City Guide: in London, in the footsteps of Bridget Jones
As the fourth installment of our favourite British saga, Bridget Jones: Mad About Him , hits theatres, L'OFFICIEL takes you on a guided tour of the iconic locations in the London capital where the films have been shot over the years.
At the Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy premiere, Renée Zellweger said with a smile: "Deep down, we're all Bridgets!", to the cries of the saga's die-hard fans. And the actress is right. In all these little struggles that life offers us, who doesn't recognise themselves in the disjointed, clumsy, and yet adorable daily life of our dear Bridget Jones ? A true character of our time, the heroine reveals herself throughout the saga as sometimes clumsy, sometimes romantic, sometimes feminist and reasoned. Always in search of love, full of doubts, funny, and with crazy emotional intelligence: we follow her stories of a day - or of always - as if they were our own. And to get a little more into her shoes, L'OFFICIEL went to discover the filming locations where the most cult scenes of the rom-com were captured.
Borough Market, epicenter of the first two parts
Borough Market , located in the historic district of Southwark, is an iconic London location, where heritage and modernity seamlessly intertwine. The market, renowned for its international culinary diversity, is the setting for key scenes in the films Bridget Jones's Diary and Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason . In the first film, after meeting Daniel Cleaver, Bridget walks through Borough Market in a scene where the Floral Hall can be seen in the background, with the imposing silhouette of the Shard, one of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe. The market is also a filming location for the Harry Potter saga , reinforcing its status as a must-see destination for food and culture enthusiasts.
Not far away, at 8 Bedale Street , is Bridget's apartment, a recurring place where she makes important decisions about her love life. It is here that she finds herself after her difficult meeting with Mark Darcy, a place where part of her transformation, between doubts and new resolutions, is played out. Today, there is a pub, The Globe Tavern , on the ground floor, and a delicious Thai restaurant upstairs, Khao Bird (some of whose menu elements are nods to the saga, like the Bridget's Blue cocktail).
Fans of the saga who are on "team Daniel Cleaver" will be able to see the window of his bachelor pad a stone's throw away, on Clink Street.
The City of London, Mark Darcy's staid fiefdom
The City of London , one of the capital's most vibrant and prestigious districts, perfectly embodies the world in which human rights lawyer Mark Darcy operates. It is here, notably at the Royal Exchange , that a key scene from Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason takes place , where Mark, who finds himself at the centre of London's affairs, makes a decisive move to advance his relationship with Bridget.
Nearby, 11 Royal Exchange Buildings , where he procures a diary, becomes the setting for a romantic scene in which Bridget and Mark share their first, decisive kiss. The hushed atmosphere of the City contrasts with Bridget's more spontaneous moments, such as the one in which she takes refuge from the rain in Trinity Church Square , a quiet corner of Southwark, before taking a taxi to escape the downpour. These locations clearly show the duality of Bridget's character, between her search for love and her immersion in a more formal, even stuffy, environment alongside Mark.
Arty London, the haunt of a Bridget who has become a true "working girl"
London is also a city where Bridget thrives professionally, and this is reflected in the places where she works and plays—with a strong emphasis on culture. After a day of professional missteps, Bridget meets up with her friends at the panoramic restaurant—with a breathtaking view to boot—at the Tate Modern , a chic space located on the top floor of the contemporary art museum. With its stunning views of the Thames and St. Paul's Cathedral, the venue perfectly embodies the modern and dynamic side of London, a meeting place for creatives and intellectuals.
Bridget's transformation into a working girl continues in the heart of Hyde Park, as she finds herself embroiled in a fight between Mark and Daniel Cleaver that extends from the Serpentine Gallery to the Italian Gardens . Not to mention a brief stop at the discreet Institute of Contemporary Arts — as part of a private viewing with her publishing house in the first part of the saga — where works by emerging artists are now being presented, to be watched closely.
Hampstead Heath, the chic district at the heart of the action in the latest film
The latest installment in the saga, Bridget Jones's Mad About The Boy , takes us to the upscale neighborhood of Hampstead (some of the notable residents who have lived there, or still live there, include Harry Styles , George Michael, Emma Thompson, Helena Bonham Carter, Boy George, Elizabeth Taylor and Lee Miller), a place where Bridget finds a new form of happiness. With its mix of nature and modernity, Hampstead is an ideal setting for Bridget's transformation into an accomplished woman, but also for her new life as a mother. Scenes from the film were shot in locations such as Flask Walk and The Flask pub, where Bridget meets for an intimate chat with her friends.
Hampstead , with its quaint streets and tranquil atmosphere, is also home to beautiful green spaces such as Hampstead Heath , where Bridget meets Roxster, her young lover, by an old oak tree on Parliament Hill . This upscale neighbourhood, both historic and leafy, illustrates the turning point in Bridget's life, as she finds herself thriving in this peaceful setting after her tumultuous adventures in the city.
Another must-see filming location: Christ Church Primary School , the school where Bridget and the late Mark's children - Billy and Mabel - go every day. We also meet the attractive Mr Wallaker, teacher and protagonist of the new love trio that is emerging around Bridget Jones.
Practical
For further information: VisitBritain is banking on film tourism. From Bridget Jones to Bridgerton , via Downtown Abbey or Peaky Blinders , sailing from romance to fantasy, from action to adventure: these itineraries in Great Britain allow you to discover new destinations and extend your stay. Bookings: visitbritain.com