Additional information
Terrain
- Paved streets
Landscape
- Shopping, residential and business district of West End
Dog friendliness
- Not suitable for dogs
Toilets en route
- None on route
About the walk
When the author Ian Fleming created the character James Bond he paved the way for a small minority of actors to participate in an adventure that would take them to some of the world's most exotic locations. Fleming's first novel, Casino Royale, published in 1953, introduced the tough, romantic,... handsome hero who became affectionately known as 007. More than 50 years on, films that are based on his books are still being made. This walk captures some of the glamour of James Bond but you must go armed with a good imagination. On Her Majesty's Secret Service Mayfair was developed in the 18th century, predominantly by the wealthy Grosvenor family. It is one of the most elegant areas in London. Many of its exclusive shops bear coats of arms, denoting that they are official suppliers to the royal family, and the locality is peppered with superb hotels and restaurants – this is the type of place in which 007 would feel quite at home. In fact 'home' could be Albany, a covert block of bachelors' apartments. It was created from a townhouse owned by George III's son, who was popularised in the nursery rhyme 'the grand old Duke of York'. Byron was one of the first men to live at Albany, which has its own quiet courtyard just off Piccadilly. From here 007 would visit Old Bond Street and its cluster of exclusive shops selling jewellery (Tiffany and Cartier) and pens (Mont Blanc) and also South Audley Street, for this is where the royal gunmaker Purdey's is to be found. Also en route, on the corner of Davies Street and Brooks Mews, is Sunseeker International, suppliers of luxurious yachts and motorboats featured in Bond films: The World is Not Enough, Die Another Day, Casino Royale and Quantam of Solace. License to thrill For relaxation, 007 could head for the Elemis Day Spa. There, for an hour or so, he would be transported to a world of sensory heaven in either the Thai, Moorish or Balinese suites, for some serious cleansing and massage in exotic surroundings. Feeling refreshed, he may then even decide to treat the long-suffering Miss Moneypenny to a pampering facial. Then, assuming he was not on a case, off he'd go to Claridge's hotel in search of his favourite tipple. Now, depending upon which Bond we're talking about, this can differ, so let's stick with my favourite, Roger Moore, who played Bond in seven films. Although we all know the line: 'medium-dry martini, shaken, not stirred' Moore as 007 was in fact a champagne and wine man, and drank only three vodka martinis compared with 22 glasses of champagne and wine in his films. But don't let that put you off, for if you're following in the footsteps of 007, apart from never saying never again, how can you go to Claridge's Bar and not order such a legendary cocktail?
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