Alea Casino, Leeds, is delighted to announce that BBC celebrity chef James Martin, will be opening his first restaurant in the UK for over 10 years inside their prestigious Casino. Situated on Clarence Dock, the best of British eatery aptly named The Leeds Kitchen by James Martin is now open.

Yorkshire born James has transformed the current restaurant on the ground floor – previously named ‘The Fig’ – in to a beautiful, contemporary, fine dining over 18s establishment. James is currently working hard to ensure that all suppliers for his new venture are locally sourced, including Leeds based interior designer, Carolyn Parker.

In addition to the restaurant, James’ team will be offering The Leeds Kitchen by James Martin catering expertise for all functions and events throughout the casino. No matter how big or small, they can add that extra sparkle to any event.

Alea is an ultra-modern casino and already home to ‘The Bird Restaurant’ which is run by twice Michelin starred chef, Vineet Bhatia. The casino also boasts five bars set in opulent décor as well as hosting various events and conferencing space – making it the perfect venue for a new celebrity eatery in Leeds.

As well as bringing a new eating experience to Clarence Dock, James is also providing a huge jobs boost to the city. To find out more information on the positions available please visit: www.lciclubs.co.uk/careers. For any restaurant pre-bookings please contact 0113 3413202.

“I am delighted to be opening my new restaurant at Alea Casino, Leeds, says the celebrity chef. It’s a stunning venue and has everything under one roof. What better way to put the icing on the cake (excuse the pun) by launching my new venture there!

“As I’m a born and bred Yorkshire man, I have been searching for the right location for some time and Alea and Clarence Dock have everything I am looking for. I can’t wait to open shortly, and deliver – along with my team – some best of British cooking!”

Michael Silberling, CEO of London Clubs International said, “We are delighted to be welcoming such a fantastic talent as James to our Leeds casino. James’ passion for excellence and the quality of dining experience he guarantees will bring a new dimension not just to Alea, but to Clarence Dock and Leeds as a whole.”

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Further Information

For press enquiries/interview slots or further details on the opening of The Leeds Kitchen by James Martin, please contact Emma Murray on: 0113 3413241 or email: emurray@london-clubs.co.uk.

For information on Alea Casino, Leeds, please visit: www.aleacasinos.com/leeds

NOTES TO EDITORS

London Clubs International is a market leader in the UK casino industry, having owned and operated casinos for over 40 years. LCI currently owns 10 casino properties across the UK and also operates two casinos in Cairo, Egypt and one in Johannesburg, South Africa.

LCI offers casinos for all tastes and every level of play. LCI casinos in the UK include The Casino at The Empire (London), The Rendezvous (London, Brighton and Southend), The Sportsman (London), Golden Nugget (London), Manchester235 and Alea (Nottingham and Glasgow and Leeds)

Gaming available at the properties includes American Roulette, Blackjack, Casino Stud Poker, Progressive Poker, Punto Banco (Baccarat), Dice, electronic gaming and slot machines.

LCI is focused on offering great value and service to its customers and has recently introduced a new loyalty programme across the group, Player Rewards. The group operates its own Code of Commitment, a public pledge to its employees and customers.

In December 2006, Harrah’s acquired London Clubs International. Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. (Harrah’s) is a casino-entertainment provider. It owns or manages, through various subsidiaries, 48 casinos, in the USA and the UK. Its casino entertainment facilities operate primarily under the Harrah’s, Caesars and Horseshoe brand names in the United States.

Harrah’s also owns the World Series of Poker brand and consequently introduced World Series of Poker Europe at Casino at The Empire in 2007. The tournament is now annual and draws some of the world’s top poker professionals to Leicester Square every year.

London Clubs International Ltd is a socially responsible operator with a strong sense of corporate citizenship. We recognise that we have a duty to conduct our business without detrimental effects on either individuals or communities.

LCI’s policy on social responsibility includes measures to prevent crime, ensure that gaming is fair, protect minors and other vulnerable persons, address responsible gaming issues and prevent the abuse of alcohol or drugs.

Within the community the Company works with charitable organisations such as the newly merged Help The Aged & Age Concern and lends support at charitable fundraising events. Our most important charitable work is focused on GamCare, the national charity for problem gamblers. LCI supports its work through voluntary contributions to the Responsibility in Gambling Trust which funds treatment, research and education programme.