LONDON is the new Manhattan for director Woody Allen.

The 70-year-old film-maker, once known as a quintessential New York portraitist, has developed a new passion for the British capital city.

The love affair began when he filmed Match Point, his first movie shot outside the United States, in 2004. It stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers as a tennis instructor who has to choose between love and career.

His murder-mystery comedy Scoop, which opens here on Thursday and stars Scarlett Johansson and Hugh Jackman, is also set in London.

Now, he is filming an untitled drama with actors Colin Farrell and Ewan McGregor there again.

In an interview with the newspaper The Philadelphia Inquirer in July, Allen said: "It's a very pleasant place to film if you're filming in the summer,because generally the days are grey, cool and comfortable. We're having a lot of grey weather, which I like for the photography."

The picturesque scenery comes in handy in Scoop, where an American journalism student (Johansson) is hot on the heels of a serial killer suspect (Jackman)all over London.

Here are the landmarks featured:

The Reform Club
104-105 Pall Mall

ONLY the elite, like Jackman's British aristocrat character, are allowed into this prestigious club. Opened in 1841, it was the spot for Liberals to gather and share their political views. Today, it is a private club that boasts a stunning Victorian interior featured in other films such as The Four Feathers (2001) and Die Another Day (2002).

Prospective members will need to be recommended by a member, and the waiting list can be about a year long.

Visitors can join tours on weekday and Saturday mornings. For details, log on to www.reformclub.com/home/events

Shepherds Bush Empire
Shepherds Bush Green

SINCE 1903, this theatre, used as the stage for Allen's magician character, has been a prominent landmark in London's entertainment scene.

It was the place for many variety shows and revues until the BBC became its owner from 1953 to 1992, renaming it BBC Television Theatre.

In 1994, the opulent-looking building reclaimed its original name and use as a venue for live entertainment.

With a seating capacity of 2,000, it has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Kylie Minogue and Blur.

The Dorchester
Park Lane

IN SCOOP'S opening scene, Johansson's character tries to score an interview with a celebrity at this 75-year-old hotel, which is favoured by big names like Tom Cruise.

Recently ousted Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is said to be staying there now. He is not the only politician who has found it a safe haven.

Late British ministers suc has Lord Halifax and Duff Cooper stayed during World War II as it was reputed to be London's safest hotel, thanks to its reinforced concrete structure.

Safety,of course, comes at a price.

A night's stay in a standard single room costs £360 (S$1,077).

CityPoint
1 Ropemaker Street

EVEN Jackman's dashing appearance in Scoop will not steal the thunder from the grandeur of this35-storey skyscraper. Previously known as Britannic House, it was the former headquarters of British Petroleum. Its anchor tenant now is law firm Simmons& Simmons.

Built in 1967, it had a makeover in 1998. The original design by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava included a giant fin on top of the building, but it was dropped for fear of spoiling the view of the nearby St Paul's Cathedral.

British architect Sheppard Robson took over the project,opting for a safer design that is seen today.