Looking for a place to unwind with a few drinks or a suitably sophisticated venue to celebrate?
Welcome to the Gibson Club Bar, set to be one of the many jewels in the White Hart’s crown when it reopens this summer.
As anyone in Lincolnshire will tell you, the county has an intrinsic link with the aviation history of World War II. That’s why with our new Club Bar, we’ve chosen to pay tribute to one of the most iconic and recognisable names associated with the RAF in World War II.
The newly created Gibson Club Bar has been inspired by the famous 617 Dambusters Squadron, who were active during World War II. The Dambusters Raid, known elsewhere as Operation Chastise, was an attack on strategically placed German dams, which was carried out in May 1943 by the 617 Squadron RAF Bomber Command.
This squadron was later nicknamed the Dambusters. The name of the bar is in tribute to Guy Gibson, the Commanding Officer of the squadron, who completed more than 170 war operations before dying in action at the age of 26. The story goes that the squadron would often use Lincoln Cathedral as a mark that they were home after missions, and they would fly around the towers before returning to their airfield.
There is also a memorial to the members of the International Bomber Command in Lincoln, celebrating and remembering the many members of air crew, pilots and engineers that aided the war effort. To further honour this important slice of history as part of the city’s heritage seemed like a natural choice.
With the interior designed by the team at the renowned DO Design Studio, the bar will be a welcoming yet sophisticated affair, with views out to the historic Bailgate and an atmosphere which is unique to the hotel and the city.
The logo was designed by Peta Nash from Nash Design and shows four iconic aircraft including the Lancaster bomber which was flown by 617 Squadron. The other aircraft are two Spitfires and a Hurricane. This is also a respectful nod to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), which is based in nearby RAF Coningsby and seeks to preserve aviation heritage in airworthy condition. The BBMF currently has a number of aircraft that it maintains and flies during significant national events.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Gibson Club Bar this Summer. To read more about the hotel’s ambitious plans, please visit our news page.
