15 best celebrity hangouts in London
The best places to spot a celebrity in the capital.
1.
Nobu
A notorious favourite
Co-owned by Robert de Niro, Nobu is the notorious favourite of the likes of Brad Pitt, Kate Moss, Tom Cruise and Elton John. Always attracting A-list diners, it is best-known as the location for Boris Becker’s romp with a Russian model, which cost him nearly £20 million in divorce costs and maintenance for his unplanned daughter, who he recently admitted was conceived on the stairs - not in the broom cupboard. So, if you manage to get a table to sample the sushi and Champagne, let Boris’ mistake be a lesson to you!
Metropolitan Hotel, 19 Old Park Lane, Mayfair W1K 1LB
Tel: 020 7447 4747 www.noburestaurants.com/london/experience/introduction
Our
favourite
place to
spot
celebs
favourite
place to
spot
celebs
2.
Berners Tavern at London Edition Hotel
Where love blossoms…
None other than ‘Gorgeous George’ Clooney was spotted dining here (with WikiLeaks’ Julian Assange’s lawyer, to whom he is now engaged) in October 2013, and he’s not the only star to have graced the grounds of this hip, achingly trendy restaurant in the heart of Fitzrovia. Leonardo DiCaprio, Helen Mirren, Uma Thurman and Oprah Winfrey have also dined in the celeb-friendly venue within the London Edition Hotel, with its grand dining room and adjacent nightclub, where the fine wines flow freely.
10 Berners Street, London W1T 3NP
Tel: 020 7908 7979 www.bernerstavern.com
Tel: 020 7493 9529 www.mahiki.com
4.
Cecconi's
By design
Stella McCartney knows a thing or two about fashion and, as one of Cecconi’s most frequent visitors, she obviously appreciates the high-end glamour of this Venetian-style tapas bar. Furnished with some of the comfiest sofas in Mayfair, it’s open all day – try the array of breakfast treats served until 12, or sample diet-friendly salads in the sophisticated surrounds. Dine indoors or out, and keep your eyes peeled for other famous faces – Madonna is another die-hard fan of chic Cecconi’s.
5A Burlington Gardens, London W1S 3EP
Tel: 020 7434 1500 www.cecconis.co.uk
5.
Loulou's
Join up with Jagger
Only two years old, Loulou’s has struck London’s A-list like lightning. Surging onto the scene as the city’s hottest members’ club, it takes exclusive to another level. With a rumoured joining fee of £1,200 followed by a yearly membership of £1,500, this is where models, royals, actors and billionaires come to party in private. Think David Beckham, Mick Jagger and Lily Cole descending into the dark Mayfair basement to the sight of a huge giraffe’s head rising from the floor, then sipping £20 G&Ts at the bar made of shells.
2-5 Hertford Street, Mayfair, London W1J 7RB
Tel: 020 7408 2100 www.5hertfordstreet.co.uk
3.
Mahiki
Royal residency
There was a time when the London papers were forever full of reports of Princes William (and especially Harry) partying at Mahiki. Although Wills has well and truly settled down, you can still get in place for some celeb-spotting before 11pm, when the Polynesian-themed nightclub in the Piccadilly/Mayfair area advertises an open-door policy. Take your credit card, max it out and you might also see the likes of Rihanna and Lady Gaga. A tiki-style treasure trove in the heart of London.
1 Dover Street, London W1S 4LD
6.
The Ivy
Paparazzi paradise
The illustrious history of The Ivy has made it one of London’s (and the world’s) most famous celebrity restaurants. On any given day you could stand outside with the paps and prey upon the private lives of famous people. Set in the heart of theatreland, it was once a dinner spot for the likes of Laurence Olivier and Marlene Dietrich, while the Nineties saw the engagement of the Beckhams and, more recently, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian have dined on the longstanding menu of dressed Cornish crab and steak tartare.
The Ivy, 1 West Street, WC2H 9NQ
Tel: 020 7836 4751 www.the-ivy.co.uk
7.
Annabel’s
Celebrity central
Joan Collins, Jack Nicholson, Jerry Hall… just some of the celebrities that have stood in the same space as Sinatra and partied in the place where Fergie had her hen night with Princess Diana dressed up as a policeman. Situated on Berkeley Square, Annabel’s is a club and restaurant with a five-decade reputation for first-class cuisine and a starlit dance floor that has played host to concerts by the likes of Lady Gaga. But, to gain entry or become a member you’ll need to make some A-list friends first…
44 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1J 5QB
Tel: 020 7629 1096 www.annabels.co.uk
8.
May Fair Hotel
Sleep like a star
Handily close to Nobu and Mahiki, the May Fair Hotel is a celebrity’s London hotel of choice. Central and glamorous, it is also contemporary and grand, with a historic past. Opened by King George V in 1927, it houses more than 400 luxury rooms, including 12 suites, as well as a spa, fine-dining restaurant and casino. Often the hub of London Fashion Week, the hotel has been home to Ronan Keating and Cheryl Cole. Rooms start at around £315 a night so you may want to start saving!
The May Fair Hotel, Stratton Street, London W1J 8LT
Tel: 020 7769 8202 www.themayfairhotel.co.uk
9.
Scott's
Fishing for fame
From politicians to comedians, Scott’s of Mayfair lures diners with its seafood menu featuring fresh oysters, fish and shellfish, as well as a selection of meat and game. Sit at tables overlooking the elegant oyster and Champagne bar from midday and through the evening, alongside celebrities taking refuge from the outside world in this glamorous cocoon. Lord Alan Sugar and Simon Cowell are among the famous names that have dined here recently, along with Gary Barlow and Johnny Depp.
20 Mount Street, London W1K 2HE
Tel: 020 7495 7309 www.scotts-restaurant.com
10.
Scotch of St James
Rock On
Nightclub and live music venue The Scotch of St James has been a rock icon since it opened in 1965, playing host to bands like the Beatles and Rolling Stones, and artists including Stevie Wonder. Jimi Hendrix even played his first English gig here in 1966, and the venue now showcases upcoming and established bands. It’s not a members’ club but you will need to have a friend in the know or look uber-cool to get in and join the likes of Princess Beatrice for a cocktail at the bar.
13 Mason’s Yard, London SW1Y 6BU
Tel: 07854 651508
11.
The Wolseley
Old English elegance
Whether for a business breakfast or a romantic date, you can celeb-spot in style in the grand old café-feel of The Wolseley on London’s Piccadilly. The stunning Grade-II-listed interior has recently seen stars such as Katy Perry, Kate Moss and Chris Martin sampling the sumptuous menu. Feast on the famous Wolseley breakfast, from Bircher muesli to devilled kidneys, or take a traditional afternoon tea of finger sandwiches and fruit scones. Whenever you choose to visit, chances are you’ll spot a famous face.
160 Piccadilly, London W1J 9EB
Tel: 020 7499 6996 www.thewolseley.com
12.
Buddha Bar
The place to be
Within staggering distance of Harrods and Harvey Nics in Knightsbridge, Buddha Bar is a medley of pan-Asian restaurant and lively lounge and bar serving light lunches and cool cocktails. With 147 bronze Buddha figures overlooking the restaurant and awards including Best Restaurant Bar 2014, it’s no wonder celebs are stumbling over themselves to be seen here. Recent visitors have included footballer Peter Crouch and wife Abbey Clancey, celebrating the model’s birthday with a huge chocolate cake.
145 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7PA
Tel: 020 3667 5222 www.buddhabarlondon.com
13.
Hakkasan Mayfair
Enter the dragon
Low lighting and an elegant ambience abound at Michelin-starred restaurant Hakkasan, where fine Asian cuisine combines with an exclusive air to create a celebrity oasis. Naomi Campbell, Britney Spears and, more lately, Nicole Scherzinger, have all dined here on Chinese and Chablis, sampling everything from Peking Duck to Royal King Crab. Don’t miss the dim sum platter with its prawn chive dumplings… and charge the whole lot to your credit card without glancing at the bill!
17 Bruton Street, London W1J 6QB
Tel: 020 7907 1888 www.hakkasan.com
14.
Le Caprice
All that jazz
From the Caprice burger to roast venison, the dishes at Le Caprice have drawn in London’s most well-loved visitors. Dine alongside the likes of Pippa Middleton and Sir Paul McCartney for a special weekend brunch, or sample the great-value two- or three-course pre- and post-theatre menus from just £19.75. Kick back on the outdoor terrace and mingle with the stars, or groove along to jazz music at the Sunday Jazz session or the Saturday Jazz Brunch. One for music-lovers as well as celeb-spotters.
Arlington House, Arlington Street, London SW1A 1RT
Tel: 020 7629 2239 www.le-caprice.co.uk
15.
Gilgamesh
Camden’s coolest
Celebs love the pan-Asian venues in London, and Gilgamesh is no exception. One of our few favourites outside of the Mayfair area, it blends fine dining with a stylish bar and exclusive nightclub. The grand, exotic imagery of Babylon defines the venue, which Girls Aloud’s Kimberly Walsh describes as her ‘happy place’ and Olly Murs calls ‘top’. Don’t miss the Duck and Watermelon Salad followed by Thai Green Chicken Curry, and save space for the Chocolate and Lemongrass Brulee. Just keep an eye out for your fellow diners!
The Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8AH
Tel: 020 7267 8300 www.gilgameshbar.com
