Langham Hotel, London

It’s somewhat surprising that such a quintessentially British hotel—London’s first grand hotel and the place where traditional afternoon tea was founded—would be cast as Russia’s Grand Hotel Europe. But 1995’s GoldenEye did just that, replacing the Union Jack with a Russian flag at the entrance of the Langham, London for full effect. In the scene […]

By Robin Cherry

Robin Cherry

Robin Cherry's Most Recent Stories

10 Stunning Hotels Breathing New Life into Old Banks

4 of 10

Langham Hotel, London

Photo: Courtesy Langham Hotel, London

Langham Hotel, London

Photo: Courtesy Langham Hotel, London

Langham Hotel, London

Photo: Courtesy Langham Hotel, London

Langham Hotel, London from GoldenEye

Lobby

Reception area

It’s somewhat surprising that such a quintessentially British hotel—London’s first grand hotel and the place where traditional afternoon tea was founded—would be cast as Russia’s Grand Hotel Europe. But 1995’s GoldenEye did just that, replacing the Union Jack with a Russian flag at the entrance of the Langham, London for full effect. In the scene filmed there, Bond—played by Pierce Brosnan—nearly falls victim to Xenia Onatopp, a member of the Janus crime syndicate who tries to seduce and kill him. Today, whether you have a gaggle of spies in tow or not, be sure head to the Langham’s glamorous Artesian Bar and order the Information (To Share), a cocktail made with vodka, amber vermouth, gentian, and citrus.