MI6 Tunnels with UK's Deepest Bar to Open for Public

The Kingsway Exchange Tunnels, a network of subterranean passages beneath London, are poised to become a major tourist destination, following Camden council's recent approval of planning permission for redevelopment. Originally constructed during World War II to protect Londoners from the Blitz, these tunnels later served as a hub for British espionage, notably inspiring Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, during his work with the Special Operations Executive. The proposed development, part of a £150 million initiative by The London Tunnels company, aims to attract three million visitors annually. Plans include the establishment of the UK's deepest licensed bar and exhibition spaces that may feature themes related to James Bond. The project is expected to generate an additional £80 million in local spending, enhancing the area's economic prospects. Historically, the tunnels sheltered up to 8,000 people during air raids and later facilitated a Cold War communication link between the Kremlin and the White House during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. The General Post Office utilized the tunnels post-war, and in 2008, BT announced plans to sell the site, with estimates suggesting a potential sale price of around £5 million. Fleming's connection to the tunnels is significant, as his experiences and those of his brother, a secret agent during the war, likely influenced the creation of the iconic Bond character. The development of the tunnels into a tourist attraction not only preserves this rich history but also celebrates the legacy of espionage in London.