In the bustling boroughs of London, Mayfair is a haven for everyone from the most sophisticated palate to those looking for a cosy cuppa. Oscar Wilde famously said, “Tea is the only simple pleasure left to us.” Whilst we’d argue that there is an abundance of simple pleasures left to us in Mayfair, the area’s selection of coffee shops really is second to none. Here’s a local’s guide to the 11 best cafés in Mayfair.
mayfair coffee shops for pastry lovers
Nicolas Rouzaud at The Connaught
Those with an appetite for delectable pastries will adore Nicolas Rouzaud at The Connaught on Mount Street. With creations from celebrated master pâtissier Nicolas Rouzaud, you will find seasonal pastries alongside favourites, including pecan pie, freshly baked croissants and the signature Connaughty Hound, a chocolate hazelnut cake in the shape of an elegant greyhound, the hotel’s emblem. “I have always believed that patisserie is an art form – one that should be both luxurious and deeply rooted in craftsmanship,” says Rouzaud.
Address: The Connaught, Carlos Pl, London, W1K 2AL
Marchesi 1824
An institution in the café world for over 200 years, Marchesi first opened in Milan in 1824. Today it is one of the best-regarded pastry shops in Milan, serving impeccable pastries and a panettone that is nothing short of iconic. In 2019 the first Marchesi outside of Italy opened at 117 Mount Street. If all it served in its pistachio-green interior were panettone, business would still be booming. Throw in top-notch coffee, sacher-torte and plum cake, and it’s easy to see why this spot is considered one of the best cafés in Mayfair.
117 Mount St, London, W1K 3LA
Entree Artisan Bakery
For a street of such diminutive size, Bruton Place – just off Berkeley Square – packs a gustatory punch. Amongst the array of different spots to eat and drink sits Entree Artisan Bakery. Guided by chief baker Alain and pastry chef Johan, its mission to celebrate and showcase Georgian baking started in Tbilisi. With over 20 branches in Tbilisi and Baku, Entree brings a slice of this remarkable culinary culture to London, making it an ideal stop those looking to try something different. As their website put it, “Both chefs speak the secret language of culinary arts fluently and are working with pleasure to incorporate some of the best Georgian peculiarities in their vocabulary.” Today, its menu offers yeast-free sourdough bread, handmade viennoiserie, and distinctive Georgian pies.
Address: 35 Bruton Place, Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6NS
cafes in mayfair for art lovers
the wallace café
If you’re looking for somewhere a little different to enjoy a cup of tea, then we recommend you head to Manchester Square and the Wallace Collection, the former home of Lord and Lady Wallace, which was opened to the public as a museum in 1900. The museum is free to look around and includes Renaissance paintings by Titian, exquisite French furniture and princely armour. At its centre you will find The Wallace Café in an airy glass-ceilinged courtyard, planted with orange trees. Food is served all day, from breakfast to lunch, cakes and pastries to afternoon tea. You can even enjoy cheese and charcuterie boards with a glass of wine, or that most English of cocktails, a Pimm’s.
claridge's artspace
Coffee meets culture at Claridge’s ArtSpace, where café-style seating and a patisserie counter open onto a gallery of contemporary art exhibitions. Previous Culinary Director Dmitri Magi says: “This is a new kind of dining for Claridge’s – an informal style which will focus on building community, both locally and in the art world.” Signature crepes and galettes share the spotlight with seasonal salads and monster madeleines, amongst stunningly designed interiors by British architectural designer John Pawson. Of course the coffee is delicious but for those with a sweet tooth the café’s signature hot chocolate is made with blocks of chocolate emblazoned with the Claridge’s crest.
el&n mayfair
Short for Eat, Live & Nourish, EL&N is one of the most Instagrammable coffee shops in the world. Today you will find branches across Europe and the Middle East but Alexandra Miller opened the original in 2017, just a stone’s throw from Hyde Park Residence. Here you’ll find a stylish mix of fine coffee, delicious food and chic design, in a fashionable pink setting, completely unique amongst the best coffee shops in Mayfair. It’s an experience crafted for the cosmopolitan customer, as much about people-watching as eating.
cafes in mayfair for art lovers
everbean
Everbean is a true hidden gem and an easy inclusion in our list of the best coffee shops in Mayfair. It’s the perfect place to sit with a coffee, read the paper, chat with some locals and enjoy the vegan granola for breakfast or the chewy flapjack or the lemon drizzle cake mid-afternoon. Everbean established itself as a name when its homemade scones attracted those craving food made with love, and almost everything is made from traditional family recipes. With its neighbourhood charm, this café metamorphoses from a buzzing coffee spot by day to an intimate wine bar by night. Take a seat on the mezzanine and slip into the life of a local in Mayfair.
hagen
At Hagen, sustainability and environmental impact drive community projects and collaborations. Born in Copenhagen and founded in London, Hagen brings cosy ‘hygge’ vibes and possibly the world’s best cinnamon buns to Mayfair. In collaboration with the award-winning Blake’s Kitchen, a third-generation family-run bakery based in the Cotswolds, small batches of fresh buns are delivered to the café on Swallow Street on Wednesday and Sunday mornings. Run, don’t walk, to enjoy your speciality Himalayan coffee standing up (al banco / håndkaffe), knowing that 100% of sales proceeds go directly back to the farmers and their communities in Nepal. A worthy addition to our best cafés in Mayfair.
parcafé
Overlooking Hyde Park, Parcafé at the Dorchester is the perfect no-nonsense local to grab your morning coffee on the go. Beans are sourced by The Difference Coffee Company from countries around the world including Panama, Jamaica, Brazil and Guatemala. The tiny space has a few small tables but we recommend taking your homemade pastry and coffee to the park for a stroll amongst the trees and flowers (as long as London weather behaves).
Parcafé Website >
h.R higgins
On 1 April 1942, H. R. Higgins (Coffee-man) Ltd was born. Working from a top-floor room in a Mayfair street with a hand-driven 7lb roaster, Harold Rees Higgins and his 16-year-old daughter Audrey, began making coffee. At the height of the Second World War, Harold worked as an air raid warden by night, and roasted coffee by day. Today the family-run business has a Royal Appointment and is located at 79 Duke Street. For both its extraordinary backstory and its exquisite coffee, H.R. Higgins is one of our favourite cafés in Mayfair.
Cardinals Of Mayfair
Situated in the heart of Mayfair since 1962, family-owned Cardinals of Mayfair exudes local charm. This understated coffee shop in Mayfair is the perfect place from which to watch the world go by. Indulge in generously packed ciabatta sandwiches, breakfast classics like eggs benedict, or sample some of the homemade soup. Whether you’re seeking an intimate lunch or just a quiet moment over coffee, for over six decades, Cardinal’s has been a quintessential part of local Mayfair life.
mayfair cafes for foodies
queens of mayfair
Queens of Mayfair was created by sisters Grace and Victoria Sheppard, and once made headlines for serving what was touted as the most expensive coffee in Britain. This dubious accolade aside, Queens is a must-visit Mayfair café for its seasonal, fresh produce, inspired by the sisters’ home county of Dorset. Try the King’s Salad for lunch, which plates up roasted heritage beets, gem lettuce, duck magret, Forelle pear and Sherry dressing, or stop by for afternoon tea with banana, maple, and pecan loaf. The local charm of the place will win you over before that pecan loaf hits your lips.
Popina
Born as a stall at local farmers’ markets, today Popina’s reputation as a stylish haven for food enthusiasts has been cemented. Located on Duke Street, its simple interior – featuring crisp white walls and warm wooden furniture – offers a calming contrast to the grandeur of its surroundings. The menu melds comfort and creativity. From its halal Full English breakfast to the standout signature Shakshuka, where eggs are coated in a hearty roasted tomato and pepper sauce, every plate is thoughtfully crafted. For lunch, the offerings expand to include generously proportioned sandwiches, making it an equally delightful choice for a midday meal.
langans
Including this iconic French brasserie in our list of best cafés in Mayfair is a misnomer, but Langan’s is not to be missed for its breakfasts. Whether you choose the caramelised banana french toast, eggs from Clarence Court or a full English breakfast, the Langan’s experience is reassuringly elegant. A variety of teas, freshly pressed juices, breakfast cocktails and health shots will make sure you leave feeling ready for the day ahead. Open from 8am, you’ll find it round the corner from Green Park station.
Hideaway
Located on the iconic Mount Street, Hideaway is a boutique café renowned for high-end fare. Perfect for those seeking something indulgent, menu options include Croque Monsieur with black truffle or waffles adorned with stracciatella, black truffle, honey, and wild thyme. Operated by the team behind the Michelin-starred Hide and the award-winning wine store Hedonism, every detail is considered, including an exclusive coffee selection with beans sourced and roasted specifically for the café. (Interested in learning more about Mount Street? Don’t miss our visitor’s guide to one of Mayfair’s more famous streets!)
Address: 100 Mount St, London, W1K 2TG
LALЇ
Once home to the servants’ quarters and stables of grand Bruton Street mansions, Bruton Place was recently described by The Evening Standard as a “Mayfair food mecca”. One of Bruton Place’s many offerings is LALÏ, the antithesis of the “greasy spoon café”, with a menu featuring Yellowfin Tuna tartare, lobster rolls, and a full array of expertly crafted coffees. For something unique, try the beetroot rose latte. To complement your visit, their cocktail and wine menus provide the perfect finish to this upscale dining experience.
Address: 33A Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NP
conclusion
Step into these iconic cafés and sip on the luxurious side of life. Whether it’s for the tradition, the art or the sheer deliciousness, there’s something for everyone in our selection of the 17 best cafés in Mayfair.
Looking to taste more of Mayfair? Check out our guide to the best restaurants in the area.
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