Leisure & Gaming Entrepreneur Jimmy Thomas and his wife Karina awarded the Freedom Of The City of London

Leicester businessman awarded Freedom of City of London

Local businessman Jimmy Thomas and his wife Karina have been awarded the Freedom Of The City of London.

The Freedom is an honour bestowed upon a valued member of the community and dates back to Mediaeval times when citizens were granted freedom from serfdom. The ceremony took place at the Chamberlain’s Court at Guildhall in the City Of London.

The locally-born gaming entrepreneur, who lives in both Loughbrough and London, owns the Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square, London, with his son Simon.

The Thomas family are best known in Leicestershire for running a string of amusement arcades such as the Showboat chain and bingo halls, including Beacon Bingo in Loughborough.

Said Jimmy Thomas, who turns 80 on March 2, said: “It’s a huge honour and was one of the most memorable days of my life. It was fascinating to be a part of something that goes back to the historical roots of London.”