James Bond might jet-set around the globe, but everyone knows the World’s greatest secret agent calls London home. He risks his life to protect Queen and country, and while the Queen is the head of England, London is its heart. So, if you want to follow in Bond’s footsteps, there’s no better place to start than the city that inspired his adventures.
From Cards to Cocktails: Bond’s London Haunts
The Le Cercle club in “Dr. No” might be a recreation on a soundstage, but it’s inspired by a real London institution. While Bond enjoys gambling at Les Ambassadeurs Club on Hamilton Place, he’s best known for frequenting another fictional establishment: Blades. This fictional club actually makes its screen debut in “Die Another Day”, with the Reform Club on Pall Mall serving as the location.
Imagine yourself sitting in Bond’s chair at Les Ambassadeurs, perhaps even enjoying a Martini – shaken, not stirred, of course. Or perhaps you’d prefer a night at the Reform Club, where you can channel your inner Bond and imagine yourself in a high-stakes game of poker.
The Home of Universal Exports: Bond’s London Offices
Bond might love his gadgets and high-stakes adventures, but he still has to go to work. His office, Universal Exports, has had several London locations over the years, each reflecting a different era in Bond’s career.
The Old War Office in Whitehall was the backdrop for Bond’s briefings in “Octopussy”, “A View To A Kill”, and “Licence To Kill.” This grand building is still used by the Ministry of Defence, but perhaps not to send secret agents on missions to save the world.
The Malaysia House on Trafalgar Square also served as Universal Exports in “The Living Daylights.” It’s a reminder that Bond’s missions often take him to exotic locales, but his headquarters are firmly rooted in London.
If you’re looking for a more modern setting, visit the real MI6 building at Millbank. It’s the current home of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service and features prominently in “GoldenEye”, “The World Is Not Enough”, and “Die Another Day.” While the building itself is off-limits to the public, you can still enjoy a view of the Thames and imagine Bond going about his secret business.
In “Quantum of Solace”, MI6 relocated to a more unconventional address: Frobisher Crescent on the Barbican Estate. This modern housing complex, while certainly not the most exciting location for a secret agent, is an intriguing setting for a Bond movie.
The Whitehall Court building was the location for the Ministry of Defence in “For Your Eyes Only”, and it’s said to have housed the real SIS for several years.
And finally, for a touch of cinematic irony, the filmmakers chose Somerset House to represent the War Office in “Tomorrow Never Dies.” It’s the location where Bond pulls up in his iconic DB5 for an emergency meeting.
The Reform Club makes a final appearance in “Quantum of Solace,” this time as the Foreign Office. This makes it one of the most frequently used locations in the Bond films, reflecting its importance in the world of international espionage.
From the Big Screen to the City Streets
London’s streets and landmarks are more than just backdrops in the Bond films. They provide a tangible connection to the world of 007, allowing you to walk in his footsteps and experience the thrill of the chase firsthand. So, whether you’re seeking a glimpse of Bond’s glamorous haunts or a taste of his secret missions, London is the perfect place to start your adventure.
