Step into the world of Gossip Girl and live like your favourite characters during your next visit to London. Despite the show’s original airing over a decade ago, Gossip Girl is once again trending on Twitter – even if that is due to the much-derided reboot.
The original series remains relevant in today’s socialite society, thanks to its timeless themes, fashion influence, and nostalgic appeal. Shift imagines how the show’s initial line-up would fare in our capital. Discover the best spots to shop, dine, and dance the night away, inspired by the glamorous lives of Blair, Serena, Chuck, Nate, Dan, and Jenny. Get ready to explore London, Upper East Side style.
Blair Waldorf: Sophisticated and Elegant
Shopping: For the queen herself, there’s no better place to shop than Harrods, the iconic luxury department store. Indulge in high-end fashion from designers such as Chanel, Dior, and Gucci. Don’t forget to visit Fortnum & Mason for the finest gourmet food and tea.
Dining: Experience fine dining at its best at The Ritz, where Blair would revel in the opulence and savour the best dishes from the Michelin-starred restaurant.
Nightlife: Blair would dance the night away at Annabel’s, an exclusive members-only club in Mayfair known for its A-list clientele and lavish events.
Serena van der Woodsen: Bohemian Chic and Social Butterfly
Shopping: For a free-spirited fashionista like Serena, the eclectic boutiques of Covent Garden and King’s Road would be perfect for unique and stylish finds.
Dining: For a truly memorable dining experience, Serena would enjoy the stunning views and modern British cuisine at Aqua Shard, located on the 31st floor of The Shard.
Nightlife: Pre-drinks would undoubtedly have to be at Sketch, a stunningly designed restaurant, bar, and art gallery in one before heading around the corner to Maddox, an exclusive club in Mayfair, would suit Serena’s fun and adventurous nature with its luxurious atmosphere and vibrant crowd.
Chuck Bass: Dark, Mysterious, and Luxurious
Shopping: Chuck would shop on Savile Row, renowned for its bespoke tailoring and high-end menswear.
Image courtesy of @huntsmansavilerow via Instagram
Dining: Known for his refined taste, Chuck would dine at either Hakkasan Mayfair, a stylish and sleek restaurant serving modern Cantonese cuisine or The Savoy, for Michelin starred food worth his time.
Nightlife: The enigmatic Chuck would find himself at home in the opulent and secretive world of The Box Soho, an exclusive and provocative cabaret and nightclub.
Nate Archibald: Preppy, Athletic, and All-American
Shopping: Nate would opt for the classic British brands like Burberry, Hackett, and Barbour, which can be found in the luxury shopping district of Bond Street.
Dining: The Ivy Chelsea Garden, with its stylish interior and beautiful outdoor terrace, is the perfect spot for Nate to enjoy a relaxed yet sophisticated dining experience.
Image courtesy of @eventopedia_global via Instagram
Nightlife: Raffles, a private members club in Chelsea, would cater to Nate’s upscale and sociable nature with its glamorous crowd and vibrant music.
Dan Humphrey: Intellectual, Artsy, and Understated
Shopping: Dan would gravitate towards the vibrant and creative atmosphere of Brick Lane, with its vintage shops, bookstores, and art galleries.
Dining: Dishoom, an Indian restaurant with a Bombay-inspired ambiance, would suit Dan’s love for diverse and authentic cultural experiences.
Nightlife: Dan would appreciate the intimate and laid-back vibe of a famous London jazz bar, such as Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in Soho, or the alternative scene at Jumbi in Peckham, known for its live music and artsy events.
Image courtesy of @besmacc via Instagram
Jenny Humphrey: Edgy, Creative, and Fashion-Forward
Shopping: Jenny would find herself at Camden Market, a hub for alternative fashion and unique designs.
Dining: Jenny’s taste for bold flavours and cool vibes would be satisfied at Sessions Arts Club, a contemporary restaurant, bar, and gallery in a beautifully restored Grade II listed building in Clerkenwell.
Image courtesy of @wonder_wander_shop via Instagram
Nightlife: Printworks, an iconic nightclub housed in a former printing factory in Canada Water, would suit Jenny’s edgy spirit with its cutting-edge music and late-night partying.
Carefully choose which Gossip Girl character it is that you embody and experience the perfect 24 hours in London using this tailored guide.
