Damian Aspinall’s flagship casino and entertainment venue, Aspers, is now open at The Gate in Newcastle, following a VIP launch yesterday evening (27 October).

His partner, Donna Air and the sheriff, deputy lord mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Diane Packham, cut a ribbon in the casino to declare Aspers officially open.

“As this is the opening of the first Aspers Casino in the UK we wanted to make it a night to remember,” said Aspinall.

“My vision for Aspers is that it is a leisure destination for everyone. Our members will be able to come and spend the whole evening at Aspers and not gamble if they don’t want to – they can have a drink, a meal and watch a show. There is nothing like it in the UK.”

In addition to a host of gaming facilities, the 45,000sq ft (4,180sq m) Aspers Casino – which was designed by Australian architects Bates Smart – features restaurants, bars, an ipod relaxation lounge and a beauty salon.

The 1,200-capacity venue – operated by Aspinalls – comprises two bars, the Air Bar and Lady O’s and two restaurants, Freya’s and Café Marie.

Aspers also features 27 multimedia screens, sports screens and a stage for live music.

A second Aspers is planned to open in Swansea in 2006.

See also Leisure Management November/December 2005 p24: Hotseat interview: Damian Aspinall

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