Flights, camera, action: A taste of Hollywood with TV chef James Martin

LIKE every good blockbuster, the perfect holiday has an unforgettable
storyline, handsome protagonist, astonishing twist and a happy ending.

And my flight to Los Angeles on board the first- ever direct journey from
Manchester had all the signs of being a box office hit.

The storyline is one man’s epic adventure from the grey peaks of Lancashire to
the sun-kissed hills of Hollywood.

The leading star is that handsome bloke in an apron off the telly — James
Martin.

The twist is the quality and taste he packs into his specially created menu
for Thomas Cook.

And the happy ending, apart from a full belly?

The chance to rub shoulders with the creme de la creme of Tinseltown now
awaits millions of northerners.

It was no surprise to see the inaugural trip packed with eager holidaymakers.

LA is one of the greatest outdoorsy cities around — a place where you can ski,
surf and hike in the same day.

And to really appreciate the sprawling neighbourhoods I’ve enjoyed countless
times on the silver screen, I sign up to a Hollywood Hills Sunset Hike
(bikesandhikesla.com).

Charming guides Steven and Franka lead our group to the Griffith Observatory,
perched atop Mount Hollywood and overlooking Beverly Hills, Downtown and
even Venice Beach on a smog-free day.

Sunshine and fresh air are the best remedy for jet lag, and a four-mile hike
is the perfect excuse to indulge in some of the city’s finest restaurants.

To make the West Coast acclimatisation a little easier, I head to Brit-born
Brendan Collins’ restaurant Birch.

The Michelin-star chef hails from Nottingham and, since settling in LA a
decade ago, has created a flavour-rich menu of British classics with a twist.

Think Brussels sprouts with pecans and maple or monkfish tikka masala.

Wash down the shareable-sized plates with one, or four, of ten house
speciality cocktails.

A studio tour is an essential stop on any LA itinerary and the Warner Bros
experience (wbstudiotour.com) brings fans closer than ever to legendary
entertainment favourites.

Friends and Big Bang Theory buffs will see the shows’ actual sets while Dark
Knight and Harry Potter fans can enjoy an extensive museum of props and
costumes used in the films.

I’ve barely scratched the surface of LA’s remarkable love affair with
A-listers as I meander through Downtown, cycle along Venice Beach boardwalk
and sample craft ales in the shamelessly chic arts district.

This city’s personality runs much deeper than the rolling hills and the films.

It’s not until I find myself awkwardly posing for a paparazzi pack, only to
realise I’m photo-bombing snaps of Kylie Jenner instead, that I’m brought
back down to reality.

And while I unconvincingly pretend I was texting a friend, I’m reminded I’m at
the epicentre of superstardom.

Screen legends Marilyn Monroe and Humphrey Bogart have been replaced by Kim
Kardashian and Leonardo DiCaprio.

The names may be different, but the world’s fascination with Tinseltown is
stronger than ever.

To get to the heart of the movies I spend a morning sightseeing around the
Walk of Fame, Chinese Theatre and iconic Hollywood sign.

And for an even more authentic experience I do what all those in Beverly Hills
do when not shooting a movie — I shop.

After all, this is also at the heart of credit card culture and there’s no
better place to blow a small fortune than at The Grove.

The world- renowned mall boasts flagship stores for Nike, GAP and Apple and
seamlessly merges al fresco dining with designer shopping.

Luckily I survive with my bank balance largely unharmed and head to one of the
city’s most treasured retreats — the Original Farmers Market.

Rich in history and even wealthier in diversity, more than 100 restaurants,
grocers and independent sellers form an exciting shopping and dining
emporium.

It is also home to LA’s premier gourmet food destination Monsieur Marcel’s.

The French-run gem is a favourite with the rich and famous so keep your cool
if you reach for the same bottle of truffle oil as Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Despite the diverse neighbourhoods that make up LA, shopping and
celebrities are at the heart of the city.

In a city of VIP hideaways and speakeasy-style cocktail bars it can be a
little daunting picking the right watering hole.

As a rule of thumb, forget the celeb haunts and head to somewhere you’d
actually like to go — and you might just bump into them anyway.

For hip cocktail bars serving “haute couture” concoctions try Downtown at
Perch where you can enjoy panoramic views from their roof terrace.

For a sundowner, head to Abbot Kinney Boulevard, just a stone’s throw from
Venice Beach.

The area is one of LA’s hippest and attracts home-grown foodies and
mixologists.

The gorgeous Rose Café Venice is a charming spot to indulge in a vast array of
Californian wines over seasonal dishes and reflect on the trip of a lifetime.

However, this is the world’s capital of entertainment and I can’t return to
Manchester without witnessing some good old-fashioned movie stunts.

And for the ultimate action-packed fun, I’m told there’s only way place to go
— Lucha VaVoom.

Surprisingly this mind-blowing Mexican masked wrestling event doubles as one
of LA’s best burlesque shows.

The night is a mix of pot-bellied grown men, voluptuous exotic dancers and
hilariously choreographed routines.

It’s loud, it’s original, it’s boozy, it’s brilliant.

In a city of dreamers and risk-takers where every thought seems to have
 already been thunk, it’s an absolute pleasure to witness.

Its creativity captures the city’s diversity, its history, its imagination and
its ability to remain youthful and current.

I find myself chanting “Pollo, Pollo, Pollo” to a Mexican man in a chicken
suit about to beat a Lycra-clad dwarf over the head with a chair.

Now if that’s not showbusiness, I don’t know what is.