SHE may be the embodiment of the American dream, but Taylor Swift has made no secret of her love for Blighty – and a British boozer.
Her latest album, which is sure to give the 34-year-old her twelfth No1 on Friday, even includes a track named after South London pub The Black Dog, which has been swamped with Taylor’s loyal “Swifties” ever since.
On the song, Taylor sings about watching ex Joe Alwyn go into the pub after he forgot to turn off his shared location on his phone following their split in early 2023.
The quiet venue has now seen a spike in bookings from fans desperate to check it out when they visit the capital for Taylor’s record-equalling eight sold-out nights at Wembley Stadium in June and August.
In total, 720,000 fans will watch the shows, with tickets being flogged for upwards of £600.
Taylor first performed in the UK in 2008, when she played an intimate set at the King’s College student union in London to promote her second album Fearless.
Since then she has brought four world tours to our shores, including her 1989 World Tour in 2015, which saw her play a headline gig in Hyde Park, and her 2018 Reputation Stadium Tour.
‘I love it when someone says someone is well fit’
Her Eras Stadium Tour touches down in the UK in June, kicking off with three sold-out nights at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh.
Her latest album, The Tortured Poets Department, released last Friday, includes lots of references to her ex-boyfriend Joe, 33.
The couple dated for six years from late 2016.
In June 2017, Taylor relocated to North London to be with the then up-and-coming actor.
Prior to the move he was living with his parents.
Taylor then based herself between Primrose Hill and the States.
Other Brits she has dated — and penned tracks about — include One Direction superstar Harry Styles, 30, actor Tom Hiddleston, 43, and Scottish DJ Calvin Harris, 40.
The Tortured Poets Department also covers her 2023 fling with The 1975 frontman Matty Healy, 35, son of Loose Women’s Denise Welch and actor Tim Healy.
Speaking previously about her love of British slang, Taylor, who is now dating American football ace Travis Kelce, 34, said: “Some of my favourites are ‘cup of Rosy’ [cockney Rhyming slang for tea], ‘chuffed’, ‘knackered’, ‘gutted’ and ‘taking the p*ss’. Oh, and ‘well fit’. I love it when someone says someone is ‘well fit’. You guys are really fun.”
She added: “I especially love it as they all pronounce my name ‘Tay-la’ here.”
With her love of British phrases, men and boozers, here we bring you the ultimate guide to Taylor’s London . . .
1. Spaniards Inn, Hampstead
WHEN she was living in Crouch End, North London, Taylor would often slip off for a drink and bite to eat at the quirky, wood-panelled Spaniards Inn.
The singer is said to have worn a black wig to fly under the radar from unsuspecting locals.
2. Hampstead Heath
JUST a few minutes from her home, Taylor regularly enjoyed low-key walks on the Heath, which she sung about on 2019 track London Boy and on this year’s So Long, London.
The latter includes the lyrics: “I left all I knew, you left me at the house by the Heath.”
3. Garden Gate pub, Hampstead
TAYLOR name-checked the boozer, which was close to where she lived with ex Joe Alwyn, in 2019 song Cruel Summer.
She sings: “And I snuck in through the garden gate. Every night that summer just to seal my fate.”
4. Kentish Delight kebab shop
SHE is said to have been spotted grabbing a greasy late-night treat at Kentish Delight kebab shop in Kentish Town.
In fact, Taylor loved the small takeaway so much she filmed a scene for her 2018 single End Game there.
Staff say it was then boyfriend Joe’s favourite place to grab a chicken shish.
5. Camden Market
A FAVOURITE hangout for artists and musicians, the market has its fair share of musical heritage – so it’s no wonder Taylor fell in love with the area.
On London Boy, Taylor sings: “You know I love a London boy/I enjoy walking Camden Market in the afternoon.”
6. Laylow, Notting Hill
APTLY named Laylow, this Notting Hill restaurant, known for its South American dishes and live music, was a place Taylor could hide out at.
She enjoyed a swanky dinner in January 2023 with Cameron Diaz, Sacha Baron Cohen and Lena Dunham.
7. Shoreditch
TAYLOR made sure to give the edgy streets of East London a name-check in London Boy.
Simply singing how she enjoys “Shoreditch in the afternoon”, she left fans guessing if she was a fan of sticky-floored boozers or a regular at exclusive members’ club Shoreditch House.
8. The Groucho Club, Soho
SHE has been seen at members-only venue The Groucho Club throughout the years.
And in 2013 Taylor snuck into the exclusive haunt for a date with British singer Tom Odell.
9. The Savoy Hotel
TAYLOR has been known to stay in the Royal Suite at central London hotel The Savoy.
The hotel can count a long list of A-listers as guests, including Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor.
At a wallet-busting £17,500 a night for the Royal Suite, most of us can only dream of such luxury, but for billionaire Taylor, it’s a drop in the ocean.
In 2015 she posed in the Savoy’s Beaufort Bar for Vanity Fair.
10. Black Dog Pub, Vauxhall
A WHOLE song is dedicated to the pub in Vauxhall on Taylor’s latest album.
On the track, called the Black Dog, she sings about watching ex Joe go in there after he forgot to turn off his shared location following their split last year.
The lyrics include: “And so I watch as you walk/Into some bar called The Black Dog/And pierce new holes in my heart.”
11. Brixton
IT is one of the most multicultural and diverse boroughs in the capital, and Taylor has gushed over nights out in Brixton, which is known for its lively music scene.
On London Boy, Taylor sings: “I enjoy nights in Brixton”.
