What Happened at the Cafe De Paris?

By Robert Palmer

In the heart of London, Cafe De Paris is a legendary venue that has been witness to some of the most iconic moments in the city’s nightlife. The history of this place is filled with stories of glamour, music, and entertainment. However, on the night of March 8th, 1941, something happened that would change the course of its history forever.

The Scene

At the time, London was at war and was being subjected to intense bombing raids by German forces. Despite this, Cafe De Paris continued to operate as usual, offering an escape from the harsh realities of war for those who could afford it. On this particular night, the cafe was packed with people enjoying a night out.

The Attack

At around 9:45 pm, a bomb fell on the building directly above Cafe De Paris. The explosion caused a huge amount of debris to fall onto the roof of the cafe and shattered all of its windows. Panic ensued as people scrambled to escape from the building.

Heroic Actions

The staff at Cafe De Paris showed incredible bravery in helping people to safety. One employee named Victor Bernstein ran back into the building several times to rescue patrons who were trapped inside. He managed to save over 200 lives that night before ultimately losing his own.

The Aftermath

The bombing killed 34 people and injured many more. Among those who lost their lives were two members of famous dance band ‘Geraldo and His Orchestra’ – including their lead singer Al Bowlly – who were performing at Cafe De Paris that night.

  • The event was widely reported in newspapers across Britain.
  • It had a profound impact on London’s nightlife scene.
  • Despite this tragedy, Cafe De Paris continued to operate throughout World War II.

Cafe De Paris Today

Today, Cafe De Paris remains one of London’s most iconic nightlife venues. It has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment, from Frank Sinatra to Grace Kelly. The building itself has undergone several renovations over the years but still retains much of its original art deco charm.

Conclusion

The events of March 8th, 1941, will forever be a part of Cafe De Paris’s history. While it was a tragic night that claimed many lives, it also demonstrated the bravery and resilience of those who were there. Today, Cafe De Paris stands as a testament to London’s enduring spirit and its love for music and entertainment.