She may have declared So Long, London in her latest album, but Taylor Swift is preparing to return for her second series of live concerts in the English capital later this week, with thousands of Swifties expected to descend on the city.
After disappointment in Vienna when Swift had to cancel her The Eras Tour gigs in the Austrian capital because of a suspected terrorist plot, her five dates at Wembley Stadium between August 15 and 20 look set to go ahead as planned.
As of Monday, Swift's official website shows the London gigs as confirmed and several UK officials, including the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, have stated publicly that safety is a priority and that the concerts, which will be the last of Swift's international tour leg before she returns to North America, will happen.
Fans attending can look forward to seeing the Cruel Summer singer supported by Paramore, and one of the following artists – Sofia Isella, Holly Humberstone, Suki Waterhouse, Maisie Peters and Raye – each night.
The winner of 14 Grammy awards, Swift has been vocal about her love of London, notably so in her hit London Boy, where she waxes lyrical about several of the Big Smoke's hangouts, including Camden Market, Highgate and the West End. Fans heading to town for her gigs can explore the city Swiftie-style with this guide to exploring many of the destinations of which she sings in the 2019 track.
Walking Camden Market
Camden is known for its nightlife and eclectic neighbourhood and one of its most popular attractions is Camden Market. Set on the banks of Regent's Canal, it's the place to go to find vintage fashion, colourful souvenirs, jewellery, arts, crafts and gifts, and to tuck into street food from all over the world. Don't miss the bronze statue of singer Amy Winehouse, who lived there and is fondly remembered.
Just 10 minutes from this northern attraction is Primrose Hill, where you can sit and unwind as you take in some of the top views in London, best served with a picnic.
High tea, stories from uni and the West End
No trip to London is complete without a visit to the West End in the heart of the city. It's where you'll find Theatreland, the UK's best-known live entertainment district. With The Eras Tour taking place nightly at Wembley Stadium between August 15 and 20, there are plenty of productions showing here that are well worth a watch.
Check out classics including The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre or Les Miserables at Sondheim Theatre; practise your singing at Mamma Mia, showing at the Novello Theatre; or embrace American history hip-hop-style with tickets to Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre. Aspiring detectives can also help solve the mystery at The Mousetrap, the world's longest-running play showing at St Martin's Theatre.
Away from the stage, the West End is also where you'll find excellent shopping at Oxford Street and Covent Garden.
Took me back to Highgate
A leafy residential village on the outskirts of the city, Highgate is where you'll see 18th-century houses, Georgian architecture, a famous cemetery and maybe a few celebrities. The neighbourhood has been home to Jude Law, Robert Powell, Noel Fielding, Kate Moss and Liam Gallagher, to name a few. Even if you don't spot celebs in the street, you'll be guaranteed to see them at Highgate Cemetery, a Victorian burial ground and the final resting place of Karl Marx, Catherine Dickens – the wife of Charles – and George Michael. The original West Cemetery can only be accessed by guided tour, but visitors are welcome to stroll the East Cemetery.
Oh, and pack your swimwear; nearby Hampstead Heath has about 30 ponds, three of which have been specially designated for wild swimming.
Shoreditch in the afternoon
Part of London's East End, lying just beyond the border of the City of London, Shoreditch is a diverse neighbourhood that's home to hip cafes, cute bars, boutique stores and an exciting arts scene. Head to Brick Lane to wonder at colourful graffiti art and murals in the surrounding streets, then indulge in the fantastic Indian food for which the street is famed. Provided it isn't removed, this is also where you may be able to spot one of Banksy's most recent works, three hanging monkeys that are part of the elusive street artist's latest animal-themed collection.
Shoreditch is also famed for its markets. Highlights include Brick Lane's Sunday street food market and Colombia Road Flower Market. Shoppers can also find plenty in the district, which has lots of independent boutique stores, clothing shops and vintage centre, including Atika – one of the biggest in Europe. Some of London's best bars and restaurants also call this London area home. Try Bistro Freddie for classic vibes and down-to-earth eats, or The Buxton, a posh refurbished Victorian pub that has an endless buzz.
Enjoy walking Soho
The go-to district for a good time, Soho and Swift go hand in hand. This West End district is a nightlife haven and one of the city's best dining and drinking spots, home to hot bars, culinary gems and musical history. Stop for a drink at The French House, a Grade-II listed pub that was frequented by former French president Charles de Gaulle when he was in exile during the Second World War. At the district's northern end, people-watch in Soho Square, which dates to 1681, then feel the beat at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, which has been hosting music-filled soirees since 1959.
Travellers can also take advantage of Soho's proximity to the largest Chinatown in the UK, famed for its authentic restaurants and stores.
Other London places to embrace your inner Swiftie
· The V&A South Kensington is showing Taylor Swift – Songbook Trail until September 8. Spread over 13 galleries, it showcases some of the singer's best looks and highlights specific eras of her musical career.
· The Hard Rock Cafe in Piccadilly Circus is hosting a Swiftie-themed breakfast on August 16. Friendship bracelets and complimentary mocktails are included alongside brunch served to a soundtrack of her greatest hits.
· Head to the London Eye for a candlelight Taylor Swift concert by a string quartet. Accept your welcome drink and then enjoy the melodic tones as you soar overhead enjoying 360-degree views of London. Concerts run nightly from August 19 to 22.
· Fancy a post-gig refuel Swiftie-style? It might be worth venturing to Kentish Town for an order from Kentish Delight. This kebab shop in the city's north-west is reportedly one of Swift's favourites and features in her 2017 End Game music video.
· Stop for a tipple at redbrick Victorian pub The Black Dog in Vauxhall. It's become a popular Swift fan stop after the singer named a bonus track on her The Anthology album after it.
