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It’s over for another year then. After the stresses of Christmas, many stalwarts on the London restaurant scene either partied at home like David and Victoria Beckham, or chased the sun abroad like Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw. But a few still made reservations at the hotspots.
On Boxing Day, perhaps sick of turkey leftovers, newlyweds Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas headed to 34, one of their favourite Mayfair restaurants. There must have been some good will to their fellow man, though: they were joined by Joe’s brother, fellow singer Joe Jonas, and his fiancée Sophie Turner. Turner knows plenty about the perils of venturing out in the winter: she stars as Sansa Stark in the next and final series of Game of Thrones.
On Friday, Nigella Lawson ventured into town, not for the sales but for lunch. The world-famous cookery writer and presenter, who recently revealed that she once served her family a cheese toastie for Christmas dinner, popped out to Rovi. The site is the latest from Yotam Ottolenghi, found in Fitzrovia.
It’s not the best time of year for birthdays — many begrudge giving more presents — but you can still celebrate. Actress Noomi Rapace, best known for playing Lisbeth Salander in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo franchise, toasted her 39th at Laylow, the restaurant and members’ club north of Notting Hill.
All that said, the biggest night was owned by Annabel’s in Berkeley Square. It capped off a successful year with a New Year’s Eve countdown, with singer Rihanna among the guests showing up to help the celebrations. Her fans will have to see if 2019 brings that album they’ve been waiting for.