UNITED KINGDOM – London, The Langham Hotel // Goldeneye (1995)
In “Goldeneye” the Langham in London became the “Grand Hotel Europe” in St. Petersburg. The fake name is a clever nod.
Why Bond was here
After a stealth helicopter gets stolen in Monaco, James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) wants to investigate dubious crime organisation Janus in Russia. Before he tank-cruises around town and uncovers the truth behind Janus, Bond comes in for a little spa time at the “Grand Hotel Europe” in the heart of St. Petersburg.
How you gonna get there
Don’t let yourself get fooled by the Russian flags, the “Grand Hotel Europe” is not in St. Petersburg, but in London. And it’s real name is “The Langham”. The well-known luxury hotel is at 1c Portland Place, at the top of Regent Street, in Marylebone. You may walk here from nearby tube stations “Regent’s Park” or “Oxford Circus”.
Good to know
The Langham is one of London’s finest addresses for luxury acommodation. It opened up in 1865, hosting many celebrities and royals since. So the fake name in “Goldeneye” is a nice nod to history: The “Grand Hotel Europe” is indeed Europe’s first real Grand Hotel.
But if you care for a visit, don’t expect so find a spa as seen in the movie. The Langham has a spa, but the Russian one was a set. The struggle between Bond and Xenia was filmed at Pinewood Studios. Maybe head for one of the Langham’s restaurants instead, the hotel offers Afternoon Tea, high-end cuisine, has a cocktail lounge and an adjoined British Pub.
We went to the Langham for our anniversary – and had a beautiful evening at the Wigmore, a former banking hall turned British pub. It was cramped with afterwork guests, one could barely maneuver or hear a word. In short: It was hearty, funny, alive with Britishness. The menue has great vegan options – but the minted lamb pie is a guilty pleasure!
© 2023 Huntingbond (1,3), © 1995 Danjaq S.A. and United Artists Pictures Inc. (2)