If Winston Churchill could stroll through the capital today, where would he go? This Winston Churchill London guide is an imagined interview in which the great man shares his favourite London hotspots, his guilty secrets and the Londoner he most admires.
Winston Churchill London secrets and guilty pleasures
What is the first thing you’ll do when you’re back in London?
I will crack open a bottle or two of Pol Roger champagne and smoke one of my Romeo y Julieta cigars, purchased from James J. Fox on St James’s Street. The shop has a small museum in the basement, and in the corner is my chair.
The Freddie Fox Museum in the basement of James J. Fox, with Churchill’s chair in the corner.
Share a secret with me?
I once gifted my lion Rota, my leopard Sheba and my two white kangaroos, Digger and Matilda, to London Zoo in Regent’s Park.
OK, but what’s your guilty secret?
During the war, I had my oxygen mask adapted so that I could smoke whilst wearing it.
What do you most dislike?
Marmalade and Chinese food.
A young Churchill. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
Winston Churchill London food and drink
What would be your last supper?
Turtle soup, roast beef (served pink) with Yorkshire puddings, tinned mandarin slices with ice cream and some Stilton. I would wash it down with Pol Roger, after which a brandy would help ease my “indy” (indigestion).
“It is well to remember that the stomach governs the world.”
Favourite restaurant?
The Savoy Grill, table No 4. I do hope Kaspar the Savoy cat is still in residence. I have also been meaning to try a full English at Berners Tavern.
What’s your comfort food?
Curried brains. A favourite curry house is Veeraswamy, and you should try their butter chicken.
Where Winston Churchill stays and smokes in London
Where do you stay in London?
I don’t stay in a hotel. I stay at Brown’s.
If you had to break a rule, which one would it be?
A gentleman needs his cigars! Fortunately, I can still enjoy one on the terrace at The Lanesborough or in the Churchill Bar at the Hyatt.
Churchill relaxing on the terrace at Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, in Marylebone.
Winston Churchill London style tips
You’re such a style icon: share your tips please
A gentleman buys his hats at Lock & Co, his shoes at John Lobb, his shirts at Harvie & Hudson, his suits at Huntsman and his cheese at Paxton & Whitfield. My specs are from C.W. Dixey and Sons, specially tailored with two white dots on the temple tips. I designed the siren suit (which I believe you refer to as a “onesie”). I favour the green velvet, made to my exact specifications by Turnbull & Asser.
Any outstanding business?
I understand that I have an outstanding bill for £197 at the tailors Henry Poole & Co. Would someone be so kind as to settle it for me?
“My tastes are simple. I am easily satisfied by the best.”
Favourite perfume?
Blenheim Bouquet by Penhaligon’s and Tabaróme Millésime by Creed.
Churchill’s favourite cultural spots in London
Favourite cultural bolthole?
The Royal Academy of Arts. I have exhibited there, and they have a fine Academicians’ Room with a decent bar.
Favourite likeness?
The astronomical clock at Bracken House (and no, I am not the inspiration for the Teletubbies Baby!).
Who is the Londoner you most admire?
Sir David Attenborough. I should like to discuss his war on plastics.
Churchill acknowledges the VE Day crowds in Whitehall. Photo: Imperial War Museum, via Wikimedia Commons.
Read more about the hotel in my history of the Savoy Hotel.
More imagined interviews with the capital’s legends are on their way in my Famous Londoners section.
Sources: the International Churchill Society and Victory in the Kitchen by Annie Gray.