Celebrity Spotting: London's Top 10 Best Bars, Clubs & Restaurants
The celebrity: an elusive species, usually only captured on film by their primary predator, the paparazzi... until now.
More exciting than bird watching, but not quite as dangerous as deep sea fishing, the sport of celeb spotting can quickly turn habitual, with a sighting of Kate Moss or even Chantelle Houghton (gasp) ensuring that even the worst of days turns into a exquisite memory.
To help you on your hunt, we’ve compiled you your very own safari trail of watering holes including pubs, clubs, bars, and restaurants around London to increase the chances of catching a glimpse of this mysterious and curiosity provoking beast.
Fanny pack, binoculars and tranquilisers optional; camera phone essential.
1
JuJu
(Bar / Restaurant / Club)
316-318 King's Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 5UH
Cuisine: Pan Asian
Frank Lampard, Cheryl Cole, Kim Kattrall, Bob Geldof and daughter Peaches are all fans of this Chelsea based cocktail lounge which won Best New Bar at the London Bar and Club Awards 2009. As well as the signature celebs, JuJu is also known for its signature alcoholic fruit platter. The place is just peachy.
2
Momo Restaurant, Tearoom and “Downstairs” at Momo
(Bar / Restaurant)
25-27 Heddon Street, Mayfair, London, W1B 4BH
Cuisine: North African
You may be out to celeb spot in London but it'll feel like you're in North Africa at Momo's. Choose between the traditional North African Momo restaurant, the relaxed Mo Cafe terrace or the buzzing Kemia bar and then sink into the luxurious surroundings and keep your eyes peeled for sightings of celebs such as Madonna, Shakira and Stella McCartney.
3
Gilgamesh
(Bar / Restaurant)
Camden Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, Chalk Farm, London, NW1 8AH
Cuisine: Pan Asian
Gilgamesh is a pan-Asian restaurant and bar in the heart of Camden's Stables Market where you can sample such delights as sushi shrouded in dry ice whilst washing it down with an Asian inspired cocktail created by a resident mixologist. The likes of Girls Aloud, Katherine Jenkins, Frank Bruno, Emma Bunton and saving the best for last - the Cheeky Girls, all appreciate this venues extravagant opulence and head chef Ian Pengelly's creativity.
4
Groucho Club
(Bar / Restaurant / Club)
45 Dean Street, Soho, London, W1V 5AP
Cuisine: Bar
The Groucho Club opened in 1985 as "the antidote to the traditional club" taking its name from Groucho Marx who remarked that he would never join a club which would accept him as a member. Members of Groucho tend to be those writing the news not making it, as well as kids from the art and fashion industries.
5
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Taman Gang
(Bar / Restaurant / Club)
below Marriott Hotel, 141 Park Lane, Mayfair, London, W1K 7AA
Cuisine: Oriental
Pan Asian cuisine with a side of Samuel L Jackson, a Kate Moss sauce and a garnish of Naomi Campbell, Taman Gang is the perfect location for award winning food and a lively club in an ancient Indonesia setting.
6
Kanaloa
(Bar)
18 Lime Office Court, Hill House, Shoe Lane, Chancery Lane, London, EC4A 3BQ
Cuisine: Pan Asian
Mahiki's younger sister, this time Piers Adam and Nick House joined forces with Sarah Harding from Girls Aloud to create a Polynesian themed tiki bar that transports guests to a far off exotic paradise. In light of this, there is a large cocktail list and staff donning Hawaiian print shirts, straw skirts and coconut bras serving Sarah's pals Beyonce, JLS, Cilla Black and the Sugababes.
7
Nobu London
(Bar / Restaurant / Hotel)
Metropolitan Hotel, 19 Old Park Lane, Mayfair, London, W1Y 4LB
Cuisine: Japanese
Who knew fish could be so glamorous. Kate Moss, Brad Pitt and George Clooney have all graced this restaurant with their superior presence and you could too, but to sea-food (sorry couldn't resist) you'll have to remember to bring a lot of 'clams' as it's not as cheap as chips. If you're at Nobu on Old Park Lane, you can move on to the Met Bar after dinner without leaving the hotel.
8
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The Ivy
(Bar / Restaurant)
1 West Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9NE
Cuisine: Modern Eclectic
We've all heard of this notorious venue and it's probably the place which first springs to mind when thinking of celeb haunts. However, it's not the first place you go when you need a last minute booking. Book well ahead (if it's for a special 30th birthday think about calling when you turn 25) but the preparation - and the wait - will all seem worth it when you're rubbing shoulders with Tom Cruise (or at least rubbing your hip to his shoulder), the Beckhams and Elton John.
9
Jewel
(Bar / Restaurant / Club)
4-6 Glasshouse Street, Piccadilly Circus, London, W1R 5RP
Cuisine: Eclectic
A favourite with the JLS boys, this venue is definitely a sparkling gem in the crown of celebrity crawling venues. Jewel is renowned for being one of the most beautiful bars in London, which means the crowds tend to be beautiful and the likes of the Beckhams, Tom Jones and Elton John (ok, not so much Elton) feel right at home.
10
The Hawley Arms
(Bar)
2 Castlehaven Road, Camden, London, NW1 8QU
Cuisine: Eclectic
If you want to find Amy Winehouse then head to The Hawley Arms (although you'd be forgiven for first looking under a rock). This Camden pub is the Queen of Beehives regular haunt as well as other members of the 'Hawley Arms Set' including Kelly Osbourne, Peaches Geldof and Noel Fielding. Don a pair of skinny jeans and an indie hairdo and you'll fit in nicely.
Honourable mentions