Playboy bunnies make comeback

Hugh Hefner at the Park Lane club in the old days

Playboy bunny girls are set to return to London after a 20-year absence following a deal between leisure company Hilton and the Playboy empire.

The two companies plan to open a Playboy Casino Club in London's West End.

The complex will include a casino, bar and dining club staffed by the famous Playboy Bunnies.

21st Century bunny girl Ava Fabian in Piccadilly Circus

Playboy casinos, including the Playboy Club on Park Lane, were a feature of London's swinging 60s.

They remained open until 1981 when their gambling licences were revoked.

Ladbroke Casinos, part of the Hilton plc group, and Playboy Enterprises are looking at a number of sites around London's Mayfair district with a view to opening the club next year.

If the venture is successful more outlets could follow.

'Glamorous name'

Ladbroke Casinos, one of the biggest gaming and casino groups in Britain, currently operates 27 casinos throughout the UK.

Christine Hefner, chief executive of Playboy Enterprises and daughter of Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, said the company was thrilled to be returning to London.

"We believe the power of our brand has never been stronger," she said. "A cursory glance at the world-wide media makes it clear that all aspects of Playboy are hot."

Sir David Frost enjoyed the hospitality of bunny girls

The go-ahead for the plan is subject to Gaming Board licensing approval, but a Hilton spokesman said the group did not anticipate any problems.

"Bringing the glamorous international name of Playboy to London will immediately put the casino on the map," Ian Payne, managing director of Ladbroke Casinos, said.

As well as publishing Playboy magazine worldwide Playboy operates TV channels and web sites, chiefly Playboy.com.