Glamorous stars from the big screen, cool catwalk personas and international pop icons covet some of the famous restaurants, clubs and hotels that this exciting city has to offer.
Dine with the Stars
Atul Kochhar delights celeb’s, keen on South Asian culinary flavours, with ‘Benares’ W1J 6BS; this world-famous Michelin-star venue has seen discerning diners partaking of some rather special dishes within the confines of the private dining facilities. Atul and his team conjure up intriguing items such as Kolkata-inspired Mackerel Kathi, Lamb Cannon Rogan Josh with Purple Potatoes and the best-sounding of all, Sugar Cane Ice Cream.
Mayfair’s ‘Le Gavroche’, with proprietor Michel Roux Jr, has sated many a famous appetite over the years. This wondrous gastronomic institution can be found at Marble Arch and its dedicated chef can usually be seen hard at work, serving up classical French cuisine, day and night. Of course, anyone wanting to be seen about town will definitely be wishing to book an evening table here; Saumon Mariné au Citron Aigre-Doux Gelée à la Vodka followed by a supreme dessert that translates into crispy Layers of Pastry, Raspberries and Praline Flavoured Chocolate are just two of the many dishes available there.
Name Dropping
While shopping in Mayfair, you may spot Madonna on a flying visit to one of her favourite bars, Momo. This North African themed venue has a great terrace, well-suited to sipping on Moroccan-inspired cocktails whilst rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous.
The Cadogan Arms in Chelsea has played host in recent times to the younger jet-setting crowd; Princess Beatrice and Lizzie Jagger have both put their stamp of approval on Time Out’s nominated Best New Gastro Pub.
Your ‘celebrity-style’ weekend on the town may include accommodation to suit the mood and there are so many trendy hotels in London to choose from. The illustrious St James Hotel in London, SW1A 1LS has hosted many diverse celebrities and one can’t help wonder about a life of stardom after booking a room. James Bond, Barbra Streisand, Stirling Moss, Prince Philip and Meryl Streep have all been guests here.
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The West End comes to the fore with The Ivy. This cool bar and restaurant has seen the likes of ‘oh, so gorgeous’ Tom Cruise and the lovely Beckhams amongst its patrons. This is one of those perfect pre-theatre venues in which to spot ‘big screen’ personalities. Their late night suppers are on from Monday through Thursday, after 10:15 pm and you may well be tempted by a sumptuous sirloin steak accompanied by a glass of Rioja.
Surprise yourself with a top secret hotel whilst in London and, if you feel like’ splashing the cash’, consider Chinawhite; a luxury members-only club in Winsley Street, Fitzrovia. VIP host Fatima Yashira, hailing from Ibiza, along with Chef Adam Penney, will take care of your every need; should you decide to book a VIP table, a mere £ 1000 and upwards, gossip columnists will be wondering who this potential ‘star’ is.
