UNITED KINGDOM – London, Stanley Gardens // Spectre (2015)
Even Bond clocks out – and returns to a cozy home. Or at least a home in a cozy neighborhood. And since “Spectre” we know where to look.
Why Bond was here
With Ernst Stavro Blofeld, the long lost foster brother of James Bond, being behind S.P.E.C.T.R.E, 007 has to deal with both family issues and a megalomaniac organization. Before Bond (Daniel Craig) is in pursuit of Blofeld (Christoph Waltz), he broods over the foster brother in his bachelor flat. Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) brought him the documents, they were recovered from the Skyfall estate. Bonds apartment, she notes, lacks a lot of charme.
How you gonna get there
Bonds apartment is 1 Stanley Gardens in the Notting Hill neighborhood of London. Closest tube lines are either Central via “Holland Park” and “Notting Hill Gate”, or District Line and Circle, who also stop at “Notting Hill Gate”. You may also hop onto a bus and head for “Portobello”.
Good to know
Bonds apartment itself is a studio set, but the exterior shots were filmed from Stanley Cres. Bond was inside, watching Moneypenny arrive from a window. The building is easily recognizable – and just a stroll away is Portobello Road. The posh street winds through the otherwise quite formal neighborhood, bringing some charme and extravaganza.
Portobello Road is home to a market for antiques, vintage clothes, fresh fruits, meat and more. The market is open every day with Saturday being the busiest. Find a time table here for the exact dates, when which stalls will be open.
Portobello Road is great for just wandering along and there are some fancy pubs and food joints to explore. But to be honest, the market itself was in our experience more for show or selfie-lovers than an actual market. If you want to make some vintage discoveries or buy jewellery, head for the Spitalfield Market instead. What is pleasent though: It is only a short walk from Bonds apartment to Kensington Gardens for a little green scenery inbetween Londons concrete jungle.
© 2024 Huntingbond (1,3), © 2015 Danjaq S.A. & United Artists Corporation (2)