Mayfair London Travel Guide

You will be both surprised and impressed by the range of top quality short stay accommodation available in the Mayfair area; 5* luxury properties offer superb guest services and features for the discerning visitor to London looking for a discreet home from home close to London’s major attractions, restaurants and entertainment. If you are coming to Mayfair with a family, this area, in particular, offers very spacious luxury serviced accommodation some of which has stunning views over Green Park towards Buckingham Palace. Some of the residences have their own private gardens – a sanctuary in which to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of London life.

If you are seeking magnificent Hyde Park views, then in the Park Lane area, Grosvenor House Suites offer some of the best luxury serviced accommodation in London. The largest suite has 5 bedrooms, comes with its own private butler and even has a grand piano! If you wish to impress and entertain on a grand scale, then this residence will be ideal for you. It is just across the road from Hyde Park – an ideal location for strolling in the summer – and the winter! This is a discreet property – ideal for guests wishing to keep a low profile during their stay in London.

London’s exclusive Mayfair is named after the annual May Fair which used to take place on the site that is Shepherd Market today. Bordered by Hyde Park to the west, Oxford Street to the north, Pall Mall and Green Park to the south and Regent Street to the east, Mayfair is home to some of London’s most exclusive luxury hotels, renowned restaurants, designer shops, members’ clubs and quality private residences. From quiet mews streets and charming cobbled lanes to busy thoroughfares, there’s lots to explore in Mayfair. Hyde Park and Green Park are two of London’s most splendid green areas and are great for just strolling around whatever the season of the year – havens and sanctuaries for visitors and residents alike away from the hustle, bustle and traffic.

The Royal Academy of Arts, founded in 1768, is Britain’s oldest fine arts instititution. Located in the heart of the West End on Piccadilly it is renowned for hosting some of London’s finest exhibitions, particularly the Summer Exhibition when works from up and coming artists are featured.

Besides the Royal Academy of Arts, other renowned buildings in the area include the Grosvenor House Hotel, Claridge’s, The Dorchester and the US Embassy in Grosvenor Square. Mayfair has also become an attractive location away from the City for private banks, hedge funds and wealth managers.

Mayfair - Where Luxury Abounds

When Mayfair is mentioned, luxury springs to mind. This thriving area of London is host to many high end designer shops and art galleries of Old Bond Street, New Bond Street, Savile Row (home to some of the world’s most renowned tailors) and Conduit Street all add to the stylish ambiance of the area which is a lively blend of old and new.

Shepherds Market

A charming village piazza square with pubs, galleries and coffee shops, alongside chic boutique shops, restaurants and olde worlde Victorian pubs. Tucked between
Piccadilly and Curzon Street, this hidden treasure is in the heart of Mayfair. Visitors never cease to be amazed by it’s relaxed villagey atmosphere – a contrast to the frenzy of the city. Our charming Mayfair House apartment residence is located in Shepherd Street just a minute’s walk away from the market

Savile Row

Your visit to Mayfair will not be complete without a wander round the old English tailors of Savile Row, historically specialising in traditional bespoke tailoring for
men. Established there since the 1700’s, when tailors started doing business in the area, the street is a great place to browse the fine elegance of yesteryear….and today. And also for people watching. The great, good and famous – royalty and celebrities alike, all visit their personal tailors in this area…amazing vehicles arrive to drop off their charges. If you’re just coming to London to arrange your bespoke suit, you may like to stay at The Cavendish Hotel. Highly recommended by Go London Apartments, and located just round the corner in Jermyn Street, this hotel offers a charming bolthole in the heart of Mayfair. Known as “the golden mile of tailoring” the reputation of Savile Row is worldwide.

Bond Street

In the heart of Mayfair, London’s Bond Street is revered throughout the world for its abundance of elegant stores, exclusive designer brands, high end fashion, luxury goods, jewllery, art and antiques. It is a popular destination for celebrities, socialites and the international jet set who flock here to some of the world’s most prestigious retailers: Asprey, Bulgari, Burberry, Chanel, Cartier, Dolce & Gabbana, Hermes, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Mulberry, Ralph Lauren and Tiffany & Co to name but a few. A charming mix of contemporary and traditional elegance. Bond Street has it’s own festive display of Christmas lights – a real treat if you are visiting in the winter!

South Molton Street

A lovely pedestrianised precinct featuring shops specialising in women’s fashion and jewellery.

Burlington Arcade

Charming 19th Century covered shopping arcade running from Piccadilly through to Burlington Gardens, originally constructed “for the sale of jewellery and fancy articles of fashionable demand”. This historic delight is one of London’s earliest arcades.

Royal Arcade

Another elegant 19th Century arcade linking Old Bond Street with Albemarle Street, housing an exclusive array of shops selling silverware, art, bespoke shoes and chocolate. Originally called simply The Arcade, it was re-named as The Royal Arcade after Queen Victoria began to patronise the shirtmaker, H. W. Brettell.

Sotheby's Auction House

Founded in London in 1744, the company’s New Bond Street auction house is located in New Bond Street in the heart of London’s Mayfair. Offering an extraordinary variety of objects and works of art from Impressionist & Modern Art and Contemporary Art to Old Master Paintings, 19th Century European Art and Islamic Art, as well as Decorative Art from Porcelain and Silver. Sotheby’s handles very high profile sales of private collections – an interesting venue to browse and possibly buy. The Sotheby’s Cafe, located in the auction house, serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.

The Handel Museum

From 1723 to 1759, famed composer George Frederic Handel lived at 25 Brook Street where he composed a number of his great works, including Now the building is a dedicated museum to his life as well as another famous resident, Jimi Hendrix, who coincidentally rented a flat here at the time he was a rising star in the music world.

Helene Darroze at the Connaught

HAn unforgettable experience awaits you at the Michelin starred Hélène Darroze at the Connaught. Her culinary philosophy is inspired by the famously generous
hospitality of her native South West France, and her cooking is steeped in the belief that exceptional food is a route to happiness. Her exclusive suppliers delivers exquisite
ingredients from field, farmyard and ocean, and Hélène combines them with passion and skill. This is true cuisine d’auteur; individual and original, the product of the singular creative vision of a supremely talented chef. Haute cuisine at its best. Helene Darroze at the Connaught, Carlos Pl, Mayfair, London W1K 2AL.

Benares

Benares, another Michelin starred restaurant, specialises in modern Indian cuisine with a British twist. Located in the heart of Mayfair, the sophisticated ambiance and detailed service compliment the flavour infused dishes, inspired by travels in India and enhanced by locally sourced ingredients. Benares Restaurant, 12a, Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1J 6BS.

Ormer Mayfair

Discreet, warm and friendly restaurant offering a superb menu. Located in Flemings Hotel where we are also delighted to offer you luxury serviced accommodation, both apartment suites and hotel rooms. Ormer Mayfair, Flemings Mayfair, 7-12 Half Moon St, London W1J 7BH.

The Foyer And Reading Room At Claridges

Fine dining at its’ best. Exquisite food and top class service. An excellent location to take a typically English afternoon tea. The Foyer And Reading Room, 49 Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HW.

Galvin At Windows

If you like dining in style, you might enjoy an evening at the Michelin starred Galvin at Windows. Located on the 28th floor of the London Hilton in Park Lane, this stunning restaurant and bar has become one of the capital’s most talked-about destination dining venues. Featuring seasonally inspired menus based around modern French haute cuisine. Renowned for its 360-degree views over the capital, including iconic sites like Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace, Galvin at Windows is a restaurant where honest food and genuine hospitality are already a tradition after just a few short years. Because of the elegance of the room and the jaw-dropping views, Galvin at Windows is a destination restaurant with fine service and all the trimmings. Galvin at Windows, 22 Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1K 1BE.

Mayfair's Pubs

Mayfair is home to some of London’s most ancient pubs in quirky old buildings…

The Coach & Horses

Savour traditional charm and top-class ales at the oldest pub in Mayfair….. The Coach & Horses, 5 Bruton Street Mayfair, London W1J 6PT.

The Park Room

Located at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel, The Park Room is a great place for a sophisticated meal or for afternoon tea. Enjoy the traditional English setting and full bar as well as fabulous views of Hyde Park. The epitome of elegance, The Park Room is an inspired lounge. Whether meeting family, friends or colleagues for a celebration or business meeting, the Park Room serves coffee, tea, juice and milkshakes throughout the day, together with a la carte options and a hand-crafted award winning Afternoon Tea experience. A stylish setting for evening vintage and classic cocktails including bespoke Serpentine Gin, created using botanicals from neighbouring Hyde Park.

The Punchbowl

Dating from around 1750, this ancient London public house is listed as Grade II by English Heritage. In a fabulous Georgian building with many period features including a dog-leg staircase, internal cornicing and dado panelling. A lovely place for a pint! The Punchbowl, 41 Farm St, Mayfair, London W1J 5RP.

Mr. Fogg's Residence

Inspired by the protagonist of Around the World in 80 Days, Mr. Fogg’s Residence is one of three such places in London, with this one a cocktail bar made to look like the character’s house combining an old Victorian feel with miscellaneous items related to Phineas Fogg’s travels. 15 Bruton Lane, Mayfair, London W1J 6JD.

Mayfair's Hidden Secret - The Garden Squares

Grosvenor Square

Developed by Sir Richard Grosvenor in 1720, Grosvenor Square has been one of London’s most attractive public spaces, the second largest square in London, with six acres of
pristine lawns surrounded by neo-Georgian houses and embassies. Having housed the US Embassy since 1938, the square reveals it’s longstanding connection with the United Stations with a central statue to Franklin D Roosevelt and a 9/11 memorial garden. Former US President John Adams lived at No. 9, and it was the site of General Eisenhower’s headquarters during the Second World War. A charming place for a lunchtime stroll. Grosvenor House Suites offer discreet 5* serviced accommodation very close by. Mayfair, London W1K 2HP.

Mount Street Gardens

The beautiful Mount Street Gardens are a haven for birds such as robins and tits who inhabit the gardens’ plane trees, dawn redwood trees and Canary Island date palms. Nestled behind red-brick mansion blocks and the neo-Gothic Church of the Immaculate Conception, these gardens are a peaceful urban sanctuary. A focus for nature conservation in Central London, the gardens offer many benches for visitors to spend some quiet time. As well as other sculptures, the gardens feature a bronze drinking fountain in the shape of a rearing horse, designed by Sir Ernest George and Harold Peto. Mount Street Gardens, Mount St, Mayfair, London W1K 2TH

Brown Hart Gardens

Just off Duke Street, Brown Hart Gardens is one of the city’s best kept secrets: an elevated paved terrace space that, at street level, you might never know existed. In a fascinating location on the roof of the old Duke Street electricity substation, built in the early 1900’s, today the garden provides residents, shoppers and local office workers with a sunny, lofty space to escape the hustle and bustle of nearby Oxford Street, and visitors can enjoy a coffee at it’s own café – The Garden Café. Brown Hart Gardens, Duke Street, London W1.

Berkeley Square

You will be lucky to hear a nightingale sing in Berkeley Square these days – this is not a tranquil haven – but nevertheless offers a charming retreat from the buzz of the city under an amazing canopy of 220 year old plane trees, with mottled trunks and giant foliage. Originating from the 1700’s some Georgian houses still remain and – beware – some of the houses are said to be haunted! Previous occupants include two British prime ministers, namely Winston Churchill and George Canning. Berkeley Square, London W1.

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