Imagine the world without the inspiring leadership of Winston Churchill. A figure etched in history, Churchill’s legacy lives on in the very streets of London. From grand hotels to historic landmarks, the city is a living testament to his impact.
A City Steeped in Churchill History
London pulsates with Churchill’s spirit; his presence felt in the grand National Portrait Gallery, where his preliminary sketch takes pride of place. Amidst a vast collection of Churchill portraits, a photograph of a young Churchill, fresh from his parliamentary victory, and another capturing him in a pair of pants, swimming in a pool, offer glimpses into different facets of his life.
The Savoy Hotel, a beloved hangout of Churchill, exudes his personality. It’s here, in the Savoy Grill, where Churchill established The Other Club in 1910. Though his favorite table is reserved for early birds, you can indulge in his favorite beef Wellington and savor the ambiance, punctuated by his portrait. A “Churchill” cocktail, a blend of his preferred whiskey and Lillet Rosé, completes the experience.
Claridge’s Hotel is another landmark associated with Churchill. This luxurious hotel witnessed him briefly after his electoral defeat in 1945. Amidst esteemed guests, including the exiled Yugoslavian royal family, Churchill intervened in a poignant moment. When the pregnant Queen Alexandria of Yugoslavia was distraught that her son wouldn’t be born in Yugoslavia, Churchill, in an act of goodwill, declared their suite as Yugoslavian territory, ensuring the Prince Alexander’s birth in his homeland. This historical moment is commemorated with the Prince Alexander Suite, featuring artwork inspired by the Yugoslavian coat of arms.
A Journey Through Churchill’s London: From Tea to Cocktails
For a more budget-friendly experience, take a seat in Claridge’s lobby for a sumptuous afternoon tea. Churchill’s portrait graces the entrance, while archival windows showcase artifacts from the hotel’s past, including celebratory fans crafted for King George V’s coronation.
Brown’s Hotel, founded in 1832, boasts a rich history, welcoming esteemed guests like Queen Elizabeth, Mahatma Gandhi, and, of course, Churchill, who relished his favorite brandy in this elegant setting. The Donovan Bar, bustling with guests who appreciate the finer things in life, is a worthy tribute to Churchill. Vintage cocktails crafted with the world’s rarest spirits are a highlight, with the vintage daiquiri, made with a Bacardi Santiago de Cuba dating back to 1930, priced at a hefty £1200 ($2500). But fear not! There’s always a more affordable cocktail menu to choose from.
A gin-based Whizz Pop, a tribute to Roald Dahl’s “The BFG,” is a fun and affordable choice. You’ll enjoy the theatrical presentation, with a bartender producing a bubble-making gun and garnishing your glass with smoke-filled bubbles.
Following Churchill’s Footsteps: From Wartime Bunker to Country Estate
Beyond the glamorous hotels and bars, Churchill’s legacy extends to his working spaces. The Churchill War Rooms, an underground nerve center on King Charles St, was his wartime headquarters. Here, you can witness the Transatlantic Telephone Room, where Churchill conversed with world leaders in secret, the Convoy Map, marking the movements of convoys evading German submarines, and Churchill’s Cabinet Room chair, bearing the marks of his anxious hand.
Another important workplace, the Old War Office, now the Raffles OWO hotel, boasts 1000 rooms and four kilometers of corridors, showcasing Churchill’s grand workspace. Guests can embark on tours guided by hotel historian Emiel Danneels, who shares fascinating insights about the building’s past, including the former military library, transformed into a restaurant.
For a respite from the bustling city, escape to Beaverbrook, a country estate in the Surrey Hills, Churchill’s beloved rural retreat. Owned by Lord Beaverbrook, Churchill’s wartime Minister of Aircraft Production, this Victorian mansion offers a luxurious escape. The sprawling estate features cottages and the main house, where you can immerse yourself in history, even enjoying a soak in the exact bathtub where Churchill once pondered wartime tactics.
A Final Toast to Churchill’s Legacy
Churchill’s legacy is not confined to London. His impact echoes across the globe, a testament to his leadership, resilience, and indomitable spirit. His presence is felt in the city’s grand hotels, historical landmarks, and even its bustling streets. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail in the Donovan Bar, enjoying a sumptuous afternoon tea at Claridge’s, or exploring the Churchill War Rooms, you’re embracing his spirit and celebrating his legacy.
From his beloved beef Wellington to the smoke-filled bubbles of a Whizz Pop, London is a city where you can trace the footsteps of a legend. So raise a glass, a toast to Winston Churchill, and explore the many facets of his fascinating life.
