while keeping the spirit of the casino alive. The revitalization of this landmark is a testament to the determination of the Sheffield community to preserve its local treasures and continue creating memorable experiences for generations to come.