Channel 007 with one of these swanky experiences that can only be enjoyed in the British capital.
Cruise the River Thames passed MI6 aboard Illuminate, the Italian-designed Azimut yacht available ... [+]
Cruise By MI6
It’s not possible to visit MI6, headquartered in the SIS Building on the South Bank of the River Thames, but you can still get a great view of the iconic building featured in many a Bond film. The best (and perhaps most Bond-like) way to take in the view is via private yacht. Illuminate London offers trips down the River Thames aboard its Italian-designed Azimut charter yacht. Each charter is built around a custom itinerary; however, the yacht always sails passed the formidable MI6 building. To compliment the yacht trip, guests can also book onboard chefs, musicians and mixologists to shake up martinis, while taking in the London vistas. Charters are available in the daytime, as well as at night, which is especially magical thanks to Illuminated River, a new, longterm art installation project that lights up the bridges over the Thames.
Dine like Bond
Dine In Style
To celebrate the newest Bond film, slated to premiere this autumn, The Milestone Hotel & Residences in Kensington is putting on a trio of Bond-inspired dinners. The dinners are inspired by the food featured in the original Ian Fleming novels, and each dinner has a different theme. The first dinner, which just took place at the end of May, was inspired by Diamonds are Forever and included a diamond masterclass with the Deputy Director at Sotheby's Diamonds Europe, Alessandro Borruso, a former geologist and certified specialist in gemology, diamond-grading and jewelry valuation. The second dinner in the series is inspired by Dr. No and will take place on July 17 with a pre-dinner martini-themed masterclass, and the final third dinner on September 25 will be themed around Casino Royale with a masterclass on baccarat and roulette. All dinners kick off with a champagne toast with Taittinger, the brand of champagne ordered by Bond in the very first Sir Ian Fleming 007 novel.
Dukes Bar in London
Sip a Shaken, Not Stirred Martini
Sir Ian Fleming’s favorite London watering hole was said to be Dukes Bar. It’s also claimed that he came up with the famous “shaken, not stirred” martini order at this quintessentially British establishment. Make like Bond and order a classic martini at Dukes, or opt for something a little different, like the Fleming 89 or the Classic Vesper.
V&A's jewelry gallery
Admire London’s Not-So-Hidden Gems
London is filled with the kind of glittery treasures that could tempt any Bond villain. Kensington’s famous Victoria & Albert Museum has one most comprehensive jewelry collections in the world with over 3,000 pieces. Stop by and be sure to check out Queen Victoria's sapphire and diamond coronet, which was designed for her by Prince Albert in 1840. For a more up-to-date jewelry experience, visit the studio of award-winning precious jewelry designer, Sophie Harley in West London. Harley created the bespoke Algerian Love Knot necklace, which featured prominently in the Bond film Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace and was worn by Eva Green, who played Bond girl Vesper Lynd.
Suit in a store on Savile Row Street, London
Get the Bespoke Bond Look
James Bond is known for his impeccable style and classic English gentleman look, which can partially be attributed the world’s finest tailors of Mayfair’s Savile Row. Bespoke, appointment-only Mason & Sons (34 Montagu Square, located just off Savile Row) has a long history with Bond: Master tailor, Anthony Sinclair was appointed to dress Sean Connery as 007 for his first screen role in 1962 and went on to create the whole wardrobe for all of Connery’s Bond movies. Shirt-makers Turnbull & Asser also has deep links to Bond and have made pieces that have been worn onscreen. The tailors even offer a James Bond Collection of exclusive pieces that are inspired by the on-screen originals.
