Its so crowded and loud with the video games inside, I always hesitate to go in. But the Whittard has an enticing range of teas, and my movie addiction means that the Cineworld inside has seen me become a frequent patron. Well if you can't go to the theater all the time, enjoy entertainment for the masses. And plebeians of the world unite at the Trocadero, whether for shopping, picking out some awful souvenirs, or playing video games. However, if you decide to watch a movie on a quiet afternoon, watch out for thieves. Seriously. A friend left a bag between her feet, and someone took out her wallet, filched half a months rent, and put it back into her bag with the cards, zipped it and left it there again. Apparently it wasn't the first time. Why can't they be a bit proactive with these CCTV cameras our taxes end up paying for? Well there is a Trocadero bandit, call in the sheriff. Time to institute public hangings... read more

London Trocadero - Shopping Centers Near Me - London, XGL

The Trocadero is a family centre in Piccadilly. If you have kids or are a big kid yourself this is a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening. There is pool, bowling, and a video arcade. I have played pool at the Trocadero several times and the pool area isn't bad. Because the area is so public I do get a bit nervous about putting my bag down. I know thieves operate in the area (well that's what the sign says) so I find myself constantly keeping one eye on my belongings. If the space is crowded you do need to watch how you handle your pool stick or you'll end up impaling someone in the behind. My favourite part of the Trocadero is the video games. I have taken my nephew and he loved that there was so much variety. We played sports games, driving games and even a few with monsters. We both had a blast. The best game is Aliens! It's a shooting game where you and a partner have to kill the Aliens, yes the ones from the movie. To me it's a grown up game and I only play it with other grown up, I like ones who are a good shot because it helps keep me alive. There is also bowling, I have not done that, whenever we have tried to bowl the wait has been two hours or more. Needless to say, the bowling is very popular. If the pool, bowling or arcades don't do it for, there is a movie theatre which is pretty nice and not as expensive as some of the other theatres in that area. I recommend the Trocadero for a date or just a fun time out. If you are babysitting and the kids are over 6, it's the perfect place to wear them out! read more

London Trocadero - Shopping Centers Near Me - London, XGL

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If you find yourself in the area, by all means you have to come in and stroll through this place. More to say that you came and saw than anything else - Small shops, a stripped down arcade and a cinema - so I will submit that catching a flick or playing arcade games while in London is a total and absolute waste of time, this place is simply a landmark to be seen, briefly and quickly forgotten. read more

Holy terrifying... it's like I slipped and fell into David Bowie's bulging early 1990s nightmarish wonderland of mind-horror. Let's step back - the Trocadero is a cavernous underground maze of cheap visual stimulation, florescent candy that has never seen the light of day, cacophonous arcade games, internet cafés filled with people connected to gaming gangs, an escalator plan most certainly designed by MC Escher, grimy fast food windows, and I may even have seen a SegaWorld sign in there, but I did my best to avert my eyes in case my overstimulated senses accidentally tripped-out into one of those 3-D seeing eye puzzles and the Statue of Liberty all of a sudden rumbled to life in my face. Two more rather unhelpful thoughts: 1. This must be what the writers of Soylent Green had in mind when they penned 'the future." 2. My imagination feels violated at the thought that there is a swimming pool inside this complex. Please, for the sake of all things natural, avoid, avoid, avoid. Unless you're... well, nevermind. read more

The Trocadero is turning into a ghost town and a bit of an eyesore. That's a real shame as it's located right in the heart of the tourist heartland of the West End. The upper floors are completely deserted now that the arcade/dodgems/10 pin bowling has shut down. There are a myriad of little shops and booths scattered throughout the rest of the building - an eclectic mix of chains like Baskin Robbins to a mechanical bull to a 3D laser photo etching stall. There are some fun things still to do here - Cineworld, laser tag, LAN gaming centre but the centre lacks an overarching theme or cohesiveness One new discovery though is the basement walkway to the neighbouring shopping centre has been turned into a streetdance hangout. A small store sells drinks and clothing but there are groups of dancers practising and sharing moves to the accompaniment of appropriate music. It's nice to see the dancers helping each other out. There are also occasional competitions and there are some amazing dancers to watch read more

You need the toilet You need a token You need £1 for a token So, you need to pay £1 to pee ------- ------- ------ ------ ------- --- Bring a colostomy bag ...or better yet - just piss your pants - it'll give you an excuse to get out of this neo-migraine of mezzanines. read more

The Trocadero used to have a ride in the middle. You'd sit in a seat, with a Chinese tourist to the right of you, and a screaming middle aged woman to the left. And you'd swiftly be taken upwards - all the way to the top of the Trocadero. This was a far quicker mode of transport than the confusing escalators. Unfortunately, within seconds, you would shoot back down to the ground floor at lightning speed (please bare in mind I cannot scientifcally guarantee it was scientific speed. Not that it matters, the ride is gone). It was a great ride. It's gone. So I don't really know why I'm talking about it. Suffice to say they replaced it with a trampoline for children. I'm not really sure of the logic of it. The Trocadero is pretty cool - but isn't anywhere near what it was. It used to have like three levels packed full of gaming machines. Then they closed off the top level and much of the lower one. What used to be a full day's worth of running around spending money has now become do-able in about thirty minutes. It's a shame. This has the potential to be heaven for the young; from kids to teens to people in their mid-twenties. But it's not anymore. Rather than be the Manchester United of entertainment, it's more like the Middlesbrough FC. It's kind of mid-table okay-ish. There's a cinema, there's a place to buy cookies, there's air-hockey. You'll get by. You can even go bowling. In fact, ignore what I say and you might just love it. But for those who have an inkling as to how it used to be, they'll realise that its not much of anything anymore. read more

This place is, rather sadly, an almost completely horrible dump. Comprising hideously overpriced toilets (£1! for piss-strewn floors, lukewarm water, non-existent soap), a depressingly dated HMV, one of those loud-speaker desperate-sales-pitch fronted "designer perfume" shops, an abundance of London-themed and football-strip knock-off stalls, a bizarrely busy headache-inducing Starbucks, and some very, very ancient and weathered looking arcades. Spending more than 20 minutes here will have you contemplating suicide. The one saving grace is the Cineworld, which though completely faceless, corporate and bleak feeling in "brand" and staff approachability, does show some good films now and again. Trocadero's time went many, many years ago. The place needs to be stripped, gutted and completely re-designed. The space itself has huge potential. Someone just needs to realise it. read more

Summary based on many "drive bys": --typical junky, city center venue reminiscent of Hong Kong's Cungking Mansions, without the helpful shops --oh, that's enough. It's probably not even worth 2 stars, but I'm feeling generous. read more

Over a YEAR ago I saw and understood the potential charm this place was going for...but recently, they've actually removed and shut down most of its shops/stands. We attempted visiting the cinema, but it didn't look too inviting. Can't say that I agreed with the TYPE of stands they HAD open, a ton of black market/fake, most likely illegal replicated type of product such as purses, jewelry, etc.... but the IDEA of having a variety of stands open for people to easily browse through was nice. Too bad they didn't offer many homemade, legal product, because THAT would've been nice. Like Portabello Market or something....should open one here! :) Before the stands and other stores were shut down, it already looked like an abandoned indoor theme park. There was this escaltor that was hanging on by strands of metal leading up to a dark hole to the top floor....darker than the old arcade Tron lived in. -__- I mean, that part didn't even bother me, it was kinda neat. BUT now that everything is pretty much shut besides a couple treat stands, few touristy shops, oh and ... AAAAAND....the NEW DEAD SKIN EATING FISH tanks (which I heard is GENERALLY unsanitary!!!) I actually saw a couple of customers at this stand!!!! You just have to see it for yourself...the tanks, the shut down "mall," all of the nothing that is left. So sad to see this place crumble.....how bout opening up these shops and hiring people!!! Oh, and what was even more weird was that their prices were waaay too high for what was on offer. :-( read more

I love this place in Central London. There are a few floors filled with amusement games and even a sports bar on the top. This place is great for both kids and adults. The adults can have a go at a few gambling machines they've got or even play a few rounds on the bumper cars (dodgems). They've even got a bowling alley close to the sports bar but that is always packed for some reason. Some of the amusement machines still spit out tickets which you can exchange for a prize, it can get quite addictive. read more

London Trocadero - Shopping Centers Near Me - London, XGL

Almost bang in the middle of Leicester Square & Picadilly Circus, the Trocadero is a decent place to spend an hour if you are in the area. Not sure I would make a dedicated trip just to go there though. Upon entry it is quite a squeeze if the mall is busy as the corridor is narrow. The passage is full of little shops, check out the sweet shop on the right - it is always the busiest and best looking shop in the Trocadero - I wonder why? ;) Up the escalators (accompanied by loud booming music) are various slot machines & video games - there were a couple of 2p falls machines working for those of you who don't like to lose your cash in such places! Further up the stairs are the dodgems (not my thing but very popular here) and at the top is a sports bar and also a bowling alley. read more

We went there recently, and the place has really hit the skids since the last time we went 8 years ago. Piles of rubbish and furniture everywhere, badly patched up damaged flooring, and they have closed down the top floor. The whole place has a rather seedy, 'past its sell by date' feel. Avoid. read more

I have been frequenting Trocadero for more than three years ... Primarily because the cineworld there is the only one in central London that screens Bollywood movies. However even though the businesses here are great (like Funland or Cineworld), the mall by itself is very disappointing. It's noisy, crowded and unclean. One should see all the rubbish on the cash machine on the ground floor late on a weekend night. I was once prevented by the security guards from taking a photograph. It costs you £1 to use a lavatory. The escalators are never switched on. It's rare to see all the escalators working on the same day, even after recent renovations. One Friday I find the escalator going up is switched off, while next Saturday it's the one going down. The escalators within the arcade or within the cinema function perfectly well. I return every week because I have to ... Avoid it if you have an alternative. read more

This place used to be amazing and futuristic. It used to have great rides like The Imaginator, Formula 1, and it had Funland, Alien War and then Segaworld and dodgems and laserbowl and Imax.Those were some great years and i revisited Trocadero many times as i live and lived half an hour away by train. i have many great memories from this place. The place now is a dump and just has poor attractions if you can call them that. Cineworld is a poor cinema chain, Laser tag is ok but paintball is superior, there is also a internet gaming zone with rubbish Del computers read more

Does the Trocadero have a long history beginning in 1896... yes but it doesn't really affect us, the Trocadero we see today was redone in 1984 to be a family oriented arcade, cinema, and shopping centre to attract tourists. After losing the sponsorship from Sega due to low attendance the massive arcade was decreased in size but it is still true to its 1984 theme. If you are out in Leicester square there is a bar and bowling alley that is enjoyable for people over 18, the rest of the building is a kid zone with several levels of arcade games, it is a bit fun to return to your childhood and have a few games. The games of course are all modern and made for todays children. HMV is attached which of course is a great place to get music, games, and videos. There is a photography studio where you can have your picture made in old-fashioned or themed costumes which is quite fun. There are several boutiques and little places to grab a snack so if you need to entertain the kids or are just a big kid yourself you could have some fun at the Trocadero. read more

London Trocadero - Shopping Centers Near Me - London, XGL

This is one my favourite places in london, it is so central and so a great meeting place. There is so much happening and so many activities that it is possible to appease everyone. I have been to the bowling alley twice in the past year and although it is a little expensive, it is fun and suitable for all age groups and both men and women. For reference, they do offer a cheap rate for bowling on weekdays before 1pm, so if you are free at this time, I would recommend that you give it a go. There are also the dodgems which is fun and againg suitable for kids and adults. The best part about this is that you do not have to be in control, you are actually encouraged to crash into one another, so long as it remains friendly. With road rage on the up, it is an excellent chance to release all types of frustration. I would recommend this as a form of therapy for anyone who has anger management There are also numerous shops and it is right next to leicester square where there also so much to do! read more

This used to be a fun place to go but has become over commercialised and just a hive for young terrors to be snarky and cause trouble. I miss the sega center. Has an okay arcade area, cinema is over priced, HMV is probably the only good thing going here. read more

I went to see No Country For Old Men here, and they couldn't manage to project the film in focus. I wonder why the studios don't realise that cinema attendance is down not because of hooky copies downloaded off the Internet, but because many cinemas can't manage to show a film competently. I would have complained, but chain managers never seem to care. Avoid this place. read more

Situated in the heart of Piccadilly circus, this is the perfect place to go to when you're in the west end, or are a tourist and want to have a fun filled time, do some shopping, eat some food, play in the massive, ever growing arcade. I used to go here every time i visited my dad in London when i was little, so i recommend it to kids, who love playing on games, driving bumper cars, and lke earning tokens to win lots of cheap, silly but brilliant prizes. I also had my tenth birthday here, so it's a good place to go with a group of friends, as there is literally everything. read more

A great to place to go with your mates or even your girlfriend/boyfriend.. Lots of new activities around and there are also shops inside for those of you who are shopoholics :D read more

I used to love going to the Trocadero for it's wonderful stalls, shops etc but it's gone down hill over the years and now just seems to focus on 'gaming' machines and teens running around in groups just hanging round. Very busy and not somewhere to go if you're trying to navigate a wheelchair through crowds. read more

The Trocadero is a great afternoon out for the whole family. It is in the heart of London in Piccadilly Circus. It has many floors with lots going on like shopping, a huge amusement arcade with machines that give out tickets for the kids to save & claim a prize which they love, bumper cars, bowling alley & much more. It's not too expensive & just as much fun even if you only go for an hour :) read more

The trocadero is fantastic it has 5 or 6 floors. The first and second floor are full of shops including claires accessories, a great sweet shop, and many stalls which are run by chinese people that sell chinese ornaments and stuff. On level 3 and 4 theres arcades, every arcade game you can think of for example 2p machines, 10p machines,slot machines, car racing etc. Theres also a bowling alley which is far to expensive £25 for 2 kids one game thats just so dear but its great fo the kids or if your in a large group and fancy something different then this isgood for you. They also have a pub situated rightnext to the bowling alley, this is for adults only but there is a section for familys to sit in between the pub and the bowling alley. Theres also the dodgems which is great for all ages you get in the car and just crash into each other which is great. Theres a few sweet shops and little snack bars to have a soft drink and a bite to eat but they are all very pricey. All in all this is a great day out for everyone to go and enjoy but it does cost a hell of a lot of money if you have children. read more

We went bowling there with friends. Place is huge and great fun. We didn't need to wait for long to get started even though everything was fully booked when we came. There is lots of other fun things you can do there. Appropriate for both, kids and adults. read more

Great place to go to take the kids as its got everything from food & drink tyo arcade games to keep the kids entertained for ages but be warned its not a cheap day out. lol. read more

Always thronging with tourists, and with good reason, the Trocadero is a place that should be on you London to do list. There are lots of shops selling souvenirs as well as several large sweet shops of the pick and mix variety to tempt anyone with a sweet tooth! Head upstairs to the comprehensive amusement arcade, Funland - and don't forget to do the vertical drop white knuckle ride inside the main Trocadero centre. This is frightening but good fun! A part of the atmosphere is the sheer hustle and bustle of having all of the people around. There are places to eat inside and lots of interesting shops. read more

The Troc has lost so much of it's flair :-( I have been visiting London about 15 times within the last twenty years and I saw degrading the Troc from a 5-story arcade land with more games to waste your time with than you could Play in a man's life to some 1.5 miniature stories of a few games and more bricked-off-walls than the Tube Last time I came around, in October 2012, some of the old flair returned but nothing compared to what it was. Nowadays, it's a fun place to spend around 2 hours with your family fourtunately London has a lot more to offer ;-) read more

This can be fairly shabby and untidy but the tourist shops are pretty good . The souvenirs are no more over priced than at any of the shops and of course there is the wonderful ( to me at least ) Tokyo Toys . Its always great to be able to browse the manga . read more

wow cant really tell you much about this place, you have to go and check it yourself its so cool..and go with your mates :P

Still good for the bowling, but this place doesn't offer what it did ten years ago, the arcades should bring back some of the older games from the late 80s and 90s to really perk this place up again! read more

We decided to visit the Trocadero because my boyfriend loves arcade games, and our travel guide recommended it. It wasn't until we were at Piccadilly Circus, struggling to find an entrance, that we realised that most of the Trocadero had shut down. We managed to find our way into the building, where we found a cinema, a corridor with some tired, old arcade games and a sketchy-looking eatery. There were a few people in the cinema area, but otherwise, the place was deserted. Imagine our disappointment, as we had been pretty psyched about going beforehand. Nevertheless, we decided to try out a few of the arcade games since we had the opportunity. A few of them were broken, but the Mario Kart arcade game was very fun. read more