I was lucky enough to score an invite this year to China Tang’s 20th birthday celebrations, but even before going, whispers circulated as to who might attend. Over the last two decades, I’ve seen everyone from David Beckham to Mariah Carey coming out of its Park Lane doors on various showbiz websites. Inside, they know they won’t be disturbed, and anyway, there are so many A-Listers that you wouldn’t know where to look.

The moment I arrive, I see a divorcee of the British royal family, but nobody is too fussed, and we all party on. However, a couple of hours in, my pal and I find it hard to focus on anything else, because both Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell have entered the building. The rest of the media party is, of course, acting too cool for school, sipping on fine champagne and chatting away as if we’re all at a common pub. Or so it seems. Look a little closer, and you’ll see that nobody within view is really engrossed in their company. They’re all watching the supermodels from the corner of their eye, taking mental pictures until it’s time to shuffle along. Don’t look too hard, you don’t want to look keen. It got me thinking, why don’t we just admit we’re thrilled by a celebrity encounter?

I once worked for a major TV channel, so I’ve had my fair share of them. I’ve interviewed Michelle Yeoh, Ed Sheeran, Charli XCX... so I’m hardly shocked to see a famous person at an event, especially not on Park Lane. But the thing is, I still secretly (or not so secretly now), enjoy a star encounter. Once, I was hungover and had to cover a Taylor Swift meet-and-greet on short notice. I acted like it was a huge imposition, but in my heart, I was delighted. I have re-enacted our conversation so many times that people close to me could recite it themselves.

Whether you’re following Lady Gaga at Maxwell Food Centre or subtly brushing past Naomi Campbell as she reaches for a char siew skewer at an event, there’s an undeniable magic in celebrity proximity. The mere act of sharing a physical space with someone whose face graces billboards and magazine covers can be electrifying. This isn’t (just) about seeking clout; it’s about experiencing a moment of connection, however fleeting, with someone who exists in a world that often feels distant and unattainable.

Of course, the definition of celebrity is different to different people. When my mum went to China Tang in the 2000s, she had no idea it was a star hot spot. Even today, she wouldn’t know Harry Styles or Jungkook if they all split a Peking duck. As a former Chinese restaurant owner, a star to her is someone like Singaporean chef Peter Ho, who has helmed famous eateries, including today’s acclaimed Mei Ume at Tower Bridge. When she last met him, she was not herself at all. All went quiet, and dare I say, awkward. She stumbled on her words, was too shy to get close for a photo, and well, was completely and utterly star-struck. He’s her ultimate celebrity, and that reminds us that celebrity isn’t just about fame, but also admiration and aspiration.

You might notice that a lot of my celebrity encounters revolve around food. Since I write about hotels and restaurants, I spend a lot of time in them, but I have had some moments outside, in the wild, too. Now, that being completely by chance is a different level of exciting. I remember walking past Troye Sivan on Regent Street in 2024, right after interviewing his duet partner, Lauv, for Esquire Singapore. It was like bumping into someone that you’ve just been talking about. A strange sign from the universe. You can’t plan for it, and that unpredictability is the cause of the thrill.

So, when is it acceptable to take photographs? These are a step deeper than a glance, but in an era of social media, can celebrities expect to go incognito in any public space? Knowing a number of high-profile names who have confided in me, I’d say the general rule of thumb is to avoid pulling out your camera in obviously private scenarios. You wouldn’t want someone taking photos of you while you’re at a gym or sunbathing, would you? As Emma Watson once said, “We want to be seen, but not reduced to objects of spectacle.” However, at launch parties, exiting from swanky restaurants, or arriving on a red carpet. They’re ready and fully expecting to be papped. Yes, even when their hands are raised over their faces.

Spotting a star, someone that you recognise, is about presence, anticipation, and the tiny thrill of knowing you’re in the orbit of someone extraordinary. It’s a moment of presence, a story, and honestly, it’s something I’ve always quietly enjoyed. Even after decades in the industry, the sense of being part of a shared cultural moment is never dull, and I’m now very happy to admit it.