Address: 5 Hamilton Pl, W1J 7ED
Set Up:
Sean Connery is introduced to the world as James Bond at the Chemin De Fer table in Dr No. (1962).
Les Ambassadeurs Casino – The interiors were filmed at Pinewood due to budget constraints, but the set was modeled on the casino in the club itself. I asked the doorman whilst taking the photo if they really filmed Dr No inside, and he replied ‘yes they filmed inside’.
The Les Ambassadeurs Casino plaque (photo taken October 2023)
This conflicts with every other version I’ve heard surrounding this location. I have emailed the club for more info although they haven’t responded.
Note on Les Ambassadeurs:
They have various photos of the film Dr. No peppered around the private members club. Alas when I was there for an event with Mason & Sons, I neglected to take any photos. I welcome any contributions to this post with either information or photos from inside to publish here. With many thanks.
The above photo was pulled from a recent chat Facebook – On The Tracks of 007. It was posted by a gentleman called Phil Price. This caused some debate to the facts. I’ve marked the debate between Phil and Matt Sherman as 1, & 2.
1.Le Cercle was mentioned in Fleming’s Casino Royale?! Fleming was a playing member and dined there with Thalberg Saltzman and Broccoli, but…
2.Actually, Les Ambassadeur was mentioned. Le Cercle opened in 1961 within Les A. The private gambling club was opened because of changes in the UK gaming laws. It was closed for violating those same laws.
1.Yes, Le Cercle was a club-within-the-club, like a salle privee. Where was Le Cercle or Les A mentioned in the novel, Casino Royale?
2.I’m only basing the statement on the display at Les A.
Rose and Crown Pub (Round the corner)
Nearest Pint: Rose and Crown Pub, 2 Old Park Ln, W1K 1QN
Nearest Bond Location: EON headquarters. 138 Piccadilly, W1J 7NR. Also close by is The Dorchester, and in the other direction, The Ritz.
