Ever wondered where you can bump into Cara Delevingne on the dance floor and shop with David Beckham while in London? The movie Notting Hill made celebrity spotting in London seem like something that happens everyday in this charming city. Yet most travellers followed the guidebooks and returned home hugely disappointed feeling being ripped off about their promised star-struck experience. Well, you have to think Kate Moss and Ed Shereen don't just hangout at the Big Ben waiting for paparazzi to stalk them, right? So forget about those touristy guidebooks, and hear what our 'celebrity spotting guru' Amelia have to say about following the footsteps of the a-listers in London town! Amelia is the face behind her new travel app Go Where They Go (GWTG), a star-studded app which explores the places those-in-the-know actually go. Whether it be the hippest restaurants, most fashionable bars, most stylish shops, swankiest hotels or just a beloved old local hangout, GWTG has a global team of celebrity scouts to collate an up to date list of celebrity sightings. Even if you're not into celebrity spotting, following the heels of the a-listers will ensure your London itinerary is only for the most discerning travellers.
Here we asked Amelia to spill her top secrets on where you'd most likely to have a star-struck experience in London! Shh... just don't tell them we told you.
Where to head in London to...
Follow in the steps of the Royal Family?
Well, no surprises that the most sighted royal on GWTG is Kate Middleton - but don't forget her stylish sister Pippa! Both are renowned for their love of high street shopping but mix it up a bit a few department stores like Harvey Nichols and John Lewis, to flagship boutiques like Carolina Herrera.
Feel like a modern day Audrey Hepburn?
For Audrey's classic style and some old world charm, I would suggest a shopping trip to (like actress Olivia Wilde), a high tea or Claridge's Hotel (hello Rachel Weisz and Taylor Swift) and a refined night cap at The Connaught Hotel (like big names Ben Stiller or Bradley Cooper).
Dine where Jamie Oliver eats?
Well Jamie started his career at River Cafe which to this day is frequented by stars such as George Clooney. Jamie is also known for his love of Italian food so you could try Locanda Locatelli (like fellow Brit Adele) or (favoured by Jay Z and Beyonce when in London town).
Shop like a Vogue editor?
Definitely head to Dover Street Market for super designer duds, and potential sightings and potential sightings of international celebs like Justin Timberlake and Pharrell. Designer labels are also a go-to, such as the Louis Vuitton or Chloe flagship boutiques frequented by the likes of Margot Robbie.
Party with Cara Delevingne?
Definitely Chiltern Firehouse. We have more sightings at this restaurant/hotel than any other location on GWTG. I went there in February and understand why - the place is amazing, so much fun!
For the best gifts?
Surprisingly, David Beckham is frequently sighted shopping in London - with very refined taste! He chooses candles at Diptyque on Westbourne Grove (along with Elton John mind you) and has also purchased children's clothes at Bonpoint. Or for something more adult, venture to Agent Provocateur like supermodel Claudia Schiffer.
For a real 'locals' experience?
Hit local night spot Shimmy in Notting Hill like Robert Pattinson and my girl crush, Sienna Miller. Adele buys books at Daunt Books in Marylebone. Or follow Kate Moss' lead with her local pub, The Red Lion and Sun, for that quintessential English experience, the Sunday roast!
Your personal most star-struck travel moment?
Thank you Amelia! About Amelia: When Melbourne girl Amelia Trumble moved to New York several years ago, she was constantly looking for the coolest places to shop, eat and play. She found herself scouring the media looking for the latest news and reviews when she had a light bulb moment - where do the A-list go? She decided that if it was good enough for Madonna, it would be good enough for her so Amelia started compiling notes around where the big names were spotted and so GWTG was born. When she is not busy running GWTG, her day job is overseeing commerce for a group of global prestige beauty brands. Follow GWTG on their website or Instagram.I planned a trip to LA for a long weekend in January a couple of years ago, totally not realising it was Golden Globes weekend (most unlike me!) My friend and I had a dinner reservation athoo Chateau Marmot and thoroughly enjoyed the parade of celebrities - everyone from Tilda Swinton (a nominee herself that year), to John Cusak, Minnie Driver and Cameron Diaz!
So tell me Dear Reader, have your visited any of these celebrate spotting hotspots in London? What was your most star-struck travel moment? Do you have any other 'secret squirrel' a-list locations to add to our list? Do share in the comment below.
Until next time! Stay classy.
