While the chances of bumping into a celebrity at your local boozer remain relatively low (although they may rise if you live in the star-studded Cotswolds), there are actually many pubs owned by celebrities – even if they might not be found hanging out in them.
While lots are in London, you'll also find celeb pub around the UK, as well as further afield. Here are just some of them.
- These pubs have the best outdoor gardens and extraordinary views – according to Britain’s top chefs
- Over £5 for the average pint. But beer price isn't the only reason pubs are closing at a rate of eight per week in the UK
Celebrity-owned pubs
Jeremy Clarkson – The Farmer's Dog
One of the most famous (and popular) celebrity pubs in recent years is The Farmer's Dog – the development of which was documented in the Amazon Prime TV series Clarkson's Farm. Owner Jeremy Clarkson has tried to ensure that everything it sells is grown or reared by British farmers, so that means no avocado or Coca-Cola. He has, however, compromised with a G&T – which contains quinine and a lemon slice.
It's also been reported that he has bought The Windmill, a pub near Burford, Oxfordshire, although it's currently in disrepair.
- Diddly Squat Farm: everything you need to know about Jeremy Clarkson’s farm
- Who is Jeremy Clarkson? All you need to know about the TV presenter-turned-farmer
Ed Sheeran – Bertie Blossoms
While technically more of a restaurant-slash-bar than a pub, Ed Sheeran's Notting Hill watering hole deserves a spot on this list for its extensive drinks menu and tapas dining. Its website also states that 'if the mood is right, you might find a DJ to turn the volume up and the lights down'...
James May – The Royal Oak
Clarkson isn't the only petrolhead to give being a publican a go, as James May co-owns a Grade II-listed pub. It's thought that he bought half of the pub in 2020 in order to save one of the few public buildings in the tiny village of Swallowcliffe, Wiltshire. Speaking to Country Town & House, May said "I was a bit browbeaten into buying it, but I also realised that if I didn’t, there wouldn’t be a single pub within walking distance of our home. Buying it was the only way to ensure there would be." While you're there, you can sample some of James' own gin called... James Gin.
James Blunt – The Fox & Pheasant
The Fox & Pheasant brings a touch of country charm to a quiet corner of London's Chelsea, complete with roaring fireplace (in the winter), darts and a beautiful glass conservatory. The pub was founded in 1846 and bought by popstar James Blunt and his wife Sofia in 2017. A special shout-out goes to the Sunday roast, which the website claims 'runs all day' with a guarantee of ample spuds, gravy and yorkies. And there's even better news if you're a Chelsea fan – as it's just a 5 minute walk from Stamford Bridge.
Guy Ritchie – Lore of the Land
Ah yes, London, the home of fish, chips, a cup of tea and bad food... though you won't find any of this in Guy Ritchie's gaffe, which is a rather more upmarket affair in Fitzrovia. The extensive drinks list features Ritchie's own Guy-PA and Lore of the Land Lager, while food options include beef fat popcorn, rock oysters and steak. He has since expanded with a smokehouse pub called Lore of the Sky at Compton Abbas Airfield, Dorset.
Ian McKellen – The Grapes
One of the oldest pubs in London is just a stone's throw from the bustling Canary Wharf district, but still retains its old-world charm. The Grapes counts Charles Dickens as a former patron, and it was even referred to in his novel Our Mutual Friend. Perhaps it was this rich history that led actor Ian McKellen to purchase it. Quite pleasingly, it runs a pub quiz every Monday – and the last time we checked, Gandalf's staff is propped up on the wall behind the bar.
- "Procrastination is the thief of time, collar him.” The best Charles Dickens quotes from the eminent Victorian master storyteller
- Charles Dickens, Hollywood and Adam Henson: The surprising history behind London’s Smithfield Market
Idris Elba – Porte Noire
Oenophiles rejoice! Next on our list is the wine bar and restaurant Porte Noire, which is co-owned by actor Idris Elba and wine expert David Farber. Located in Coal Drops Yard near Kings Cross, the bar bears the same name as the duo's wine and champagne company. Naturally, you can sample tipples from their own label as well as others – just don't expect a pint of the stuff.
Jade Thirwall – Arbeia Bar
The former Little Mix star (and now a pop princess in her own right) Jade Thirwall owns a bar in her hometown of South Shields, Tyne and Wear. There you'll find pizza, cocktails and lots of live music. The bar, which was renamed by Thirwall, shares a name with a nearby Roman fort – so why not combine both?
Stuart Broad and Harry Gurney – Tap & Run
It would be difficult to miss the cricket references at Melton Mowbury's Tap & Run, which is owned by former England cricketers Stuart Broad and Harry Gurney. They bought the pub, in the village of Upper Broughton, in 2018 and turned it into a family-friendly space. However, there's live music on Friday nights – and stopping by for Saturday breakfast will soothe any sore heads caused by perusing its drinks menu too keenly. How's that? The pair also operate The Griffin Inn in Swithland and The Long Hop in Burton-on-Trent.
Damon Albarn – Kaffibarinn
This one is a little different, as the Blur frontman no longer co-owns this particular bar – and it's in Reykjavík, Iceland. Kaffibarinn, with its recognisable red cladding and London Underground-style sign, used to a be a favourite hangout for Albarn, so he bought it.
However, as he told The Reykjavík Grapevine, “I started waxing lyrical in every interview about how I’d found this place and how wonderful it was. It spiralled out of control, and for 15 years after, there were huge amounts of people coming over just to go to my bar as one of the things they were going to do. That was a bit depressing, really, as I no longer had anything to do with that. I was only very briefly a co-owner of that place.”
Discover more stories from around the UK
- Which is Britain's oldest pub? A look at some of our oldest and ricketiest inns and taverns
- What's the best alcoholic drink for my waistline? We check out the healthiest choices...
- Britain's most remote pubs and cafes
- Isle of Skye distilleries: must-visit whisky makers
- Britain's best country pub walks
