You learn something new every day my mother used to say – and over the past few days, I have found this to be true.  Who knew for example about The Stafford hotel’s very own underground museum with links to World War Two?

When recently having a drink at London’s alternative American Bar at The Stafford, I noticed a bust of a lady called Nancy Wake and asked the barman to explain.  It transpires that Nancy, an American Bar habitué & hotel resident in later life with her very own bar stool, was a leading figure in the maquis groups of the French Resistance and one of the Allies’ most decorated servicewomen of the war.  The hotel honoured her with this statue.

The Stafford, the barman continued, became a British and American forces club during WW2.  Would you like to see our WW2 shelter and museum?  He lead me down into the extensive cellars of the hotel and revealed the museum – full of wartime posters, tin hats, gas masks and ration books – left in situe.  Fascinating.

When visiting The Stafford, if an event is not booked in the Cellars, guests may request a quick tour of this tiny memento of WW2.  The Stafford is an undiscovered gem of a hotel –  why not raise a glass to Nancy and visit soon?  Her tipple was a gin and tonic – chin chin.

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