Iconic deserted London amusement park set for brand spanking new life as large Wetherspoon pub
The London Trocadero was once the ultimate indoor amusement park, boasting a seven-storey arcade and a drop ride that thrilled 90s kids — but it is now set to become a giant Wetherspoon
The iconic building was left abandoned for years(Image: Criterion Capital)
If you were a youngster in the 90s, or simply young at heart, then there was undoubtedly one destination you’d have been desperate to experience during a London visit. The London Trocadero, a legendary structure located at 30 Shaftesbury Avenue, has served numerous purposes throughout its history, though amongst millennials it’s arguably most famous for its era as the ultimate indoor entertainment centre.
Between 1996 and 2011, the Trocadero housed SegaWorld, subsequently rebranded as Funland, an expansive seven-storey, fluorescent-bathed venue accessed via an extended covered ‘Rocket Escalator’. It’s probably most fondly recalled for the enormous indoor drop tower at its heart, alongside level upon level of coin-operated gaming machines from the golden age of arcade entertainment.
Yet following its closure, the building’s destiny remained unclear, lying derelict for numerous years.
The premises served various purposes throughout different periods, until 2025 when Zedwell Piccadilly occupied a substantial portion, establishing a capsule hotel featuring 728 windowless chambers and an expansive rooftop terrace.
Currently, proposals are underway to transform sections of the structure into an enormous JD Wetherspoon outlet, establishing one of the chain’s largest London branches and its inaugural venue within the capital’s Theatreland district.
The forthcoming establishment will be named Piccadilly Hall, drawing its title from a historical hall that originally gave Piccadilly Circus its moniker during the 17th century. Spanning more than 3,600 square feet, it will accommodate an impressive 280 diners and will operate from 7am through to midnight throughout the week.
The establishment will offer Wetherspoon’s breakfast options alongside its comprehensive all-day food and beverage selection, and is anticipated to draw theatre-goers, visitors, and residents due to its prime position. Currently, no definitive launch date has been confirmed for this fresh London outlet, reports the Mirror.
Earlier this year, Wetherspoon launched its inaugural venue beyond UK shores, providing British pub cuisine and Spanish specialities to passengers travelling through Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport near Benidorm. The chain has also broadened its reach with four additional branches opening across Haven holiday parks.
Future launches for the brand include The Sir Ronald Wates in Guildford, which will hold the unique status of being the first university-owned Spoons situated on a University of Surrey campus. A substantial branch will also launch in Edinburgh in September called The William Chambers, housed in a building that previously operated as a multi-storey bar and club.
JD Wetherspoon founder and chairman Tim Martin said: “We are delighted to be opening our first venue in Theatreland in partnership with Criterion Capital.
The West End is one of the world’s great hospitality destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year, and we believe this site is exceptionally well suited to the Wetherspoon model of offering good-quality food and drink at reasonable prices in well-managed and historically interesting buildings.”
He added: “We look forward to becoming part of this vibrant area of the West End.”
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