James Bond is the archetypal British hero.  Created by Ian Fleming, Bond is a real man’s man.  He averts global catastrophe, he swims with the sharks, and he always gets his girl.  Under his codename 007, he takes on archenemies of all shapes and sizes; men with golden guns, women with knives in their shoes, dwarves with 3 nipples, he rarely has it easy.  Although I’m sure seducing women like Honey Rider and Pussy Galore must compensate. 

Casino Royale is the latest instalment in the on-going 007 spy series.  It goes on national release on November 17 following a Royal Film Premiere at London’s Odeon cinema in Leicester Square.  Internet chatrooms are already awash with excitement with the prospect of the 21st movie this time starring the first blond Bond, Daniel Craig. 

Bond movies are always remembered for their exotic locations.  Think of Ursula Andress coming out of the Jamacian sea, and I’m sure you get the picture.  However if you want to share in some of the magic of Bond movies why not visit these locations whilst you are in London: The Ritz Hotel on Picadilly where Bond stayed during Diamonds are Forever, the MI6 building in Vauxhall where Bond meets M during Tommorrow Never Dies and Sotheby’s auction house where Roger Moore in Octopussy switches a rare and expensive Faberge egg. 

There are also more royal 007 settings too, near St.Paul’s Cathedral you can go to The College of Arms where Bond played by George Lazenby checks Blofeld’s ancestry in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and the Queen’s residence Buckingham Palace makes an appearance in Die Another Day when Gustav Granes flies in to receive his knighthood by helicopter.

Enjoy your movie scene spotting and remember have your Martini’s shaken not stirred.  Bond Enthusiasts might like to check out these sites for more investigation: www.mi6.co.uk and www.sonypictures.com/movies/casinoroyale/site