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Boris Johnson Bumbled His Way Around Din Tai Fung

Brexit’s master manipulator turned his hand to dumplings — Stephen Fry was also there

Boris Johnson visited Din Tai Fung’s London restaurant opening in support of the Taiwanese dumpling chain Boris: David M Benett/Getty Images; Xiaolongbao: Din Tai Fung [Official Photo]; Composite: Eater London

Din Tai Fung, the world-famous Taiwanese restaurant, opened the doors to its first London outpost this week, cooking countless dumplings for its Wednesday evening launch. Former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson was there, as was Stephen Fry.


James Brokenshire, Tory MP and Secretary for Housing, was out for dinner on Saturday night. He chose the Cinammon Club on Great Smith Street.


A quick breakfast in Notting Hill for Stella McCartney. The fashion designer, whose dad is Sir Paul and whose late mother Linda founder founded the range of veggie sausages, was spotted eating at The Laslett on Sunday morning.


A major role reversal at The Ivy on Sunday night. The restaurant is famed for serving thespians after they’ve stepped off the stage, but this week they gave serving a try. Michael Ball, Downton Abbey’s Laura Carmichael, Celia Imrie and Miss Moneypenny actress Samantha Bond joined the staff as part of an Acting for Others fundraiser. Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Maggie Smith stuck firmly to their roles as diners.


In the latest instalment of events no-one knew existed, this week saw the Cigar Smoker of the Year Awards celebrate another year. Boisdale in Canary Wharf played host as always, serving salmon and crab to start and a main course of beef with a side of beef. Sex and the City’s Chris Noth, Frasier’s Kelsey Grammer and Jeremy Irons were among the guests.


Another big night at Laylow. The former pub turned club and restaurant had David Beckham in on Monday night — he was hosting a Christmas party for Haig, his whisky brand. Victoria Beckham, Guy Ritchie and Sadie Frost joined in the fun.


This time last year, singer Olly Murs was urging his Twitter followers to flee Selfridges after hearing word of mythical gunshots. No such drama on Tuesday afternoon at Rüya, the Anatolian restaurant in Mayfair: Murs was there with Tinie Tempah and artist Tracey Emin for GQ’s Christmas lunch.


An Officer and a Gentleman’s Richard Gere and Italian Job legend Sir Michael Caine were at the River Café in Hammersmith on Tuesday evening. According to chef Ruth Rogers, it was the first time they have seen each other in thirty years.


Also in the festive mood this week was Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden. She was out for Christmas drinks on Tuesday night, with pals including EastEnders actress Tamzin Outhwaite and Celebrity MasterChef winner Lisa Faulkner. They chose The Bluebird Cafe on the King’s Road in Chelsea.

The Ivy

1-5 West Street, , England WC2H 9NQ 020 7836 4751 Visit Website

Bluebird

350 King's Road, , England SW3 5UU 07710 094864 Visit Website

The River Café

Rainville Road, , England W6 9HA 020 7386 4200 Visit Website