something to chew on

Taylor Swift's Latest Dinner Squad Includes Many Brits, Two Haims, and One Andrew Scott

Breaking bread with Andrew Scott only makes the Tortured Poets lore more delectable, we say.
Image may contain Taylor Swift Accessories Bag Handbag Adult Person Clothing Footwear Shoe Jewelry and Necklace
Taylor Swift in Brooklyn on January 10, 2024 in New York City.Robert Kamau

Personal mythology, like a memorable meal, is not just about the ingredients, but the way they’re combined. And let’s just say it: Taylor Swift is a master chef, as her latest dining outing with pals in West London ahead of her Eras Tour shows in Liverpool proves.

Swift was spotted out in Notting Hill at Argentinean restaurant Casa Cruz Tuesday evening, enjoying dinner with Kate Moss, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Cara Delevingne, Lena Dunham, Este and Danielle Haim, Chrissie Hynde, and Andrew Scott. This latest squad iteration is an eclectic melange with decidedly British leanings and incorporating some pantry staple-level friends (hello to the Haims and welcome back, Cara and Lena), a few surprising accents (musical legend Hynde and superest of models Moss), and a delightful, attention-grabbing garnish in the form of Andrew Scott.

Not only does Scott have the rare distinction of being a man invited to one of Swift’s GNO group dinners, but the Fleabag actor is also a pal of Swift’s ex Joe Alwyn and a founding member (with Paul Mescal) of the Tortured Man Club group chat–the name of which is widely speculated to be an inspiration for the title of Swift’s latest album, The Tortured Poets Department.

Scott, who is scooping up accolades and awards buzz lately after his lead role in Ripley, has gone on the record praising Swift’s latest album as “sensational.”

“I texted her yesterday to say how amazing it is,” he told Variety in May. “I think she is just a force of nature, just an extraordinary human, and this album is really, really amazing.”

In the same interview, he downplayed his potential connection to the album’s title, saying of the WhatsApp chat that “I think there were three texts, like, ‘Hey, guys.’ You know those groups that you set up, and they just collapse.”

According to the Daily Mail, several members of the supper squad donned outfits designed by attendee McCartney. Swift wore a black corset, black trousers, and grey coat by the designer, and Delevingne and Waller-Bridge donning McCartney pieces as well.

Swift’s next scheduled Eras Tour dates begin Thursday evening in Liverpool, and she recently made time to see Delevingne perform as Sally Bowles in the musical Cabaret in the West End, with the actor/model sharing a photo on Instagram last week of herself and Swift embracing backstage.