Guide to celebrity hotspots in London

The original Scott's in Mayfair is known to attract celebrities, and its younger Richmond sibling is fast following suit. The refined seafood menu and sophisticated, luxurious premises draw in star-studded crowds with the likes of caviar and lobster. The Mayfair restaurant dates back to 1851, so plenty of historical figures have stopped by here as well.

Swan is a classic British restaurant, spanning three floors by the Thames. Thanks to being part of the Shakespeare's Globe theatre, you can often catch actors relaxing here after a show, so depending on the cast you might see quite a few stars here. Past guests include Dame Judi Dench, Jude Law, Stephen Fry and others. And in the absence of any stardust, the sweeping views of the river are a solid consolation prize.

Chiltern Firehouse is an acclaimed and exclusive restaurant that also offers guest rooms, making it highly convenient for any famous folks who want to keep a low profile. And those who don't can always stroll up in plain sight to enjoy the high-end dining available here. The restaurant has been frequented by the likes of Jennifer Lawrence, Zendaya, Bradley Cooper, and Timothée Chalamet, among many others.

Combine detailed, opulently decorated interiors with upmarket dining and wining options and plonk the end result down in one of London's most famous shopping destinations, and you're sure to snag yourself a famous face or two. Sketch encompasses different spaces, each with its own theme and offer, but for celebrity spotting your best bet is likely the three-Michelin-starred Lecture Room & Library. Don't discount the futuristic toilets, either – they're the perfect spot for an influencer selfie.

An iconic London restaurant that's been around since 1929, Quaglino's regularly attracts celebrity guests, including those of the royal variety. As is to be expected, the food is sophisticated and grand, drawing on influences from all over Europe, and the decor is equally majestic. Thanks to a stage and live musicians, the atmosphere is electric, and the venue also has a pair of bars.

With its multi-faceted dining experiences that fuse international techniques, inspiration and ingredients, M Restaurant is a popular choice among the upper echelons. The Threadneedle Street venue is your best bet for catching sight of an A-lister, with Madonna, Idris Elba, and others having enjoyed the upscale Japanese cuisine at this spacious, elegant space with a wine bar, a whisky bar, a cocktail bar, members' lounges, and more.

34 Mayfair, owned by billionaire restaurateur Richard Caring, is hidden behind a rather non-descript façade in Mayfair. Inside, however, it hides a glamorous, lavishly decorated venue with a bar and an outdoor terrace. Serving contemporary grill favourites from around the world, 34 Mayfair has seen the likes of Kate Moss, Joe Jonas, and Kate Middleton walk through its doors, though it's equally welcoming to less prestigious guests.

With a name like that, how could anyone, even the most particular of celebrities, resist? Another Richard Caring establishment, Sexy Fish features on-theme decor by Damien Hirst, Frank Gehry, and Michael Roberts. The opulent restaurant serves a menu serving upmarket Japanese delicacies, and also encompasses a bar with supposedly the world's largest Japanese whisky collection. All this has proven irresistible to the likes of Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and Hugh Jackson.

The original branch of Sheesh became a celeb hotspot despite – or perhaps because of – being located in Essex, with the likes of Harry Kane, Russell Crowe, and Tyson Fury stopping by to enjoy the upmarket grill fare and opulent ambiance. With a second branch opening smack dab in the middle of London in Piccadilly Circus, the potential for stargazing is even greater.

Yet another Richard Caring joint – he sure has a knack for the celebrity business – The Ivy in Covent Garden is a long-lasting institution of the British dining scene. As such, it has seated many a star beneath its hallowed roof through the ages, from legends of a bygone era like Sir Laurence Olivier and Noël Coward, to present-day icons such as Angelina Jolie or the Beckhams. Thanks to its popularity among A-listers, it's gained a reputation as one of the top locations for celebrity spotting.

Unlike the typical star-studded palaces of opulence and late-night debauchery, Maison St Cassien is a friendly neighbourhood café in Wimbledon Village, the kind locals pull up to with strollers for a light bite. A glance at its walls tells a different story, however – they're full of autographed photos of the many celebs who have eaten the Mediterranean food here, such as Antonio Banderas and Andre Agassi, while Sir Andy Murray and Maria Sharapova have sung its praises in the press.

Bluebird is a stylish Chelsea venue that spans not just a restaurant and a bar, but a café and a courtyard area as well, making it suitable for any occasion at more or less any time of the day. Add an environmentally-conscious mindset, private dining options, and tasty European food, and it's easy to see why Eddie Redmayne, Cara Delevingne, and other stars like to turn up at this trendy spot. On a more local level, you're likely to run into one of the “Made in Chelsea” bunch here too.

Cambio de Tercio is a vibrant, colourful Spanish tapas spot in Kensington that's supposedly the favourite London restaurant of tennis great Rafael Nadal. Consequently, especially come Wimbledon time, you can expect a lot of tennis stars, athletes, and other celebrities enjoying themselves here, hoping the secret to Nadal's success lies in one of the 500+ Spanish wines poured here.

Co-owned by Robert De Niro, the international Nobu brand is a synonym for luxury and lavish dining, and the stars sure know it. Sir Elton John, Katy Perry, Jason Statham, and many others have been spotted at the sophisticated Mayfair branch, which showcases Japanese dining at its absolute best, accompanied by creative cocktails, a sleek setting, and a lively atmosphere.

Hakkasan is another global brand that combines a stylish, opulent setting with upmarket Asian dining. The Hanway Place branch even inspired the design aesthetic of the international group as a whole. Rihanna, Naomi Campbell, Will Smith, Kim Kardashian, and many other A-listers have all been spotted at one of the Hakkasan restaurants.

A historic five-star hotel is always a pretty safe bet for celeb spotting, especially if it helped inspire James Bond like The Dorchester. The China Tang restaurant at this luxury hotel evokes 1930s glamour with its unforgettable meals and sophisticated Art Deco space, making it a popular choice among stars such as Kate Moss, Hugh Grant, and Stephen Fry.

This renowned Soho eatery and lounge is the go-to spot for vibrant live music, romantic dinners, and delightful Saturday brunches. The venue boasts a striking ambiance, adorned with vivid floral arrangements and dazzling neon lights. Moreover, a diverse array of live music events graces the stage throughout the week, featuring vinyl-spinning DJs and energetic funk bands.

You might have trouble tearing your eyes away from the overwhelming decor to look for celebrities at this temple to the god of debauchery and feasting, but you're likely to spot an A-lister or two if you do. Bacchanalia is a recent addition to the upper echelon of London dining, an opulent establishment with decor by Damien Hirst and its own members' club, catering to the rich and famous.

His restaurants might divide opinion, especially when it comes to the price tag, but there's no denying viral salt sprinkler Salt Bae's establishments are a hit with celebrities all over the world. Drake, Leonardo DiCaprio, David Beckham, Al Pacino, Lionel Messi, the list of Salt Bae's star patrons goes on and on, and his Knightsbridge branch is no different.

The Seashell of Lisson Grove, a treasured fish and chip shop situated in Central London, has built up quite the reputation over the years. Excelling in crafting crispy, golden-battered fish and perfectly cooked chips, this culinary gem draws a mix of locals and tourists, often attracting hungry celebrities as well. Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Liza Minnelli, and many others have all been spotted here – the restaurant keeps a running gallery on its website.

Previously boasting the city's largest restaurant space, Gilgamesh London downsized to a more compact venue in 2023. Despite the reduction in size, the establishment maintains a grand presence with a lounge bar, a garden-themed mezzanine, and an intimate dining area on the lower level. The design takes inspiration from the “Epic of Gilgamesh”, while the upscale menu features a diverse array of dishes influenced by culinary traditions from across Asia. Famed rappers like Rick Ross have been spotted here.