St. Ermin’s Hotel: London’s Former Secret Spy Base
A Hidden History
Nestled in the heart of London, St. Ermin’s Hotel has a secret past that would make James Bond blush. During World War II, this luxurious establishment was the unlikely headquarters of British secret intelligence.
Unbeknownst to its unsuspecting guests, St. Ermin’s Hotel was a hotbed of espionage activity. Section D, a demolition unit of the British Secret Intelligence Service, occupied the top floors, plotting against Germany while dining and drinking in the hotel’s elegant bar. Above their heads, a secret stockpile of explosives lay hidden, ready to be deployed at a moment’s notice.
A Strategic Location
St. Ermin’s Hotel’s strategic position made it the perfect choice for the intelligence community. Located near the Houses of Parliament and other wartime intelligence offices, it provided easy access to key decision-makers. Spies and officers flocked to the hotel to exchange information, train new agents, and even conduct job interviews.
Famous Guests and Espionage Encounters
The Caxton Bar within St. Ermin’s Hotel became a notorious meeting place for intelligence officers, double agents, and even Winston Churchill. Guy Burgess, a notorious double agent who worked for both Britain and Russia, conducted much of his espionage activities from the bar. Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, and Noel Coward, the playwright and actor, were also frequent visitors.
Legend has it that Churchill himself devised the plan for the Special Operations Executive (SOE) over a few glasses of champagne in the Caxton Bar. The SOE, a secret organization responsible for sabotage and covert operations, had its headquarters in three rooms on the hotel’s second floor.
A Spy Museum Within a Hotel
Today, guests to St. Ermin’s Hotel can immerse themselves in its espionage past. Artifacts from the era are on display, including a silk scarf printed with radio codes, an original hotel rug from the spy era, and a Division Bell that connected to the Houses of Parliament.
A Spy Experience for Kids
Children can join in the fun with a “top-secret spy packet” upon check-in. This packet includes an “ultra-secret code red” clearance and a historical tour of the hotel that includes a trivia game.
A Legacy of Espionage
St. Ermin’s Hotel’s espionage days may be long gone, but its legacy lives on. The hotel’s artifacts and history provide a fascinating glimpse into a world of secrets and intrigue. And who knows, perhaps there are still hidden secrets waiting to be uncovered within its walls…
