A group of Greene enthusiasts enjoyed a superb tour of Central London in lovely weather on Sunday 27 February. The tour was organised by Eventbrite and was conducted by My London Tour Guide, Jonathan Cohen.
Starting at Russell Square, just behind The British Museum, Jonathan guided the party through Senate House where Greene worked for The Ministry of Information during the early part of World War II. He then showed the group the little-known 19 Gower Mews (photo, left), off Bloomsbury Street where Greene and Dorothy Glover shared a flat during the worst of the London Blitz. Other places visited included the historic Rules Restaurant close to Covent Garden. Jonathan Cohen arranged for the party to see the inside of the restaurant, although it was closed. This included the Graham Greene Dining Room, complete with appropriate memorabilia. Two other addresses, where the author lived post-war and until his departure for Antibes, St James’s Street and the plush The Albany, off Picadilly (right), were reminders that, although Greene had left-leanings throughout his life, he was not averse to living at some prestigious addresses!
This was an excellent tour and, if it is run again by Eventbrite and guided by Jonathan Cohen, it is well-recommended for those with an interest in the author.
( below: part of Greene’s miniature whisky collection which he donated to Rules)