Room 68 - The Gift Shop

During the war this room was used as the Mess Room for all CWR employees and became the focal point of life underground.  It offered precious moments of relaxation to staff who, under Churchill’s dynamic but demanding leadership, worked extremely long hours at considerable pressure.  Behind a curtain in one corner were a sink and a small electric cooker where Royal Marine orderlies prepared simple snacks such as Welsh Rarebit, soup and bacon and eggs.  Cold ham, tongue and biscuits and cheese were also staple fare.  In the opposite corner was the steel cabinet containing drinks.  It was only during the last six months of the war that a ration of two large whiskies and two large gins per person per day was introduced.

The gift shop now occupies this former Mess Room and visitors can purchase a variety of gifts and souvenirs.