Popular Celebrity Hangout Spots To Visit In London
By DANIEL FEININGER
In London’s Limehouse neighborhood, Ian McKellan’s pub, The Grapes, acts as a hive of activity among celebrity locals and Sir Ian McKellan himself.
The Grapes
The Grapes sports a traditional Victorian bar setup. Behind the taps is McKellan’s wooden staff that he wielded while portraying the role of Gandalf in the "Lord of the Rings."
Locals note that McKellan is a common sight at the pub, and other celebrity residents of the area include John Suchet, a newsreader, and the playwright and actor Steven Berkoff.
This pub is against the Thames in central London and is attached to the iconic Globe Theatre compound. Stage players have been known to head there after a performance.
The Swan
Along with your favorite Shakespearean actors, icons like Dame Judi Dench, Jude Law, and Stephen Fry have all been spotted in the establishment.
This is a classic pre-theater dinner spot on the northwest edge of the Covent Garden, where familiar faces frequent upscale restaurants and bars around theaters.
The Ivy
Titans of the screen and stage, like Laurence Olivier and Noel Coward, once visited the joint, and Angelina Jolie, Kate Hudson, and the Beckhams have been spotted here.
This American restaurant is located in the buzzing Covent Garden neighborhood and has been known to host many stage actors, celebrities, and their companions.
Joe Allen
Stephen Fry has been spotted here, and with its proximity to the theater district, many performers flock to Joe Allen's after singing and dancing for a captive audience.
Although you can’t walk up to the door of 10 Downing Street, you can view government figures giving speeches in the courtyard from beyond the gates.
Downing Street & Parliament
Visitors are able to sit in the gallery above the Parliament floor and watch live debates, taking in sights of some of Britain's most important political players.