Discover the captivating legacy of Winston Churchill in London, a city that pulsates with his presence. From grand hotels to historical landmarks, Churchill’s influence is woven into the fabric of London. Let’s embark on a journey through the iconic spaces where he lived, worked, and entertained, reliving the spirit of this remarkable statesman.
Grand Hotels: Churchill’s Preferred Havens
Imagine the echoes of history reverberating through the grand halls of London’s most celebrated hotels. These havens, once frequented by Winston Churchill, now stand as testaments to his enduring legacy. Step into the Savoy Grill, one of Churchill’s favourite haunts, now helmed by the fiery Gordon Ramsay. The opulent wood paneling and Art Deco touches remain, just as Churchill would have known them. This is where he founded The Other Club in 1910, a dining club for politicians that still gathers here today.
Don’t miss the chance to indulge in Churchill’s favourite dish, beef Wellington, and sip on a “Churchill” cocktail, a blend of his beloved whisky and Lillet Rosé. This iconic beverage allows you to raise a glass to the man who shaped history.
Claridge’s, another of Churchill’s favoured addresses, holds a unique story of a royal birth. In 1945, Queen Alexandria of Yugoslavia, a close friend of the former Prime Minister, was in distress when her son was due to be born while she was in exile. Churchill came to the rescue by declaring their suite Yugoslavian territory on the day of Prince Alexander’s birth. Today, this room, known as the Prince Alexander Suite, is a testament to Churchill’s kindness and is adorned with artwork inspired by Yugoslavia’s coat of arms.
For a more affordable experience, head to the lobby for a sumptuous afternoon tea. Churchill’s portrait hangs near the entrance, and nearby, an archival window displays artefacts from the hotel’s past, including celebratory fans made for the 1911 coronation of King George V.
From Churchill’s Brandy to Vintage Cocktails
As the day draws to a close, venture to Brown’s Hotel, a haven for history’s greats. Churchill, known for his fondness for brandy, found solace in this elegant hotel, a place frequented by Queen Elizabeth and Mahatma Gandhi. At the Donovan Bar, the legacy of Churchill lives on. Bartenders craft vintage cocktails, using the rarest spirits, paying homage to the man who appreciated the finer things in life.
While the vintage daiquiri, made with a Bacardi Santiago de Cuba dating back to 1930, might tempt you with its allure, a more affordable option is the whimsical Whizz Pop. This gin-based cocktail is a tribute to Roald Dahl’s The BFG and is served with a bubble-making gun and smoke-filled bubbles.
The War Rooms: A Glimpse into Churchill’s Leadership
Beyond the grand hotels, Churchill’s legacy extends to the heart of wartime London. Delve into the Churchill War Rooms, a subterranean museum where you can walk in the footsteps of the wartime leader.
Explore the Transatlantic Telephone Room, where Churchill communicated with world leaders in secret, and the Convoy Map, a testament to the constant threat of German submarines. See Churchill’s Cabinet Room chair, marked with scratches from his signet ring, a poignant reminder of the intense pressure he endured during the war.
Churchill’s Workplace: The Old War Office
Just a short distance away, the Old War Office, a colossal building of Portland stone and bricks, served as Churchill’s workplace. Today, transformed into the Raffles OWO hotel, the building’s grandeur remains, and guests can explore Churchill’s former domain on tours with hotel historian Emiel Danneels.
Danneels points out the former military library, now a restaurant, where Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, conducted his research. As you sip a glass of wine in this beautifully lit space, consider the echoes of history and the remarkable figures who once walked these halls.
Escaping to the Country: Churchill’s Rural Retreat
Even the most influential leaders need a break from city life. For Churchill, Beaverbrook, a country estate in the Surrey Hills, provided a welcome respite. This Victorian mansion, now a luxurious hotel, was owned by Lord Beaverbrook, Churchill’s wartime Minister of Aircraft Production.
The estate is vast, offering a range of accommodation options from charming cottages to the main house. For a truly immersive experience, book the Churchill Suite, where you can soak in the bathtub where Churchill once pondered wartime strategies.
Immerse yourself in history by watching a blockbuster in the UK’s first private cinema, a marvel of Art Deco design. Explore the estate’s public areas, adorned with books about England’s wartime history, and imagine the conversations that might have taken place within these walls.
Churchill’s legacy in London is a testament to his enduring influence. From grand hotels to historical landmarks, his presence is felt throughout the city. Explore these spaces, and you’ll find yourself transported back in time, experiencing the spirit of this extraordinary man.
