The Hippodrome nightclub in London’s Leicester Square has been acquired by Toronto-based hospitality group Lucid Entertainment on a leasehold basis for a nominal cash consideration plus the assumption of £850,000 of liabilities.

The Hippodrome first opened in 1900 and was operated as one of Europe’s indoor circuses in the early 20th century. The elevating stage inside the venue has hosted a plethora of stars, including Ray Charles, Diana Ross, Sammy Davis Jnr, Irving Berlin and Johnny Mathis.

Lucid has stated that it intends to open the 2,000-capacity Hippodrome seven days a week and wants to double the operating revenues of the site within the next 12 months. Details: www.lucidworld.com