Cromwell Mint Casino London

The Cromwell Mint Casino London was one of the capital’s most distinctive boutique casinos, known for luxury gaming, Knightsbridge glamour, and a loyal clientele. Its story stretches from its origins as the 45 Club in the 1960s to its modern rebirth as Forty Five Kensington in 2019.

Gambling Palaces

by Adrian Vale

August 19, 2026 0 11

Early Days of the Cromwell Mint Casino London

Long before the name Cromwell Mint Casino London became synonymous with boutique gaming, the building at 45 Cromwell Road operated as the 45 Club, a stylish 1960s venue offering entertainment to affluent Kensington and Knightsbridge residents. This early identity would later inspire the 2019 rebrand.

The 45 Club’s reputation rested on exclusivity, elegant décor, and a cosmopolitan crowd. Its location opposite the Natural History Museum made it a discreet yet prestigious destination. Over time, the venue evolved, eventually becoming part of Genting Casinos UK Ltd, one of Britain’s most established gambling operators.

Rise of the Knightsbridge Casino London

By the early 2000s, the venue had become the Cromwell Mint Casino London, operated by Genting UK. It embraced the boutique casino model: intimate gaming floors, personalised service, and a refined atmosphere distinct from larger West End casinos.

The casino offered the usual casino games: American roulette, blackjack, baccarat, three‑card poker and a curated electronic gaming area

These features helped cement its reputation as a luxury casino London destination, attracting international visitors, business travellers, and Knightsbridge locals seeking privacy and sophistication.

Cromwell Road & Knightsbridge Casino Culture

The 47 Cromwell Road casino was ideally located at the heart of one of London’s most affluent districts. Surrounded by museums, luxury hotels, and embassies, the Cromwell Mint Knightsbridge thrived on a mix of local prestige and international tourism.

Visitors often described the Cromwell Mint as a high‑roller casino in London that balanced glamour with discretion, an essential quality in Knightsbridge nightlife.

Challenges & Changing Market Conditions

Despite its strong reputation, the casino industry faced increasing competition from online gaming platforms and larger integrated purpose-built gaming venues. Boutique casinos like the Cromwell Mint had to adapt to shifting consumer habits and rising operational costs. By the late 2010s, Genting UK began planning a major transformation to modernise the venue and reconnect it with its heritage.

From Cromwell Mint to Forty Five Kensington

In 2019, Genting UK announced a full refurbishment and rebrand of the Cromwell Mint Casino London, returning it to its original identity as Forty Five Kensington, a nod to the historic 45 Club.

The renovation included:

A new private gaming room
Expanded electronic gaming area
Upgraded main gaming floor
Enhanced bar and restaurant spaces
Warm lighting and modern interior design

The refurbishment was completed over 14 weeks while the casino remained operational, requiring careful planning due to restricted access and the busy South Kensington location.

cromwell mint knightsbridge — *Image source: Trip Advisor*

Genting’s goal was to create a world‑class gaming venue with first‑class dining, blending modern hospitality with the building’s historic roots.

Who Owns Forty-Five Kensington Today?

The property at 45 Kensington / 45 Cromwell Road remains under the ownership and operation of Genting Casinos UK Ltd.

The venue continues to operate as Forty Five Kensington, offering a cosmopolitan gaming experience in South Kensington.

What Made the Cromwell Mint Casino London Special?

Several qualities distinguished the Cromwell Mint Casino London from other London casinos:

Boutique scale – intimate, elegant, and personal
Prestigious location – Knightsbridge/South Kensington prestige
High‑quality service – multilingual staff and VIP lounges
Heritage – a legacy dating back to the 1960s 45 Club
Luxury gaming London experience – refined décor and curated games

Its blend of tradition, exclusivity, and hospitality made it a favourite among discerning players.

Responsible Gaming UK

As part of Genting’s broader UK portfolio, the Group emphasises responsible gaming, hospitality, and premium service. The Cromwell Mint Casino London became known for its multilingual staff, high‑quality dining, and a VIP gaming lounge that appealed to high‑rollers and seasoned players. Its boutique scale made it stand out among London boutique casinos, offering a quieter, more exclusive alternative to the city’s larger gaming venues.

Conclusion

The Cromwell Mint Casino London remains a memorable chapter in London’s gaming history. Its evolution from the 45 Club to a boutique casino and finally to Forty Five Kensington reflects decades of heritage, hospitality, and innovation. Today, the venue continues to honour its legacy while embracing modern luxury gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What was the original name of the Cromwell Mint Casino London?

It began as the 45 Club in the 1960s.

❓ Who owns Forty Five Kensington today?

The property is owned and operated by Genting Casinos UK Ltd.

❓ Why was the casino rebranded in 2019?

To modernise the venue and reconnect it with its heritage as the 45 Club.

❓ What made the Cromwell Mint Casino London unique?

Its boutique scale, luxury gaming environment, Knightsbridge location, and personalised service.

❓ Is Forty Five Kensington still a casino?

Yes. It operates as a modern, cosmopolitan gaming venue in South Kensington.

Reference List:

G F Holding. (n.d.). Forty Five Kensington – refurbishment details. Retrieved from refurbishment summary.
GGB Magazine. (2019, August 25). Genting renames Cromwell Mint in London. Industry report on rebrand.
SBC News. (2019, August 19). Genting ‘Forty Five’ rebrand sees Kensington property return to its roots. Industry announcement.