It’s a well-held belief that if you visit London for a day there’s a good chance you’ll spot a celeb, but live here for a year and you’ll not bump into one. Should however, your desire to rub shoulders with some of the worlds rich and famous get the better of you, Marie Teather has tracked down five of London’s best celebrity hangouts.
The Ivy
The last few decades have seen a steady string of celebrities being snapped as they scuttle out of this premier, A-list haunt. Funny how the same celebs who want to avoid the press still choose to have dinner at the one place the paparazzi are guaranteed to be waiting, but who knows what goes on inside the mind of a celeb. Tables are notoriously hard to come by in this small, west-end restaurant. But book far ahead enough in advance and you might just be sitting within touching distance of Tom Hanks, Piers Morgan, Ricky Gervais, Marianne Faithful and regulars Jude Law, Sienna Miller and Kate Moss.
1-5 West Street, London, WC2H 9NQ
020 7836 4751
Nobu
Possibly the best Japanese restaurant in town and a great place to spot celebs tucking into their sushi . The reputation of celebs eating at Nobu is such a force that a last year protesting actors, pop stars, models and socialites started a celebrity backlash the restaurant for selling an endangered fish. Since then, blue fin tuna has been removed from the menu and everyone has breathed a sigh of relief as Sienna Miller, Charlize Theron, Jemima Khan, Sting, Stephen Fry, Daniel Craig, Bruce Willis and Jemima Khan can again return to their maki rolls.
9 Old Park Lane, London, W1K 1LB
020 7447 4747
Mahiki
Frequented by many a glitzy showbiz footie star, including Frank Lampard and his squeaky clean cousin Jamie Redknapp, Mahiki is generally the place to head if you want to rub shoulders with societies more well-to-do celebs. Its no secret this is Prince Harry’s favorite nightspot but look around and on a good night you might just spot the likes of Leona Lewis, Mishca Barton, Mickey Rourke, Rihanna or Paris Hilton.
5-7 Dover Street, London, W1S 4LD
020 7493 9529
Boujis
An exclusive members club and competitor to Mahiki on the celeb spotting stakes, Boujis is where London’s glamorous or visiting stars from the states drop by when they want to party. Seems to be one for the younger celebs as Lindsay Lohan, Avril Lavigne, Paris Hilton have been seen mixing with England young royals, which have included Princess Eugenie, Prince Harry and Prince William.
43 Thurloe Street, London SW7 2LQ
020 7584 6678
Cipriani
It’s a bit more of a sophisticated affair over at the fashionable Italian restaurant, Cipriani. For once however, the celebs here are off a caliber where they really might not want to bothered by star stuck fans or hanger ons. Recent sightings have included Sir Elton John, Simon Cowell, David Beckham, Sarah Ferguson and Naomi Campbell. Ask for an autograph if you dare.
25 Davies Street, London, W1K 3DE
020 7399 0500
