In the 1990s, London Trocadero stood as an iconic destination for children and those young at heart. Located at 30 Shaftesbury Avenue, this historic building has transitioned through various uses. Amongst millennials, it is most famously recalled as the former SegaWorld, later rebranded as Funland, a vibrant seven-story entertainment hub accessed through a striking enclosed ‘Rocket Escalator’.
The Trocadero was a hub of excitement from 1996 to 2011, featuring attractions like a notable indoor drop ride and numerous classic coin-operated arcade games. Following its closure, the building remained dormant until 2025 when Zedwell Piccadilly transformed a substantial portion into a unique pod hotel with 728 windowless rooms and a spacious rooftop bar.
Plans are now underway to convert a section of the Trocadero into a sizable JD Wetherspoon branch, set to become one of the largest in London and the chain’s inaugural venue in Theatreland. Named Piccadilly Hall, after a historic hall that influenced Piccadilly Circus’s name in the 17th century, this expansive pub will cover over 3,600 square feet, accommodating 280 patrons and operating daily from 7 am to midnight.
Piccadilly Hall will offer a range of Wetherspoon’s signature breakfasts and all-day dining options, making it an attractive spot for theatergoers, tourists, and locals due to its prime location. Although an official opening date has not been disclosed yet, anticipation is high for this new addition to London’s dining scene.
Earlier this year, Wetherspoon expanded globally with its first branch outside the UK, serving a mix of British and Spanish cuisine at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport near Benidorm. The chain also diversified its portfolio by launching four branches within Haven holiday parks.
Upcoming ventures for the brand include The Sir Ronald Wates in Guildford, the inaugural university-owned Spoons at the University of Surrey campus, and The William Chambers in Edinburgh, set to open in September in a former multi-storey bar and club building.
Tim Martin, founder and chairman of JD Wetherspoon, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming Piccadilly Hall launch, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to offering quality food and drinks at reasonable prices in historically significant venues. He looks forward to establishing Wetherspoon’s presence in the vibrant Theatreland district of the West End.
