In the Neighborhood: Your ultimate guide to London’s Mayfair
Brimming with opulent shops, restaurants and centuries-old buildings, the Mayfair district is London at its most glamorous.
By Joanna Tweedy | May 17, 2024 (Updated May 24, 2024)
Joanna Tweedy
Joanna Tweedy is an award-winning travel writer and editor who lives in London. A former U.K. national newspaper travel editor, she now contributes across many titles, and specializes in writing about family travel, wellness breaks and luxury vacations.
Just north of Westminster and bordering Hyde Park, Mayfair has long been one of London’s most exclusive districts. Soak up the decadence at a Michelin-starred restaurant, shop at haute couture boutiques or simply wander – these streets are home to some of the city’s grandest architecture.
EAT
Mayfair loves design-led restaurants, but its historical taverns are a joy, too. Try:
- Mercato Mayfair: Located inside a former church, this hip gastronomic emporium has two floors of food stands, including delights such as gelato from Badiani, bao buns from Steamy & Co and craft beer by German Kraft.
- The Coach and Horses: Established in 1744, this Grade II-listed tavern on Bruton Street is the oldest pub in Mayfair. A cozy spot for pie, mash and a pint, this establishment prides itself on being one of the only truly traditional pubs left in Mayfair.
- Revery Bar: Known for its playful take on traditional British favorites, this distinctively casual-chic hotel bar is the place to go for innovative London-inspired cocktails like the Maven of Mayfair, which includes Clase Azul Reposado tequila, a house blend of liqueurs, agave syrup and Dom Perignon.
SEE
Find must-do London attractions and lesser-known sights amongst Mayfair’s maze of elegant streets. Check out:
- Handel Hendrix House: A quirky museum dedicated to the former residents of 23 and 25 Brook Street: guitarist Jimi Hendrix and baroque composer George Frideric Handel. You’ll see the former homes of both musicians, hear their music and learn about their time in London, centuries apart.
- Allies sculpture: Take a seat on a bench between bronzed versions of Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Celebrating British-American relations, this iconic sculpture is on the corner of New Bond Street and Clifford Street.
- Royal Academy of Arts: Founded by a group of artists and architects in 1768, this impressive building on Piccadilly is home to nearly 32,000 pieces that represent over 250 years of British art.
SHOP
The quarter’s retail landscape puts Victorian family businesses next to minimalist designer stores. Browse:
- Savile Row: Don’t miss a stroll down this famous fashion street, a shrine to bespoke gentlemen’s tailoring since the late 18th century. Shop renowned luxury brands or have one of the expert tailers make a custom suit with your exact measurements.
- Burlington Arcade: One of the oldest – and prettiest – covered shopping malls in London, you’ll find jewelers, perfumers and tailors selling their wares. The seasonal displays, especially around the holidays, are worth a visit alone.
- Mount Street Printers: Take some unique stationery home from this fine printer that sells everything from leather notebooks to birthday cards and personalized writing paper.
Few London districts are as sophisticated as Mayfair, with the greenery of Hyde Park adding to the charm. Here, visitors can taste the high life, indulge in a delicious lunch, shop for something that will last a lifetime or experience the area’s fascinating tributes to music and art.
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