There are sacred halls where fans of the James Bond films must visit when paying tribute to the films and books. As rich as the legacy of this entertainment franchise is, there is a very present real-life story that connects the world of fiction with the man who started it all. After visiting one of Ian Fleming’s old London haunts, the iconic Dukes Bar in Mayfair, I have to say it is a must-see for any 007 fan, especially while we wait for updates everything we know about Bond 26.
Dukes Bar and its place in James Bond history
The great milestone that this pub and Commander Bond himself have in common is the fact that it is one of the Casino Royale old favorite places of the author. According to the official Duke’s Bar Website, this sponsorship had the following impact on the texts:
The legendary Dukes Bar, which James Bond author Ian Fleming also frequently visited, is said to have been the inspiration for the classic “shaken, not stirred”.
This is one of the, if not The Catchphrase that audiences around the world use as shorthand to identify James Bond. So this part of the Dukes Hotel, which opened in 1908, has had a profound impact on the Bond canon. Which is exactly why, on a recent trip to London, for my own secret reasons, I stopped by to see the experience for myself.
Why Dukes Bar is a must for every James Bond fan
If there are two words that sum up the world of modern London, and by extension Dukes Bar, they would be modernity and tradition. The building is practically a cross between the two, with pieces like a signed picture of Sean Connery’s James Bond hanging on the walls of a room that has seen a lot of history. But why is Dukes Bar a place that James Bond fans should visit?
Well, in addition to the history with Ian Fleming, the place produces both the Vesper and the Vodka Martini that 007 himself has come to appreciate. This is in addition to a menu that offers other Bond-inspired drinks, such as the “Tiger Tanaka,” named after one of James’ allies from You only live twiceAny James Bond fan who wants to feel like they’ve stepped into a round of drinks from the books or movies should take the chance to live out such a fantasy.
And whether you’re familiar with the Vodka Martini or the Vesper cocktails or not, you have to drink them here. Both were clean, flavorful experiences, and the Vodka Martini was particularly enjoyable. Although I braced myself for the usual stinging I’m used to at the beginning, I found only a delicious mellowness.
What Dukes Bar is best known for
Dukes Bar and Dukes Hotel in general are not just one of these Places made famous by a film. In fact, this establishment’s origins have had a bigger impact on pop culture than one might expect, thanks to the martini experience reserved for its signature drinks. In particular, the entries of “Dukes Martinis From The Legendary Dukes Trolley” are of particular importance. That’s because these creations are actually prepared tableside, on said trolley that contains all the ingredients.
Having witnessed this process first hand, I can say that seeing mixology up close is an absolutely unique experience. As I ordered my first of two drinks, my bartender Glauco described the ingredients to me as he prepared them in a pre-chilled glass.
For film fans who are wondering: A Simple Favor 2‘S mysterious martini cameoDukes Bar may hold the key to solving this mystery. Consider for a moment this social media post by director and cocktail connoisseur Paul Feig:
Pictured alongside Mr. Feig is Dukes’ “bartender,” Alessandro Palazzi: the man who has been mixing drinks with his deft hands for nearly 50 years. Palazzi has been a fixture at Dukes since 2007, and is such a master of his craft that he helped bottle the famous Vespers as part of a partnership with No. 3 Gin, so if you fancy a taste of the good stuff, you can easily import it.
What you should know before your Dukes Bar experience
So let’s say you want to go to Dukes Bar and toast to a fantastic night out. I can’t blame you, because when I tell you about my experience, I want to come back to London for exactly that. However, there are a few things you should know before you go, starting with the dress code, which is taken from the venue’s website:
Please note that we have a walk-in policy for all guests at Dukes Bar and there may be waiting times during peak times. The dress code for Dukes Bar is smart casual. Sportswear, shorts and t-shirts are not permitted, with the exception of short-sleeved collared shirts (polo shirts).
I dropped in just before 9pm local time on a random Tuesday night and was told the wait would be around an hour. Don’t let that put you off, as there’s a beautiful courtyard to wait in, as well as a gorgeous lobby. It’s a good place to bring your copy of that spy thriller you’re reading, or a perfect excuse to browse Bond-related shops like Turnbull & Asser, Floris or Crockett & Jones – brands you could well pass by on your way to Dukes.
Once you are inside, will be limited to two martinis, which will be enforced. I’ve seen this happen at work when I watched some new friends I met over drinks being politely told that they could order other drinks like beer or soda after they’d met their quota. But trust me, the strength of Duke’s martinis is more than enough proof of why this limit exists.
Plus, a 12.5% gratuity is automatically added to your order, although it certainly doesn’t hurt to give a little more. Experiences like this aren’t everyday, and rewarding your bartender is exactly what 007 would do in the field. Aside from a friendly reminder to drink responsibly, that’s all you need for this outdoor experience in luxury.
Even if you’re a teetotaler who doesn’t mind people drinking around you, I highly recommend you head to Dukes Bar if you love James Bond. Being able to say, as you sipped a Coke Zero, that you were sitting in the room where Ian Fleming may have coined his super-spy’s memorable turn of phrase is still pretty exciting. What happens to be a sponsor for A Quantum of Solace Theatrical release, so technically you’re still drinking like Bond.
If you feel like having a snack on the screen, you can currently enjoy Casino Royale by using a Paramount+ subscription. While we wait for James Bond to return – and that’s exactly what he will – it’s time for us fans to enjoy a drink or two on the way to the next chapter.
