The London life of Winston Chuchill

For someone who lived to be 90 years-old, Winston Churchill hardly looked after himself, even by the standards of the day. His reputation for extreme drinking was well-earnt, if a little embellished, and the endless newsreel footage showing him chomping on large cigars are an accurate portrayal of his day-to-day habits.

The most quoted man in history is thought to have once said “I am easily satisfied with the best” and his taste in London’s shops, bars and private members’ clubs lived up to this philosophy.

The wartime Prime Minister led Britain to Victory in WW2 by keeping morale high in the homeland with his motivational speeches. Winston Churchill was Prime Minister twice for Britain, from 1940-1945 and again from 1951-1955.

Although he led Britain through one of the darkest wars to date, Churchill certainly made the most of London. Thankfully, many of his favourite haunts still exist today and you don’t have to be born in Blenheim Palace, or win any wars, to visit them.

Browse the gallery above to find Churchill's favourite London spots.

Also see our guide to the blue plaques in the capital.

Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout