mayfair, london (an insider’s guide)
Explore the area’s Georgian elegance, classic style and designer dreams
Mayfair, London is famed for its pretty streets, historic architecture, boutique shops, cafés, restaurants and bars. But with so much on offer, navigating your way through the picture-perfect neighbourhood is not always straightforward. We’re here to guide you through our charming Mayfair village.
Article guide
Where is Mayfair in London?
Mayfair is in central west London, in the City of Westminster borough, home to some of the UK’s most famous landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and Westminster Abbey. Mayfair is bordered by Hyde Park, St James’s Park, Marylebone and Soho.
What are the most famous landmarks in Mayfair ?
How do i get to Mayfair, London?
What is the Mayfair postcode?
All postcodes in Mayfair start with either W1J, W1K or W1S. The W stands for ‘west’ and the number one is reserved for the most central addresses in London. As to the J, K and S, the letters are assigned alphabetically by district.
W1J: Mayfair (south), Piccadilly
W1K: Mayfair (north), Grosvenor Square
W1S: Mayfair (east), Hanover Square, Savile Row, Royal Academy
The postcode at Hyde Park Residence is W1K 1NA.
Formerly owned by George III, King of Great Britain. Photo: British Library/Flickr
The history of Mayfair, London
The May Fair – where Mayfair got its name
The Grosvenor family’s pivotal role in Mayfair’s history
Photo: Peter Wetherell/Wikimedia Commons (cc-by-2.0)
The Blitz and its aftermath
The heavy bombing of London in the Second World War forced many businesses to relocate from their “city” addresses to Mayfair, where they converted residential homes into offices. In fact, the American Embassy had its headquarters in Grosvenor Square until 2008. However, many other buildings began to be reclaimed for residential use in the 1990s, building Mayfair’s reputation as the leading district for period conversions and grand freehold townhouses. Curzon Street is home to Crewe House, one of the few eighteenth-century Mayfair mansions still standing.
Things to do in Mayfair, London
The Mayfair lifestyle
Mayfair, encompassing Mount Street, Audley Street, Park Lane, Grosvenor Square and other iconic streets, is synonymous with a luxurious and sophisticated lifestyle. The neighbourhood boasts high-end boutiques, exclusive art galleries, and Michelin-starred restaurants, attracting discerning connoisseurs of fashion, art, and gastronomy. For things to do in Mayfair, residents enjoy a vibrant social scene, with prestigious members-only clubs and glamorous cocktail bars dotting the area. The leafy squares and private gardens offer serene retreats amidst the bustling city. Mayfair’s proximity to historic landmarks such as Wellington Arch, Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace, adds to its allure.
Royal Parks and secret squares
Shopping in Mayfair
Mayfair is renowned for its exclusive selection of shops. Wind your way through boutiques and independent establishments like the classic Geo F Trumper, a men’s barber and perfumer established in 1875. Browse luxury brands including Cartier, Balenciaga and Boudi Fashion, alongside the prestigious department stores Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason. The historic Burlington Arcade opened in 1819 “for the sale of jewellery and fancy articles of fashionable demand, for the gratification of the public.” Today, it has 51 independent boutiques selling everything from hats to macarons. We highly recommend treating yourself to a bespoke box of Ladurée macarons to enjoy in your apartment!
Mayfair’s art galleries and museums
The Best Restaurants in Mayfair
Whether you’re looking for gourmet feasts, light bites or on-the-go goodness, every kind of cuisine is on offer in Mayfair. From the archetypal British staple of fish and chips at the Mayfair Chippy to the fresh, timeless tang of Bentley’s Oyster Bar, the neighbourhood caters to every appetite and occasion.
Murano, Angela Hartnett’s elegant Mayfair restaurant, has held a Michelin Star since 2008, awarded just four months after opening alongside four AA Rosettes. Inspired by her Italian grandmother’s cooking, the menu is rooted in seasonal British and European ingredients, paired with wines from small, sustainable producers. Expect exceptional food without the formality.
Irish chef Richard Corrigan’s Mayfair flagship is a love letter to the best of British produce. Plating fresh, hand-dived Orkney scallops, salt-aged Hereford beef, Scottish lobster ravioli and Clarence Court duck eggs, Corrigan‘s was awarded three AA Rosettes within its first three months and named restaurant of the year by both the Evening Standard and the AA. The menu follows the seasons, celebrating native ingredients from across the UK.
For something a little different, Bibi has been wowing its diners since opening in 2021 with its stylish take on Indian cuisine. Chet Sharma (an Oxford-educated, Michelin-trained chef-patron) wants diners to leave feeling light and refreshed rather than weighed down, so the menu favours vibrant small-plate grills over heavy breads and curries. Precise and inventive, Bibi is redefining what Indian dining can be.
It’s almost impossible to try and condense the banquet of delicious fare found within Mayfair. You can discover more of the best restaurants in Mayfair here.
Where to stay in Mayfair?
Luxury hotels – such as The Dorchester, Claridge’s, The Connaught, The Ritz and Brown’s – offer lavish rooms, impeccable service, and amenities like spa facilities and Michelin-starred restaurants. For a more intimate experience, boutique hotels like The May Fair and Flemings Mayfair provide a blend of elegance and personalised hospitality.
If you’re looking for a longer stay paired with the comfort of home, there are a variety of serviced apartments in Mayfair, with fully equipped kitchens and spacious living areas. (Explore our flexible serviced apartments in Mayfair here.) Whether it’s a grand hotel or a cosy apartment, staying in Mayfair offers proximity to a charming local area with the rest of London right on your doorstep.
Mayfair village has something
for everyone
FAQS
The area is famous for its affluent residents, upscale shopping streets like Bond Street, world-class art galleries, exclusive members-only clubs, and its reputation as a luxurious and high-end area of London.
Bond Street is perhaps the most celebrated, renowned globally for its luxury fashion houses and jewellers. Savile Row is legendary for bespoke tailoring, while Park Lane offers iconic hotels and sweeping views over Hyde Park.
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