Taken from one of the most iconic rallying speeches of all time, the words “We shall never surrender” evoke the memory of a formidable gentleman in a homburg hat and a cigar in hand. Undoubtedly Britain’s greatest wartime leader, Sir Winston Churchill was a man of action, of strong words and strong opinions. Today, he is synonymous with not only Britain’s inspiring show of solidarity during World War II and the defining Allied victory, but with London, where he spent most of his career. When not at the House of Parliament, he was frequenting the capital’s finest establishments, indulging his sophisticated gastronomic tastes – after all, in his own words, he was “easily satisfied only with the very best”.
Residing near Brown's in Mayfair; the genteel, club-like ambience of the hotel's oak-panelled bar, deep armchairs and roaring open fire was a likely venue for Churchill to savour his favourite whisky, brandy and Champagne, accompanied by his trademark cigar, of course. By spending time with us, he was walking in the footsteps of his grandmother, who stayed with us in 1871; by visiting us today, guests are walking in his.
This year sees many landmark dates commemorated, amongst them the 80th anniversary of Churchill’s appointment as Prime Minister and the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. To honour these significant dates and the part we played in this defiant and determined leader’s London life, we have curated a series of experiences inspired by his favourite indulgences here at Brown’s. Stay in one of our beautifully appointed rooms or suites and discover images and biographies of the man himself. Sink into one of The Donovan Bar’s armchairs or be seated at the bar, stylishly decorated by Olga Polizzi to preserve its defining period features. Here, raise a toast to Churchill’s achievements with a Johnnie Walker (his favourite whisky), a Hine (his favourite brandy) or even a wine dating back to the late 1930s from Maestro Salvatore Calabrese’s priceless vintage collection.
With his cheesemonger of choice, Paxton & Whitfield, and his preferred cologne boutique, Floris, also on our doorstep here in Mayfair, guests may continue tracing his steps from our peerless position here on Albemarle Street.
Visit us at Churchill’s favourite haunt, or stay over by emailing reservations.browns@roccofortehotels.com or calling +44 20 7493 6020.
Paris is always a good idea. Except, perhaps, when it’s hosting the Olympic Summer Games, and the usual tourist throng looks set to multiply almost prohibitively. Of course, the Games are exciting, but if wading through crowds feels like a marathon effort, try a cultural relay around one of these stunning European cities instead.
The name Bernardo Buontalenti might not mean much to those outside of Florence, but it should. A prestigious Florentine architect and artist favoured by the Medici, he is also widely credited with inventing gelato. This frozen delight is now as synonymous with Italy as pizza and is deeply intertwined with Florence’s heritage. Take a tour of the city’s most celebrated gelaterias, curated by the expert concierge team at Hotel Savoy.
As the gentle glow of each ornate chandelier begins to dim, a hush descends upon the audience before an all-consuming world of tragedy and triumph unfolds. Both exhilarating and deeply moving, a night at the opera has the distinct power to evoke emotion, while offering a unique insight into a perhaps unfamiliar city.
Journey through Europe’s symphony of unmissable opera houses, each steeped in history and grandeur.
