Guide to... Mayfair
Believed to be an ancient haunt of the Romans, London’s most exclusive district has come a long way since its humble beginnings. Mayfair began life in the modern era as nothing more than a scattering of fields and farm land until the annual St. James's fair arrived to shake things up.
Otherwise known as the May Fair, this vibrant festival centred on and around what is now Shepherd’s Market, just north of Piccadilly. Performers and merchants came from across London to entertain revellers, which satiated the masses from 1686 up until 1764, when upper class residents successfully petitioned an end to frivolities as they claimed the fair lowered the tone of their increasingly affluent neighbourhood.
That neighbourhood was primarily founded through the marriage of 12 year old Mary Davies and Sir Thomas Grosvenor. Davies came from a family of shrivners who owned 500 acres of land west of the city, with 100 acres lying south of Oxford Street and east of Park Lane being particularly valuable to potential developers. Whilst building had already begun in the late 17th century, it was not until the couple’s son, Sir Richard Grosvenor, joined forces with surveyor Thomas Marlowe that today’s Mayfair truly began to take shape.
The first of the district’s three major squares arose in 1717, named Hanover Square after King George I, Elector of Hannover. A decade later, Mayfair was absorbed into the new parish of St. George Hanover Square, which stretched as far east as Old Bond Street and continued into Hyde Park to the west, with Oxford Street and Piccadilly providing the borders to the north and south. The Grosvenor family, later claiming the Dukes of Westminster titles, still owned a substantial part of the area, developing opulent residential quarters for the aristocracy surrounding Mayfair’s glorious centrepiece, Grosvenor Square.
Whilst the Grosvenors held the monopoly on the district’s northern estates, the equally prosperous Berkeley family were busy developing in the south, with the foundation of Berkeley Square and its surrounding grandiose residences. Throughout the 18th century, wealthy Londoners continued to flood to this new and attractive neighbourhood, owing to Mayfair’s greater expansion. The district remained a hotspot for the rich and famous up until the 1920s, as the financial crisis forced many inhabitants to move to the suburbs or relocate to America.
The Second World War witnessed a further shift in occupants, as many businesses headed to the area to escape the Blitz. The district retained its corporate edge until very recently, with the past two decades embracing something of a revival, replacing offices with luxurious family homes, top notch restaurants and deluxe boutiques, returning Mayfair to its former glamorous glory.
Oxford Street Regent Street Piccadilly New Bond Street Burlington Arcade Park Lane Old Bond Street Brook Street Albemarle Street Berkeley Square Royal Arcade Audley Street Maddox Street Shepherd Market Dover Street Heddon Street Berkeley Street Carlos Place Mount Street Conduit Street Show All Categories
Savile Row Grosvenor Square Old Park Lane Curzon Street Hertford Street South Audley Street Bruton Place Bruton Street Davies Street Half Moon Street Mill Street Stratton Street Woodstock Street Clarges Street Dering Street Hamilton Place Hyde Park Corner Marble Arch Percy Street Balderton Street Brown Hart Gardens Charles Street Duke Street Hanover Square Lancashire Court Sheperd Street Hanover Street Blenheim Street George Street Hay's Mews Pollen Street Princes Street Queen Street South Molton Street St George Street Stafford Street New Burlington Place Old Burlington Street Arlington Street Avery Row Brook's Mews Bruton Lane Burlington Gardens Burlington Gardens Coach and Horses Yard Cork Street Farm Street Hay Hill New Burlington Street North Row Sackville Street Stanhope Row Swallow Street Trebeck Street Upper Brook Street Upper Grosvenor Street
Explore Mayfair by browsing these categories
Eating Nightlife Shopping Sightseeing Accommodation Living Life Working Travel & Transport Studying Health & Wellness
Sean O' Flynn
Bespoke Shirtmakers and Tailors, cotton gowns, silk ties. Finest quality fabrics, sea island cotton and silk. All...Read more
Segun Adelaja
Segun Adelaja is that rare thing: a menswear designer with a passion for both style and quality. His atelier in the...Read more
Shopping Men’s Fashion St James's Princes Arcade Explore London Mayfair
Select Collection
Select Collection has embraced the art of luxury travel for more than 16 years. Our concept is based on personal...Read more
Shepherd Market Wine House
The creator of one of London’s hidden treasures, Pall Mall Fine Wine, now brings you Shepherd Market Wine...Read more
Shoryu
Where it all began! Shoryu Regent Street holds a special place in our hearts being our first ramen bar dishing out...Read more
Eating Restaurants Japanese & Sushi Restaurants Regent Street Mayfair Soho
Simit Sarayi (381 Oxford Street)
When we opened our first store, we had a dream to serve fresh simits both in Turkey and across the world, the dream...Read more
Simon Griffin Antiques Limited
Founded in 1985, Simon Griffin Antiques buy and sell modern and antique silverware. They also offer a repair and...Read more
Shopping Old Bond Street Royal Arcade Explore London Mayfair
Sinai & Sons
Second generation antiques dealership, including Fine 19th and 20th Century Decorative Arts, Art Nouveau Furniture,...Read more
Sightseeing South Audley Street Audley Street Explore London Mayfair
Smith & Whistle (at the Park Lane Hotel)
Mayfair’s local, Smith & Whistle takes inspiration from the fictional story of Detective Inspector Smith and his...Read more
Nightlife Bars Park Lane Mayfair
Part of Park Lane Hotel (Sheraton)
Smythson of Bond Street (New Bond Street)
Frank Smythson opened his first shop on 29th September 1887 at 133 New Bond Street. His trade card described his...Read more
Snappy Snaps (Hertford Street)
Snappy Snaps Mayfair is a photo processing facility, offering the complete range of photo related products,...Read more
Somlo Antique
Established in 1970 and located in the prestigious Burlington Arcade, our reputation at Somlo Antiques has developed...Read more
Sterling Diamond
Sterling Diamond is ideally located in the heart of Mayfair, within the Burlingtone Arcade. We specialise in...Read more
Subway (Sedley Place)
The story begins all the way back in 1965 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA. The entrepreneurial 17 year old Fred...Read more
Superdry (Regent Street)
Men's clothing, Women's clothingRead more
Shopping Men’s Fashion Soho Women's Fashion Regent Street Explore London Mayfair
Susannah Lovis
Susannah Lovis was established in 1996, and today is one of Mayfair’s most respected and knowledgeable jewellers....Read more
Swarovski (Regent Street)
London is a city that extols diversity – a metropolis where Swarovski crystal expresses it's many facets.Swarovski...Read more
T M Lewin (New Bond Street)
Men's wear, Women's wearRead more
Shopping Men’s Fashion Women's Fashion New Bond Street Explore London Mayfair
Ted Baker
Since launching as a shirt specialist in Glasgow in 1988, Ted Baker has quickly become one of the UK's leading...Read more
Shopping Men’s Fashion Women's Fashion Regent Street Explore London Mayfair
Ten Health & Fitness (Hanover Square)
At Ten, it’s all about celebrating endorphins. We love the feeling you get at the end of a really good workout, and...Read more
Living Life Personal Trainers Gyms Hanover Square Explore London Mayfair
The Back Room
Few would expect to find an understated and music-orientated hangout in the heart of Mayfair. Tucked away on Old Park...Read more
Nightlife Pubs Park Lane Old Park Lane Eating Pizza Restaurants Explore London Mayfair
The Bar (at The Dorchester)
For decades, The Bar at The Dorchester has been the ultimate destination for cocktails in London. Providing, London’s...Read more
Nightlife Bars Park Lane Explore London Mayfair
Part of The Dorchester Hotel
The Barber's on Mill Street
A traditional barber shop offering top quality and style, situated at the rear of St George's Church, Hanover...Read more
The Fumoir Bar (at Claridge's Hotel)
Secreted inside the timeless glamour of Claridge's art deco interior, The Fumoir bar is the quintessential hidden...Read more
Nightlife Bars Brook Street Mayfair
Part of Claridge's Hotel
The Luggage Room
On a quiet corner of Grosvenor Square in the heart of historic Mayfair, lies the Capital’s newest drinking spot – The...Read more
The Market Tavern
Combining the best in British pub hospitality with individuality, character and quirky charm, The Market Tavern is...Read more
The Mayfair Club
The Nightclub When the weekend arrives, the lights go down and the music goes up as the best DJ’s from around town...Read more
The Mayor Gallery
Known as the first gallery in Cork Street, The Mayor Gallery was founded in 1925 and is London’s foremost gallery for...Read more
The Palm Court
Located in the heart of Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, The Palm Court is just one of the original features of the...Read more
Accommodation Hotels Park Lane Piccadilly Explore London Mayfair
The Pharmacy at Mayfair
Situated in Shepherd Market, the Phamacy at Mayfair provides a warm and friendly service, tailored to your individual...Read more
Living Life Shopping Fitzrovia Shepherd Market Explore London Mayfair
The Red Bar
With its exclusive Park Lane entrance, Red Bar overlooks Hyde Park and is one of Mayfair’s most iconic destinations....Read more
The Rivoli Bar (at The Ritz Hotel)
Stylishly designed to create the impression of walking into a glittering jewellery box, The Rivoli Bar is an intimate...Read more
Nightlife Bars Eating Restaurants Mayfair Piccadilly St James's
Part of The Ritz Hotel
The Royal Institution of Great Britain
The Royal Institution of Great Britain (often abbreviated as the Royal Institution or Ri) is an organisation devoted...Read more
Sightseeing Studying Museums Albemarle Street Explore London Mayfair Approved Wedding Venues
The Spa (at Browns Hotel)
The Spa at Brown’s is the perfect place to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. Walking into this secret haven...Read more
Health & Wellness Health Spas Albemarle Street Mayfair
Part of Brown's Hotel
The Spatisserie (at The Dorchester)
Exclusive to The Dorchester Spa is the uniquely named ‘Spatisserie’, an opulent, but intimate space for light lunches...Read more
Health & Wellness Health Spas Pâtisseries Park Lane Explore London Mayfair Eating Restaurants
Part of The Dorchester Hotel
The Tale Bar
Discover a world of sophistication and elegance in this vintage-feel cocktail lounge with a truly unique...Read more
Nightlife Bars Park Lane Old Park Lane Explore London Mayfair
The Watch Club
We buy and sell new, pre-owned, and vintage watches, specialising in Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and...Read more
Shopping Old Bond Street Royal Arcade Explore London Mayfair
Thomas Goode
Originally Thomas Goode produced the very best fine bone china and porcelain for international royalty. We now have a...Read more
Shopping South Audley Street Audley Street Explore London Mayfair
Tiffany & Co. (Old Bond Street)
Founded in New York in 1837, Tiffany & Co. is the world’s premier jeweler and America’s house of design. An...Read more
Tiffany (Old Bond Street)
Since 1837, Tiffany & Co. has been the world's premier jeweler and America's house of design. Read more
Timberland (Regent Street)
Timberland, 144 Regent StreetThe Timberland story began in 1918, in a small Boston, Massachusetts shoe company where...Read more
Shopping Mayfair Men’s Fashion Women's Fashion Regent Street Soho
Timothy Everest (Mayfair)
Timothy Everest, one of the most well known architects of the New Bespoke Movement, offers in his intimate and cosy...Read more
Tommy Hilfiger (Regent Street)
Tommy Hilfiger made his first foray into fashion as a purveyor of campus chic to New York kids in 1969.Today, the...Read more
Mayfair Men’s Fashion Regent Street Soho Shopping Women's Fashion
True Grace
We are committed to making responsible raw material choices and, whenever possible, use naturally derived ingredients...Read more
Udeshi Menswear
UDESHI was founded in 1999 to stem the decline in English bespoke tailoring and to move it forward to meet the...Read more
UFO London Web Agency
Based in Mayfair and Waterloo UFO London is a web design and internet marketing agency focused on making...Read more
Ultimate Performance (Mayfair)
We will show off our knowledge of all things related to improving your body composition; our groundbreaking personal...Read more
Living Life Personal Trainers Park Street Explore London Mayfair
Uniqlo (Oxford Street)
Uniqlo is Japan's leading clothing retail chain in terms of both sales and profits. FAST RETAILING first branched...Read more
Shopping Men’s Fashion Women's Fashion Oxford Street Explore London Mayfair
Uniqlo (Regent Street)
Uniqlo is Japan's leading clothing retail chain in terms of both sales and profits. FAST RETAILING first branched...Read more
Shopping Regent Street Mayfair Men’s Fashion Soho Women's Fashion
United Colours of Benneton (Regent Street)
We are an international brand that had been combining color and energy with Italian style since 1965. The pursuit of...Read more
United Media (UK) Ltd
Specialists in Designing and installing bespoke top end electronic systems and technologies for the home and office,...Read more
Valentino (Old Bond Street)
Paris, 7th July 2016 Maria Grazia Chiuri leaves her role as Co-Creative director after 17 years with the brand and 8...Read more
Shopping Men’s Fashion Women's Fashion Old Bond Street Explore London Mayfair
Van Cleef & Arpels (New Bond Street)
Jewellery & watches Read more
Victor Arwas Gallery
The Victor Arwas Gallery has specialised in original graphics (etchings, lithographs, woodcuts, etc,), posters,...Read more
Galleries Sightseeing Shepherd Market Explore London Mayfair
Victoria's Secret (New Bond Street)
LingerieRead more
Shopping Women's Fashion New Bond Street Explore London Mayfair
Vilebrequin
Vilebrequin recognized its customers' youthful energy and dedication to family values and experiences.... this led to...Read more
Vintage Rolex
The Vintage Watch Company was established in 1995 dedicated to showcasing Vintage Rolex wristwatches from c1910-...Read more
Wafflemeister (Oxford Street)
Wafflemeister's waffle dough is made using a secret family recipe. Our waffles are freshly baked in-store daily....Read more
Bakeries Cafes & Coffee Shops Eating Oxford Street Explore London Mayfair
Wasabi Sushi & Bento (293 Oxford Street)
The Wasabi story began in 2003 when we opened our first branch in Embankment, London.Kim, a fresh food market trader...Read more
Restaurants Take Away & Delivery Oxford Street Explore London Mayfair Eating Japanese & Sushi Restaurants
WatchCentre
WatchCentre is the on-line presence for Watches and Jewellery of Bond St, a pre-eminent dealer of luxury watches in...Read more
Wetherell Properties Mayfair
Specialising in the sale, letting and acquisition of residential property in Mayfair. Residential properties for...Read more
William & Son
William Asprey founded his eponymous luxury goods store in Mayfair’s Mount Street in 1999. From the start he...Read more
Shopping Bruton Street Explore London Mayfair Royal Warrant Holders
Yohji Yamamotto
Yohji Yamamoto sells Japanese designer clothing for both men and women as well as a selection of shoes, belts and...Read more
Z Zegna Boutique (New Bond Street)
Men's fashionRead more
Shopping Men’s Fashion New Bond Street Explore London Mayfair
Zara (333 Oxford Street)
Women's wear & Men's wearRead more
Shopping Men’s Fashion Women's Fashion Oxford Street Explore London Mayfair
Zilli (New Bond Street)
Created in 1965 and presided over by its founder Alain Schimel, ZILLI is an independent French luxury brand. The...Read more
Shopping Men’s Fashion New Bond Street Explore London Mayfair
Closed or Replaced
Gymkhana
Gymkhana is inspired by Colonial Indian gymkhana clubs, where members of high society socialise, dine, drink and play...Read more
Eating Restaurants Albemarle Street Mayfair Indian Restaurants Michelin Star Restaurants 1 Michelin Star
Closed or Replaced
Hix Mayfair (at Brown's Hotel)
One of the best restaurants in London, the HIX Mayfair menu is all about big British flavours handled deftly and with...Read more
British Restaurants Albemarle Street Mayfair Eating Restaurants
Part of Brown's Hotel
Closed or Replaced
Millennium Hotel (Mayfair)
Whether your destination is in Europe, the United States of America, China, Asia or New Zealand, you will find...Read more
Grosvenor Square Explore London Mayfair Accommodation Hotels Approved Wedding Venues
Home to: NCP (at the Millenium Hotel Mayfair)
Closed or Replaced
Aubaine (Heddon Street)
Aubaine is a sophisticated yet relaxed french restaurant serving exquisite cuisine, plus homemade pastries &...Read more
French Restaurants Heddon Street Explore London Mayfair Eating Restaurants
Closed or Replaced
Greigs Grill Restaurant
One of London's longest established restaurants, Greig's still enjoys a reputation for serving the finest steaks in...Read more
Closed or Replaced
141 Park Lane
141 Park Lane Lounge Club is one of the most exclusive and impressive in the capital, frequented by elite clientele....Read more
Closed or Replaced
Aristokrat
This intimate haunt which joins the Capital’s select night-circuit welcomes a collision of epochs; as noble...Read more
Closed or Replaced
British Luxury Club (BLC)
Hidden away behind an unassuming and discreet door at number 70 New Bond Street, the British Luxury Club is perfectly...Read more
Closed or Replaced
Carphone Warehouse (Lansdowne Row)
The Carphone Warehouse has over 800 stores across the UK and is in fact the largest independent mobile phone...Read more
Closed or Replaced
Funky Buddha
Funky Buddha is refunked, the world renowned members’ club synonymous with the famous faces of the London party...Read more
Closed or Replaced
Met Bar
Since it first opened in 1997, the Met Bar is among the best bars in Central London. The Met Bar welcomes guests with...Read more
Nightlife Bars Park Lane Old Park Lane Explore London Mayfair
Closed or Replaced
Molton House
A premium luxurious members’ club destination situated in the heart of the West End of London in a converted 5-storey...Read more
Closed or Replaced
No 5 Cavendish Square
No 5 Cavendish Square is a unique venue; the former Spanish Embassy has been totally refurbished to provide elegant...Read more
Closed or Replaced
Strawberry Moons
Welcome to the internationally renowned Strawberry Moons, West End’s best excuse for a night out. Grab some nibbles...Read more
Closed or Replaced
Taman Gang
Taman Gang is cool and fun. The decor aims for luxury, with handmade tiles, gold-lined candle niches, intricately...Read more
Closed or Replaced
Whisky Mist
Housed in the former Zeta bar at the London Hilton Park Lane, Whisky Mist was created by Nick House, Piers Adam,...Read more
Mount Street Printers And Stationers
Since 1981 Mount Street Printers have produced bespoke stationery in the heart of Mayfair. The location of our shop...Read more
Jenny Packham
Described as 'The Queen of the Red Carpet Gown' by Vogue, Jenny Packham's flagship ready-to-wear boutique is now...Read more
Aspinal of London (Brook Street)
Aspinal of London is founded on the fundamental premise of offering our customers the most beautiful objects of...Read more
Handel House Museum
Handel House was home to Handel from 1723 until 1759. It is here Handel composed many of his famous works, such as...Read more
Handel House Museum
18th century period townhouse, home of baroque composer George Frideric HandelRead more
Jack Barclay
Established in 1927, Jack Barclay is the world’s oldest and most famous Bentley dealer. We are extremely proud to be...Read more
Holland & Holland
Since 1835, the name Holland & Holland has been recognised as the benchmark of excellence throughout the world of...Read more
H.R. Higgins (Coffee-Man)
H R Higgins (Coffee-man) Ltd was founded in 1942, and is a third-generation family business with a retail shop in...Read more
Spaghetti House (Duke Street)
Spaghetti House Duke Street located on the edge of Mayfair, nestled between Oxford Street and Grosvenor Square,...Read more
Duke Street Italian Restaurants Eating Pizza Restaurants Mediterranean Restaurants Marylebone
Frank Smythson
Established in 1887, Smythson represents more than 125 years of British luxury leather goods at their most refined....Read more
Zara (61 Oxford Street)
Zara is a Spanish clothing and accessories retailer. The company was founded in 1975 by Amancio Ortega and Rosalía...Read more
C. John (Rare Rugs)
Dealers in decorative, antique rugs, carpets and tapestries dating from the 17th century to the present time. Our...Read more
Monsoon (Oxford Street West) (Accessorize & Monsoon Children)Top Pick
Accessorize & Monsoon Children store on Oxford Street.Read more
Oxford Street Shopping Women's Fashion Apparel & Accessories Shops Baby, Toddler & Children Shops
Disney Store (Oxford Street)Top Pick
Only Disney related items, many of them exclusive. Disney Store London, offers the latest official Disney, Marvel and...Read more
Shopping Oxford Street Toys & Games Shops Baby, Toddler & Children Shops
Nicole Farhi Home
Nicole Farhi home collection includes textiles, ceramics and glass, one-off antiques, raw fabrics, natural hues and...Read more
French Connection
Founded in 1972 by Stephen Marks, French Connection set out to create well-designed fashionable clothing that...Read more
Shopping Marylebone Men’s Fashion Women's Fashion Oxford Street
Fossil (Debenhams)
Fossil is a designer and manufacturer of clothing and accessories, primarily watches and jewelry, but also...Read more
Shopping Marylebone Men’s Fashion Women's Fashion Oxford Street
The Pen Shop (at Debenhams)
The Pen Shop has a long and distinguished history in the sales of fine writing, dating back to 1858 when T & G...Read more
Dorothy Perkins (Oxford Street)
Established over 90 years ago, Dorothy Perkins is now one of the biggest fashion retailers in the country, with...Read more
Garrard & Co
First commissioned in 1735 by Frederick, Prince of Wales, Garrard has had the honour of working closely with the...Read more
James Purdey & Sons
Since 1814, James Purdey & Sons has been perfecting the art of the ‘Best’ London gun, making the finest-quality...Read more
Brwd Coffee
We are very excited to be launching the first independent speciality coffee shop on Oxford Street.French Connection...Read more
Map of Mayfair in London
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map for Mayfair in London
FAQs about Mayfair in London
If you are travelling to Mayfair by tube you are spoilt for choice in terms of tube lines and tube stations to choose from.
Oxford Street borders four different districts of London, Soho, Fitzrovia, Marylebone, and Mayfair .
Oxford Street is located in the borough of Westminster in central London.
Oxford Street can be considered to form part of the districts of Fitzrovia, Soho and Mayfair .
Berkeley Square is located in the London district of Mayfair , one of the most exclusive districts in London.
The nearest tube station is Green Park.
Mayfair is located in what is commonly known as the West End in central London.
The main areas in London for the best London clubs are Mayfair and Soho. Shoreditch and East London are becoming increasing popular too.
Mayfair Photos
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Mayfair in the News
Bargain hunters out in force early but number of in-store shoppers falls
https://www.expressandstar.com/news/uk-news/2018/12/...
Published: Wed 26th Dec 2018 02:41 PM
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/other/boxing-day-sale...
Published: Wed 26th Dec 2018 02:41 PM
UK Bargain Hunters Out In Force Early For Boxing Day Sales
http://www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/news/AN_154582324845...
Published: Wed 26th Dec 2018 12:07 PM
https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/shopping/boxing...
Published: Wed 26th Dec 2018 11:02 AM
eL Seed brings his brand of contemporary calligraphy to London for first UK show
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/el-seed-brings-...
Published: Wed 26th Dec 2018 11:01 AM
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