EVERYONE who matters is holidaying in London, this season. Bhavana Choudhari takes you through the buzzing, beautiful maze that is London… and tells you what exactly to do there!
London has always beckoned both, the luxe club and the travel enthusiasts on a budget. And when it comes to Bollywood, every personality worth his/her star rating is making a beeline for the Queen’s land. From Shahid Kapoor and family, to Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan, to Akshay Kumar, Twinkle Khanna and family, to Shilpa Shetty, Karisma Kapoor, Shibani and Farhan Akhtar, Sara Ali Khan, Taapsee Pannu, and Bollywood’s fave fashion designer Manish Malhotra, every known face is stomping the streets of London and nearby places.
Veteran actress Shabana Azmi took to social media to tell us how several B-town celebs have flocked to London, while sharing a picture of The National Gallery in London. She shared: “All of Mumbai has descended on London! Karisma Kapoor, Manish Malhotra, Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna are all soaking up the London sun right now. Nandita Das, Konkona Sen, and Aparna Sen from Kolkata for good measure, and, of course, yours truly and Javed Akhtar!!”
While Kareena Kapoor partied with her first cousin Riddhima Kapoor Sahni there (late Rishi and Neetu Kapoor’s daughter), she shared how her son Taimur watched a live match for the first time there. Alia Bhatt too, while shooting for her Hollywood debut in London, hung out with her in-laws there.
Taking it a notch further, Twinkle Khanna and Akshay Kumar attended Adele’s London concert and the Pride Walk too. They also gave us insights into their favourite hubs: The Swan, Joe Allen’s, The Green Room, Margaret Street and The Pit Bar at The Old Vic.
On a street, in a mall or maybe on your way up in the elevator, you might come up close and personal with a Bollywood or Hollywood star or two! Take a look at some of their most popular hangouts…
Mayfair
At the very heart of the London borough of Westminster is Mayfair, one of the city’s finest residential and commercial areas. Set besides some of London’s best – Hyde Park, historic Piccadilly and luxurious hotels. Here the shopping is haute, the dining is superlative and the nightlife is electrifying! Where better to spot your favourite celebrities than in glamorous Mayfair? Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra have been spotted with Joe Jonas and his wife Sophie Turner about a zillion times here – it is one of their favourite hot spots. Hakkasan at Mayfair is the all-time favourite of Kim Kardashian, Rhianna, Britney Spears and Naomi Campbell.
Bulgari Hotel London
A hit hotspot with the celebs, Bulgari Hotel London is where you can spot celebrities having a cosy time away from the media glare. Adored for its ultra-posh interiors, even the super-rich can’t seem to get enough of it.
Buddha Bar
Believe it or not, celebrities want to eat, drink and relax as much as we want to when they are done roaming every nook and corner of the city. The busy Buddha Bar is where you could bump into a celeb, since it tops the list when it comes to Pan-Asian cuisine.
Shangri-La Hotel
When you visit or stay at Shangri-La Hotel, be ready to rub shoulders with topnotch Bollywood and Hollywood celebrities.
Sketch
Pretty pink interiors, bubble morsels and the egg-shaped toilets will leave you surprised when you are here for the first time! Entertainment’s biggest names such as Elton John, Kendall Jenner and Taylor Swift have been spotted at this splendidly done up restaurant. This is another of Priyanka Chopra’s fave dining destinations.
Annabel’s
Not at all scary like the film, this one is just lovely. One celebrity at some point in time is guaranteed at this uber cool property. Lolo, Bebo and their girly gang… besides Tina Turner, Ray Charles and Lady Gaga are known to be avid visitors.
Summertime in London is the best time to visit – so pack up and go NOW!
London Calling: Must Visit Places
Visit Buckingham Palace and watch Changing of the Guard.
See the Royal Jewels at The Tower of London and walk across Tower Bridge
Get captivated by Big Ben and the House of Parliament (Palace of Westminster)
Wander around Picadilly Circus
Enjoy a day out in Hyde Park
Climb the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral
Shop at London’s best markets
Enjoy a spectacular view from the London Eye.