London has long been a source of inspiration for countless authors and creatives, among them, the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie who wove numerous suspenseful stories set in the city. For fans of the novelist, a weekend delving into Agatha Christie’s London is an adventure from start to finish. Follow in her footsteps with our tips for a captivating trip …
A Moving Murder Mystery on the Belmond British Pullman
Forget dinner and a show, lunch and a murder mystery will appeal to diehard AC fans or anyone with an interest in transporting themselves back to the golden age of travel with a silver service lunch and a side of the dramatic. A hands-on whodunit is the perfect way to experience possibly the most famous train in the world while celebrating the lore of one Ms Agatha Christie. Whether you’re a true crime aficionado, Cluedo lover, Agatha Christie devotee or a Wes Anderson fan, all will be right at home on board this glamorous and historical train.
Pearls at the ready, the adventure begins at platform two in London’s famous Victoria Station, also the starting point for Hercule Poirot’s most iconic adventure in Murder on the Orient Express. It’s from platform two that Poirot boards the train and sets off on a journey that would become one of Christie’s most famous and well-loved mysteries.
Today, passengers are greeted by Belmond staff at the platform to the backdrop of live music. As 11am approaches, passengers are welcomed and escorted onto the train by the stewards and the fun begins. The train itself is made up of eleven carriages in total, with ten operational for most journeys (one is usually held back for upgrade or maintenance work). Each carriage has its own name and all are distinctive, with a unique history having been rescued from retirement and restored to their former glory.
‘Audrey’ was apparently Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s favourite carriage and features stunning ornate wooden wall panelling inlaid with 35 different species of wood, buffed and lacquered to a high shine. Plus, Audrey is a trooper; damaged in an air raid at London Victoria Station in 1940, she was restored to her former glory and today boasts stunning art deco lighting strips, luxurious armchairs and deep pile carpet fit for a queen.
Other carriages are named Cygnus, Gwen, Ibis, Ione, Lucille, Minerva, Perseus, Phoenix, Vera and Zena with Cygnus being the famous Wes Anderson designed carriage. Anderson’s signature symmetrical lines, unique colour palettes and art nouveau style are evident everywhere in Cygnus, plus, there are two swanky private coupés (compartments) within the carriage. You will pay handsomely to reserve one, but the Champagne will flow freely all day.
Whodunit?
The Moving Murder Mystery is essentially a theatrical homage to the British whodunit, performed by a group of ten flamboyantly attired “suspects” who are, according to the plot, trying to uncover who murdered the ill-fated Ms Kimberly Minerva. Passengers are each given a clue sheet and encouraged to interview the suspects to crack the case. It’s engaging, sociable fun with many passengers working together to crack the case. Of course, all this merriment takes place intermittently between a delectable five-course meal, served to your table as the train rambles over the rolling hills of Kent. Given that The Belmond group is owned by iconic luxury brand LVMH, whose brands include Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot, it’s no real surprise that the Champagne is excellent. As the train begins its return to Victoria station, the anticipation builds as coffee is served and the characters invite passengers to name their number one suspect before the killer is revealed and the revelry comes to a close. All in all, it’s five glorious hours of escapism and an indulgent and amusing way to spend an afternoon.
Incidentally, this July, Chef Anna Haugh of Myrtle Restaurant in London is hosting an evening as part of a series of female led Dom Pérignon dinners aboard the Belmond Pullman. The black-tie evening kicks off with a Champagne reception followed by a five-course tasting menu as the train crosses the Kentish countryside. Guest chef Anna Haugh’s menu is perfectly paired with both Dom Pérignon and the sommelier’s choice of wines. At the end of the journey, coffee and petit fours are served before the arrival back in London Victoria, walking on air. Other guest chefs in the series include Lisa Goodwin-Allen in June, Angela Hartnett OBE in September, Nieves Barragán Mohacho in October, finishing up with Sally Abé in November. www.belmond.com.
The Mousetrap
No trip to Agatha Christie’s London would be complete without a visit to the West End to see The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in the history of British theatre. The Mousetrap has been running continuously since 1952 and is unique in that, since its premiere, the play has had a tradition of asking the audience to refrain from revealing the identity of the murderer to maintain the surprise for future viewers. So far, this request has been upheld by each generation of audiences, adding an aura of secrecy and mystery to the play’s lasting appeal. uk.the-mousetrap.co.uk.
Where to Eat, Drink and Stay, AC Style
On London’s Maiden Lane, Rules Restaurant has been feeding the London elite since its inception in 1798, and Agatha Christie was no different. Pop by for some classic British cuisine and a dry martini in the upstairs cocktail bar. Meanwhile, Brown’s Hotel in Albermarle Street is widely considered to be the inspiration for Bertram’s Hotel from Christie’ss novel At Bertram’s Hotel and she often visited for afternoon tea. In fact, afternoon tea is still served in the original wooden panelled Drawing Room, just as it was when the author visited. www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/brown-s-hotel.
The Ritz also appears in several of Christie’s stories as both the Ritz and the Blitz Hotel. César Ritz’s famous hotel has become a byword for glamour, resembling a French chateau with rococo interior, dramatic staircases, sparkling chandeliers, antique furniture and the finest china. The Ritz was indeed the perfect location to celebrate the publication of Christie’s 50th Novel, A Murder is Announced. www.theritzlondon.com.
In the heart of Mayfair, Claridge’s was the hotel of choice for some of Christie’s best loved characters. The hotel’s interior pays homage to the glamour and spirit of art deco style complete with its Lalique panels which wouldn’t look out of place in the dining car of the Orient Express. Christie attended the after-party of the premiere of the 1974 film version of Murder on the Orient Express at Claridge’s too. www.claridges.co.uk.
The Savoy Hotel not only featured in her writing but was also chosen by Christie as the venue for the opening night party for the original stage production of Witness for the Prosecution. The hotel continues to make a bold statement with its combination of classic Edwardian features and art deco style and has hosted many Mousetrap parties to celebrate its numerous milestones, including when it became the world’s longest running play. www.thesavoylondon.com.
Finally, true fans of Ms Christie might enjoy a stroll by 22 Cresswell Place in Chelsea, once home to the author and the only property she never sold. The small mews house is tucked away down a narrow, cobble-stoned lane, the only giveaway to its historical importance being the small blue plaque above the door.
