They have just spanked a cool $200m on a brutalist seafront Malibu mansion, but right now Beyoncé and Jay-Z are crazy in love with London, where they have been staying as part of her Renaissance World Tour.
The couple have been spotted wearing tweed, sipping tea and dining in Mayfair (and only Mayfair), proving that they know exactly how to embrace British tradition. From bakeries to their go-to penthouse suite, here are some of their favourite places in London.
Suite dreams
Beyoncé and Jay-Z seem to be creatures of habit, particularly where London is concerned. Their preferred hotel is the Corinthia overlooking the Thames on Whitehall, in the Royal Penthouse suite, of course, which boasts a panoramic view of the skyline and, at 5,000sq ft, is the largest of its kind in London. There is a walk-in wine cellar, a dining room, a private spa suite and the couple will have their own private butler provided by the hotel. There is also an exclusive lift for ensured privacy.
In order to bed down in the Royal Suite you’d need a cool £20k per night but more ‘humble’ rooms start at £972.
Eye spy
The London Eye is the country’s most popular paid for attraction, the tallest ferris wheel in Europe – but perhaps its biggest claim to fame is the special place it has in Beyoncé’s heart and on her photo reel. The Cuff It singer never fails to take a selfie with the iconic structure when she’s in the capital – in 2019 she was in a floor length golden gown before the Lion King premiere. This visit is no exception as she posed fresh faced from inside her suite with the wheel as her backdrop. Whether Bey ever actually takes a turn in one of the 32 capsules is unclear, but we can recommend, along with Kate Moss and Jessica Alba who have been on the Eye 25 and 31 times respectively!
Mayfair for lunch at C London
It’s right in the heart of the most exclusive, elegant and expensive areas of the capital, so it’s no wonder Beyoncé and Jay-Z made a beeline for C London for lunch. Offering the same traditional Italian dishes as served in the celebrated Harry’s Bar in Venice, plus a Japanese inspired menu, guests are promised “an authentic hospitality experience through all senses”. From bellini cocktails to minestrone, risotto and fresh pastas this is simple but delicious Italian food.
Not that they would be caught dead looking anything but primped and polished, but the dress code at C dictates certain standards: no shorts or tracksuits. Beyoncé’s three-piece tweed suit was spot on.
Mayfair (again) for dinner at Harry’s Bar
Not to be confused with the Venetian Harry’s Bar linked to C London (although it is named after it), this Harry’s Bar on South Audley Street is the famous private members’ club founded in 1979, by veteran restaurateur Robin Birley (who sold it in 2007). It has a formidable reputation as somewhere to see and be seen — everyone from Lucian Freud to Victoria Beckham has dined here. It is also somewhere to spend. At one point Harry’s Bar was the highest grossing restaurant per square foot in the world. Not that this would faze Bey and Jay who have a combined net worth of £2 billion.
Harry’s Bar is easily recognisable thanks to its brightly striped awning. Inside the decor is unbridled Venetian glamour and the dishes classic Italian.
Another Mayfair dinner, at Oswald’s
Proving that they absolutely got the memo about Mayfair having a ‘return to form’ moment the couple were back in the area again, this time at Oswald’s. One of the most exclusive private members’ clubs in London where discretion is assured (the club has no social media presence and photography is verboten), no wonder it’s a draw for the likes of Jay-Z and Beyoncé. Other high profile guests include the Beckhams, Prince William and Amber Heard.
The club is also owned by Robin Birley and named after his royal portrait artist grandfather Sir Oswald. It is opulent: think marble, pressed white linen table cloths, vast floral arrangements and chandeliers, and an abundance of gilt mirrors. The elegance of the interiors is matched by the dress code: sports jackets and suits. You won’t find any ripped jeans or manky trainers here.
What you will find is a major focus on wine: Birley wanted to be able to serve collectable and valuable wine at reasonable prices. Founding members can even store their own bottles here. This is likely to interest Jay, who created his own Champagne — Ace of Spades. The pair drank rosé and had oysters on the terrace.
Indulge in Birley Bakery
As well as owning a host of deluxe members clubs, Robin Birley also owns an eponymous bakery inspired by traditional French patisseries. Birley Bakery supplies the owner’s other venues with delicious confectionary. This is presumably how Bey took a snap of some sweet treats, right next to a coaster from Oswald’s. The bakery itself, in Chelsea, is well worth a visit: not only does it smell like heaven for gluttons but it also looks beautiful too — with row upon row of intricate Chelsea buns (natch), croissants and Madeleines which along with a vast array of breads are all baked on site.
