THE ‘Bridget Jones-effect’ has swept across London, seeing a surge in visitors to iconic locations, and we fell for it too.
With the conclusion of a 25-year journey with Bridget Jones with Mad About The Boy, we thought it was only right to visit some of our favourite heroine’s London stomping grounds.
The Globe Tavern
Possibly the most iconic location of all in the Bridget Jones franchise is The Globe Tavern.
Perched on the corner of Bedale Street and the edge of Borough market is this traditional London pub.
The pub and the floors above were used as the exterior of Bridget Jones’ first floor flat in films one, two and three.
Even the street outside saw been a number of memorable scenes – including make ups and break ups for singleton, Bridget.
So we had to pop into the pub that’s hidden under the arch of London Bridge and we were surprised to find that inside The Globe Tavern is surprisingly snug with just a few tables.
But it was the perfect place for a drink – and although Bridget (played by Renée Zellweger) never stepped foot inside on the big screen, we’re sure she must have stopped in at some point.
Bridget’s flat at 8 Bedale Street is on the first floor above the Globe Tavern, and it’s now the Khao Bird Thai restaurant[/caption]
The tiny restaurant has been a number of eateries in recent years, replacing the previous Japanese sando bar TOU[/caption]
8 Bedale Street
Bridget’s flat at 8 Bedale Street is on the first floor above the Globe Tavern, and in the scenes from the first film it looks like a cosy attic-style Victorian apartment.
But step inside nowadays and you’ll actually find the Khao Bird Thai restaurant, so our Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey popped in for a bite to eat.
She said: “If you head upstairs above the Globe Tavern, you’ll find Khao Bird – a new Thai restaurant in Bridget’s ‘flat’.
“The tiny restaurant has been a number of eateries in recent years, replacing the previous Japanese sando bar TOU.
“Sadly, don’t expect the interiors to remind you of the iconic flat – Bridget may step inside from Borough Market, but that’s where the resemblance ends.
“The real flat interior was created and filmed at Sky Studios Elstree.
“But that doesn’t mean the restaurant isn’t worth a trip, with a small menu of punchy northern Thai dishes including veggie curries and rich noodles.
“They have paid homage to the film though, with a ‘Blue Soup cocktail’, that resembles her failed dinner party attempt.
“Thankfully this one is much tastier, created with vodka and butterfly pea flower.”
Here’s the entrance to Bridget’s very enviable London flat[/caption]
Bedales of Borough
Across the road from The Globe Tavern is Bedales of Borough, this location isn’t overly familiar, at least it wasn’t to us at first, that was until we did some digging.
The Bedales of Borough is actually the location of Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) and Daniel Cleaver’s (Hugh Grant) very first fight over Bridget.
Fans of the film will remember the pair brawling in the street in the snow before taking the fight inside the Greek restaurant opposite.
Well, that Greek restaurant was actually Bedales, just with a transformed shop front.
We’d recommend a visit to anyone heading into Borough Market though as they have almost 50 wines to taste, some of which are non-alcoholic.
They also offer cocktails as well as snacks, and main meals with a two course meal costing £25 – and that include a glass of wine.
And Bedales of Borough also offer wine tastings starting from £60 per person.
Who can forget this fight scene? Well, it took place outside Bedales of Borough[/caption]
Here are three other Bridget Jones locations you can visit
Here are some more classic Bridget Jones movie locations you can visit in the UK…
Outside of London, and used in the very first film, was the Stoke Park Hotel, where Bridget and Daniel took a romantic mini break and awkwardly run into Mark. The grand country club and spa is found in Buckinghamshire and you don’t even have to book a room to enjoy the facilities.
For anyone wanting to hang out with Bridget’s friends, Shazza, Tom and Jude, then head to The Light Bar in Shoreditch – although they’re unlikely to be there. The local hang out for the group is on Shoreditch High Street and the renovated drinks hotspot set in an old Victorian power station.
The cast and crew were spotted filming in locations across the country including Hampstead Heath. The huge park that offers views over the city of London is where Bridget will meet her new potential love interest, Roxster (Leo Woodall). Hampstead Heath is perfect for any fan of walking, there are also 30 ponds including three for swimming, a lido and a paddling pool.
