Celeb pub spotting

With the news that Sir Ian McKellen is set to become the landlord of his favourite ‘East End boozer’, English pubs appear to have become the latest celebrity must-have.

Visit England here provide a list of where to go to catch that celebrity courtesy of this press release:

Sir Ian McKellen – The Grapes, Limehouse

One of the oldest pubs in London, The Grapes was built in 1720 on a site which dates back to 1583. It was made famous when Charles Dickens immortalised it in Our Mutual Friend in 1864, using it as the inspiration for The Six Jolly Fellowship Porters. Dickens apparently used to stand on a table and sing to customers in the pub as a young boy. Today’s customers can look forward to traditional ales and a fabulous fish restaurant which looks over the River Thames. In winter, the open fire is irresistibly cosy.

Ant and Dec – The Lodge, Newcastle

Previously named Johnny Ringo’s, this ultra-modern venue has two very famous Geordie owners, TV duo Ant and Dec. The pair liked their local pub so much they decided to buy it! Set on the diamond strip in the heart of Newcastle, the newly refurbished The Lodge is the perfect meeting place before a big night out, offering ice cold beers, fine wines, delicious cocktails and a busy line up of weekly entertainment featuring live bands and DJs.

Guy Richie – Punch Bowl, Mayfair

Guy Richie's Punch Bowl in London is the second oldest pub in Mayfair, and dates back to 1750. It became a celebrity hotspot after Guy Ritchie and then-wife Madonna purchased the leasehold in 2008. Punch Bowl is as renowned for its superb British fusion cuisine sourced from the freshest ingredients as it is for its celebrity clientele; Leonardo di Caprio, Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law have all paid a visit to the traditional watering-hole.

Piers Morgan – Hansom Cab, Kensington

Self-confessed pub addict Piers Morgan started his English pub love affair with the acquisition of the Hansom Cab in London late last year. A Grade-II listed building and was built as part of the late Georgian development of Pembroke Square in the 1820s. A real hidden gem and a favourite among locals, the Victorian pub has maintained many of its original features. Be prepared to get swept up in its charm and wonderful nostalgia.

Chris Evans – The Mulberry Inn, Surrey

Celebrity DJ Chris Evans has owned The Mulberry Inn in Chiddingfold, Surrey since 2006. Vibrant and inviting, The Mulberry is the place to enjoy a relaxed dinner in the restaurant or garden or a Sunday roast by the fire while soaking up the lively atmosphere. The pub is renowned for its unique style of dining, fabulous food, world-class wine and excellent local beer.

Sir Michael Parkinson – The Royal Oak, Berkshire

Former chat show host Sir Michael Parkinson bought The Royal Oak near Windsor in 2001 with his son Nicholas, a Savoy-trained chef. The pub earned a Michelin Star in 2010 which it retained in 2011, cementing its status as one of only two pub restaurants in the country to hold a Michelin star, 3 AA Rosettes and a Good Food Guide rating of 6/10. With requisite oak beams, snug bar and open fireplace The Royal Oak is Parky’s finest venture.

Deborah Cavendish, Dowager Duchess of Devonshire – The Swan Inn, Oxfordshire

The Swan Inn in Oxfordshire is owned by the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, just a short distance from the picturesque town of Burford, yet a million miles from the bustle of the tourist trail. This dreamy Cotswold gastropub is a place to relax, socialise and renew old acquaintances. It serves award-winning food by the River Windrush, and with the ducks and bantams wandering freely around you, you really feel in the heart of the countryside.