London is home to some of the most sentimental, soppy and stuttering movie moments of all time. And while you may not stumble upon actual Hugh Grant on the city's streets, we have created a round-up of the best bars and restaurants for you to get your romcom fill. From gorgeous church-based food halls à la Love Actually, to Borough bistros frequented by Bridget Jones herself and Notting Hill supper clubs straight outta’ the 90s. Here is our guide to eating and drinking your way through Richard Curtis’ best turtlenecked (and sometimes problematic) scenes.
Love Actually Wedding Scene - Mercato Mayfair
Keira Knightley is looking very pretty (and oh boy does she know it), in a beautiful church with beautiful guests and a damn beautiful rendition of All You Need Is Love. Sadly we can’t bring you the saxophonist or the gospel choir, but we can gift you the very gorgeous church-based food hall, Mercato Mayfair. The perfect spot for you to chow down international street food and think about how Knightley managed to pull off what is essentially a sheer crop top as her wedding dress, more power to you sister.
"I look quite pretty, don't I?"
Bridget Jones’s Diary - Bedales
Let’s not talk about how she’s affording a massive flat in zone 1, but rather the fact that you can go and visit Bridget’s actual front door, located slap bang in the middle of Borough Market. For the full Jones experience, we recommend that you drink the stresses of the day away with a glass of wine just across the road. Bedales is a gorgeous wine shop and bistro that just so happens to be the very place Hugh Grant and Colin Firth came crashing through the window and into a plate of hummus. Sweet memories.
Don't look so glum Bridg, that flat is probably worth a mil.
Four Weddings and a Funeral - The Founders Arms
South Bank was last year named Europe’s most filmed location, and for good reason. With swooping views of the city, tonnes of buzzing riverside bars and more gloomy skyscapes than you can shake a stick at, this place is a dumping/sad walking/love declaring wonderland. Hence why Hugh Grant settled for here to profess his feelings for Andie MacDowell (or was it David Cassidy? We’re still not totally sure...). Pop in your headphones, turn up Adele and do your very own brooding riverside walk before stopping off at the cosy Founders Arms for a restorative pint.
You don't have to wear long socks rolled down when you visit here, but you might like to.
Love Actually Selfridges Scene - Brasserie of Light
After browsing Selfridges’ extensive jewellery counters for the perfect illicit affair Christmas gift (it is truly is the most magical time of the year), head over to the department store’s latest dining addition, Brasserie of Light. Enjoy brunch and cocktails below the extraordinary 24ft Damien Hirst Pegasus and the heavy weight of your conscience.
Repeat after me, Emma Thompson deserved better.
About Time - Dans le Noir
One of Curtis’ newer films, but none the less a classic already, About Time is set across twinkly London and the Cornish coast. Recreate the scene where protagonist, Domhnall Gleeson meets Rachel McAdams by paying a visit to Farringdon-based Dans Le Noir. This entirely pitch-black restaurant forces you to truly appreciate the flavours on your plate without the distraction of your other senses and you might just meet the love of your life.
Sadly it's not guaranteed that you'll end up sitting next to very eligible Hollywood royalty à la McAdams and Gleeson.
Notting Hill - The Little Yellow Door
While you may not have an a-lister date on your arm, that’s no excuse to miss Notting Hill-based flat-themed restaurant, The Little Yellow Door. Head here on the weekend and experience one of their legendary dinner parties, complete with bottomless rosé wine. While you’re there you can explain to your fellow diners why your life is, in fact, the most tragic, trust me, they will LOVE it.
Who needs a hunky Hugh Grant when the interiors are this good.
For inspiration on where to watch your favourite films, check out our guide to The Best Cinema Events In London.
