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It’s no wonder that a bar related to one of the world’s most famous spies lies hidden within the narrow streets of St. James. Cozily snuggled within the grandiose homes of this posh London neighborhood, a particular drink is crafted to perfection within its walls. In the peacefully quiet bar room (music is forbidden), you may hear an occasional order of a martini “shaken, not stirred.”
Founded in 1908, Dukes Hotel since its inception has been considered a lavish place of leisure. With even royals such as Princess Diana rumored to have visited here, the hotel’s most famous connection is with Ian Fleming, who was a regular visitor of the bar until his death in the 1960s. While the bar’s location alone would make sense for Fleming to be a frequent guest (there are even reports of a secret tunnel between the bar and nearby St. James Palace), it would be its cocktails that would leave a mark on the celebrated author.
It’s alleged that Fleming’s character, James Bond, acquired his love of a martini from Fleming’s own experiences at Dukes. The character’s famous order as well as his iconic Vesper Martini with Kina Lillet apparently all stem from the barmen behind the simple wooden corner bar–and can still be ordered today.
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With the slow-rolling trolley stopping right at patron’s tables, a V-shaped glass is procured to begin the construction of a martini with a reputation solidified in pages of world-renowned literature. The cocktail is strong enough that even Bond himself might only need two. Maybe that’s how one finds this stately bar’s secret passageway.
