Celebrity-Owned Restaurants & Bars In London
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9 months ago
The eateries with famous faces at the helm
In the A-list world, it seems food is the new perfume. Nowadays, if celebrities aren’t launching their own rosé brand, they’re opening an eatery – whether that’s a chic wine bar à la Idris Elba or a country-inspired pub like James Blunt. London is home to an array of celebrity-owned restaurants and bars, but which ones are as impressive as the names behind them? Here are the starry spots in London worth adding to your list.
Which London Restaurants Are Owned By Celebrities?
Bertie Blossoms, Notting Hill
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Ed Sheeran may be one of the world’s most famous singers, but his restaurant is the epitome of unassuming. Nestled away in the heart of Notting Hill sits Bertie Blossoms, a small, pub-like restaurant set across two floors, which Sheeran opened in 2019 (the name being a tribute to his wife, Cherry). A short and sweet menu offers a selection of small plates – think chorizo in red wine and oysters – alongside signature mains like vodka rigatoni and rib eye steak. The drinks list is more extensive, featuring an array of grower champagnes, beers and classic cocktails. It’s a lovely spot to pop into after a browse around Portobello Market.
323 Portobello Rd, London W10 5SY, bertieblossoms.co.uk
The Wealthy Beggar, Kensal Rise
There was much excitement when it was announced that Emily In Paris star Lucien Laviscount was opening his own bar. The actor teamed up with restauranter Zac Lichman to open The Wealthy Beggar in Kensal Rise, a self-proclaimed ‘five-star dive bar’ offering food, drink and music. Visitors can enjoy Pan-Asian fare including tacos and curries, alongside fun cocktails: signatures include the Velvet Hand, made with fresh pomegranate cordial, sparkling wine and apple-infused brandy, and the Loaded Dice, a blend featuring three different types of rum. Sadly you won’t be greeted by Laviscount – but it is a good date night venue.
Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise, London, NW10 3NS, the-wealthy-beggar-main.webflow.io
Lore of the Land, Fitzrovia
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Guy Ritchie is firmly in the spotlight right now thanks to his latest mega-hit, Netflix series The Gentlemen. But did you know he also owns a pub in Fitzrovia? Perched just off Conway Street is the Lore of the Land, a traditional boozer serving Ritchie’s own ‘Gritchie Brewing Company’ cask ales, beers and ciders. Ritchie himself is known to hang out there, and David Beckham is a fan – on one family visit, his son Cruz gave a spontaneous guitar performance of a Beatles song. The menu is centred around twists on classic pub fare: lamb rack with pearl barley, ras el hanout spiced monkfish tail, and day boat fish with Asian steamed vegetables – plus a stellar Sunday roast.
4 Conway St, London W1T 6BB, gritchiepubs.com
Porte Noire, King’s Cross
When Idris Elba’s not saving the day in shows like Luther and Hijack, he’s researching new wines to add to the menu at his wine bar, Porte Noire (well, maybe). Located within the Gasholders building, he opened it alongside oenophile David Farber, following a joint trip to the historical Sanger school in Champagne, France. The chic spot is home to one of London’s largest fine wine tasting rooms, with an enormous selection of over 800 bottles. These can be enjoyed alongside small plates such as beef croquettes, king prawns tempura and charcuterie, or larger meals of butternut squash risotto, confit duck leg or Hereford short beef ribs with BBQ sauce – plus the popular chickpea chips.
Gasholder 10, A, 1 Lewis Cubitt Walk, London N1C 4BX, portenoire.co.uk
The Grapes, Limehouse
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The Grapes – originally called The Bunch of Grapes – is one of London’s most historic pubs, having sat on the Limehouse riverside for almost 500 years. It’s believed that Charles Dickens used to pop in for a pint, and indeed the pub appears in the opening chapter of his novel, Our Mutual Friend. But arguably the most interesting chapter in its history was when Sir Ian McKellen took over the lease back in 2011, hence the Gandalf ornaments dotted around the tables. The pub hasn’t changed much over the years, so retains its traditional vibe, with a menu of pub classics and a terrace overlooking the Thames.
76 Narrow Street, Limehouse, London E14 8BP, thegrapes.co.uk
The Fox & Pheasant, Fulham
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Back in 2017 Chelsea pub The Fox & Pheasant was at risk of closing down, but it was saved by local residents James Blunt and his wife Sofia. The pair took over the venue and gave it a big revamp, transforming it into a countryside-inspired spot complete with rustic furnishings and roaring fireplaces. There’s an impressive food offering too, with the kitchen headed up by chef Toby Milne, focusing on elevated pub classics (think buttermilk fried guinea fowl, red wine braised ox cheek, and pan fried scallops with roast cauliflower) alongside a hearty Sunday roast. Blunt lives in Ibiza now, so it’s unlikely you’ll spot him there – but you can order the You’re Beautiful cocktail in his honour: a blend of Sipsmith gin, grapefruit juice and elderflower cordial.
1 Billing Rd, London SW10 9UJ, thefoxandpheasant.com
