Mayfair is one of London’s most prestigious districts. Located in the City of Westminster, the area stretches from the eastern edge of Hyde Park to Oxford Street, Piccadilly and Regent Street. Its quiet streets, elegant squares and refined buildings form a distinctive whole that attracts visitors drawn to art, fashion and gastronomy.
Historic Development – How Mayfair Began
The name Mayfair derives from the May Fair market of the late 17th century, held each May near today’s Shepherd Market. Although the fair was banned in the 18th century, the name remained. Transformation of the district began when the Grosvenor family, especially Sir Richard Grosvenor, started systematically developing their lands in the 1700s. The Grosvenor estates provided the foundation for Mayfair’s urban plan, designed with clear symmetry and Georgian classicism.
The Grosvenors’ vision was to create an elegant, well-ordered residential area for the wealthy elite. The result was a grid of wide streets, harmonious squares and stately stone townhouses.
Fashion, Bespoke Tailoring and Street Elegance
The names of Mayfair’s streets have become synonymous with luxury. They reflect the district’s long history and its role as a centre of commerce and craftsmanship. Streets such as Bond Street, Mount Street and Savile Row are widely known as hubs of fashion, bespoke tailoring and high-end shopping.
Bond Street, divided into Old and New Bond Street, is one of the world’s most famous shopping avenues. Here you will find iconic fashion houses including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Cartier, Bvlgari and Dior, alongside art galleries and antique shops.
Mount Street combines refined stone townhouses with international designer boutiques such as Lanvin, Balenciaga, Oscar de la Renta and Christopher Kane, creating a seamless blend of architecture and style.
Savile Row, meanwhile, is the global home of bespoke men’s tailoring. Generations of master tailors have worked here, most famously Henry Poole & Co., credited with inventing the modern dinner jacket.
King Charles III has long patronised Anderson & Sheppard, known for its classic style, while Prince William prefers contemporary tailors such as Thom Sweeney and Richard James.
In recent years, the traditionally male world of Savile Row has welcomed leading female tailors. Kathryn Sargent was the first woman to establish her own atelier nearby on Brook Street in 2016, after becoming the first female head cutter at Gieves & Hawkes, a role considered the pinnacle of the profession.
The growing demand for women’s bespoke fashion has inspired others to follow. In 2019 Daisy Knatchbull opened The Deck, Savile Row’s first tailor exclusively for women, now renamed Knatchbull. Ruby Slevin launched Banshee of Savile Row, focusing on bespoke suits for women. Caroline Andrew and Alexandra Wood also offer tailoring services for both men and women.
Classic Shopping Arcades – Elegance Under Glass
Mayfair’s character is further enriched by its historic shopping arcades, which offer sheltered promenades and a touch of Victorian and Edwardian atmosphere.
Burlington Arcade, opened in 1819, is one of London’s oldest and most prestigious arcades. Built to shield wealthy shoppers from the noise of the street, it still houses luxury boutiques such as perfumer Penhaligon’s, glove specialist Maison Lavabre Cadet and watch dealer David Duggan, with traditional beadles in uniform acting as guardians.
Royal Arcade, opened in 1879 between Old Bond Street and Albemarle Street, is noted for its Gothic arches, glass roof and intimate collection of boutiques. Here you’ll find Crockett & Jones shoes, Charbonnel et Walker chocolates and the Ormonde Jayne perfume house.
Culinary Experiences in Mayfair
Mayfair is also a destination for world-class dining.
Sketch (The Glade) is famous for its whimsical interior designed by Carolyn Quartermaine and Didier Mahieu. With moss-green wallpaper and an Art Nouveau atmosphere, The Glade offers a magical setting for dining and is one of London’s best-known Michelin-starred restaurants.
Bacchanalia, which opened in 2022 on Mount Street, was designed by renowned interior architect Martin Brudnizki. Inspired by ancient Greece, the dining hall features monumental statues created in Damien Hirst’s studio, depicting Bacchus and Medusa, while frescoes cover the ceilings. Among its specialities is the shareable Medusa dessert.
Scott’s, also on Mount Street, has been serving top-quality seafood since the 1850s. Its Art Deco-inspired interior and famed oysters make it one of London’s classic fine-dining establishments.
Lucky Cat, created by Gordon Ramsay, brings modern Asian fine dining to the heart of Mayfair. Its Art Deco-inspired interiors, soft lighting and black marble finishes create an elegant setting for Japanese- and Southeast Asian-inspired dishes.
Mercato Mayfair, housed in the deconsecrated St Mark’s Anglican Church, combines historic architecture with a lively street-food atmosphere. Offering cuisines from around the world, from Italian pasta to Korean bao and vegetarian specialities, the venue also features a wine bar and a rooftop terrace.
Parks and Green Retreats
Mayfair is not only about fashion and dining – it also offers peaceful green spaces.
Berkeley Square is one of the district’s most famous squares, shaded by 200-year-old London plane trees that create a serene atmosphere in the busy city. Grosvenor Square, another major landmark, is currently undergoing redevelopment.
Mount Street Gardens is a hidden oasis, with benches, palms and a fountain offering respite from shopping and sightseeing. Brown Hart Gardens, raised above street level between Duke Street and Balderton Street, provides a quiet terrace with views of surrounding buildings.
Events and Art Experiences
Mayfair is a cultural hub hosting prestigious events throughout the year. London Craft Week in May showcases the best of British craftsmanship and design, with many events held in Mayfair’s galleries and workshops.
The Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition, running annually since 1769, takes place each June to August and is the world’s largest open-submission art exhibition, featuring both renowned and emerging artists.
Community events such as the Grosvenor Square Garden Party bring locals and visitors together in July with food, music and a festive atmosphere.
PAD London in autumn combines art, design and collectible objects, attracting international visitors and major auction houses.
Frieze Masters in October highlights historic art, with many satellite events and exhibitions hosted across Mayfair’s galleries.
Hotels and Accommodation
Mayfair’s hotels reflect the district’s reputation for elegance and exclusivity.
The Ritz London is an icon, famous for its afternoon tea, marble halls and grand Piccadilly façade. Claridge’s blends Art Deco design with modern luxury and has been a royal favourite for decades, while The Connaught epitomises understated sophistication with its courtyards, art collection and celebrated Connaught Bar.
Mayfair also offers boutique and mid-range options, such as The Chesterfield Mayfair and Flemings Mayfair, one of London’s oldest boutique hotels.
The Magic of Mayfair
Mayfair blends tradition and modern lifestyle in a way that makes it unique. This is a district where historic architecture, high fashion, bespoke tailoring and world-class galleries share the same streets. With elegant squares, gastronomic experiences and renowned events, Mayfair London continues to captivate visitors year after year.
