Only moments from Hyde Park and Knightsbridge, the West End, Buckingham Palace and Westminster, Mayfair and St James’ are two of London’s most exclusive and central neighbourhoods and home to innumerable restaurants which between them hold an impressive 26 Michelin Stars. It is an area associated with glamour and discreet luxury and is home to some of the finest hotels in London
The most famous and prestigious shopping brands can be found on Bond Street and Savile Row is still home to some of the most exclusive tailors in the world. The Ritz Hotel lies imposingly elegant on Piccadilly together with the quintessentially English Fortnum and Mason department store. The stunning Burlington Arcade houses fine jewellers and the auction houses of Christies, Sothebys and Bonhams all have offices here.
Mayfair’s history is truly ancient with some indications that it was originally occupied by Romans before the founding of Londinium (London). However, until the late 1600s Mayfair was mainly open fields and development only began in 1686 around Shepherd Market.
The name May Fair originates from the celebrations that took place around Shepherd Market. But when the event began attracting events such as fighting, semolina eating contests and women’s foot racing, wealthy local residents were up in arms and managed to ban the festival in 1764.
Most of the area was developed in the 1700’s and 1800’s and became a very fashionable residential district, the epicentre of London society, built to suit the demanding upper classes. The area’s most important developers were the Dukes of Westminster, members of the Grosvenor Estate and the freehold of large areas of Mayfair still belong to the Crown. Three major squares were built, Hanover, Grosvenor and Berkeley Square with high quality housing surrounding them in adjacent streets and nearly half of Mayfair’s residents were titled at that time. Accommodation was also built for servants and coaches with stabling for the horses all of which has now been converted into offices or residential accommodation providing a characterful contrast together with quaint Shepherd Market, to the large elegant squares.
Green Park (Jubilee, Victoria & Piccadilly lines)
Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly line)
Bond Street (Jubilee & Central lines and Crossrail from 2017)
Oxford Circus (Bakerloo, Central & Victoria lines)
Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly & Bakerloo lines)
Marble Arch (Central line)
Galvin at Windows
COYA Mayfair
Hakasan
Novikov
Maze
Nobu
Tamarind
Scotts
Cecconi’s
Sexy Fish
Seven park Place
The Wolesley
Kai
Francis Holland School (Nearby)
Hampden Gurney Primary School (Nearby)
Eaton Square School
The St Marylebone SchooL
Wetherby Senior School
Queens College London (Nearby)
Annabels
Connaught Bar
Duke’s Bar
Mahiki
67 Pall Mall
Harry’s Bar
Tramp
The Arts Club
Third Space
Nordic Balance
Living Wel Hilton
Ultimate Performance
Claridges Gym and Spa
RAC Club
