Living in Mayfair
Mayfair is the pinnacle of luxury living in the heart of London, with exquisite boutiques and Michelin-starred restaurants just steps away.
Introduction to Mayfair
Located across 279 acres in the heart of London, Mayfair offers residents a central point to sample all that the capital city has to offer. From the high-class restaurants and boutique shops to the abundant green space and welcoming community, Mayfair has something to offer professionals and families alike.
Living in Mayfair is something of a distinction. Incredible schools on your doorstep, modern historical houses, and endless entertainment opportunities are just a few reasons residents settle here.
With striking, grand Georgian architecture punctuated by streets of mews houses, Mayfair is quintessentially British. We explore everything about Mayfair, from its history to its homes.
History of Mayfair
Mayfair’s historical roots date back to 1686 when the borough hosted a 15-day fair in May. When the May Fair moved to Bow in East London, the area attracted developers, notably the Grosvenor family. They created a fashionable residential district with elegant houses and shopping districts. Mayfair was at the height of society and incredibly desirable to the ‘ton’.
The prestigious shopping districts remain today and include world-renowned designer hotspots such as Bond Street and Savile Row. Visitors and residents are high-net-worth families and celebrities, as they sample one of the most cosmopolitan areas in the capital.
Local Amenities in Mayfair
Not many locations offer quite the same amenities, elegance, and class as Mayfair.
Health, fitness, and wellbeing are at the forefront of the residents here as they enjoy Fitness First on Berkeley Square, One Personal Training on South Audley Street, and Dance Works London on Balderton Street. Stylish hairdressers, sumptuous spas, and beauticians are plentiful here, too.
Mayfair encompasses private doctors’ clinics for cosmetic and medical treatments, dentists, and opticians. Harley Street is just on the border of Mayfair, offering cutting-edge medical practices and innovative procedures.
Visiting guests have their pick of prime hotels on Park Lane, including The Dorchester and 45 Park Lane. Within the postcode, you’ll also find Claridge’s and The Ritz.
Shopping in Mayfair
Since the 17th Century, Mayfair has hosted world-class designers and flagship stores. Each shopping district has a unique flair and focus. Savile Row is known for tailoring, while Bond Street hosts fine jewellers and watchmakers.
Mount Street is one of the area's original shopping streets, and it still attracts fashion lovers and celebrities looking for an exclusive shopping experience.
Burlington Arcade, Royal Arcade, and Piccadilly Arcade are some of the world's oldest and best-preserved covered shopping streets. Here, shoppers can revel in the delights of silverware, art, chocolate stores, high-end fashion boutiques and world-class tailors.
Restaurants in Mayfair
Boasting more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other London borough, Mayfair is perfect for lovers of fine dining. Delight in decadent food cooked by the best chefs, and enjoy the most attentive service. Popular places include Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, The Greenhouse, and Fera at Claridge’s.
The area features a wide range of cuisines, from Armenian and West African to French and Indian. Mayfair invites cultured dining experiences.
Mayfair isn’t only for sophisticated dining. For quick bites, artisan coffee and laid-back lunches, choose from the many independent coffee shops and cafés.
After the meal, visit one of the many chic bars. May Fair Bar is home to live music, cocktails and sharing platters while The Iron Duke is a traditional family-friendly pub.
Things To Do in Mayfair
Shopping and fine dining are just part of Mayfair’s story. Mayfair is also home to numerous premium art galleries, theatres, and museums. For Phantom of the Opera, visit His Majesty’s Theatre, or walk towards ‘theatreland’ towards Piccadilly. Art lovers enjoy contemporary exhibitions at Halcyon Gallery, HOFA for fine art, and Opera Gallery London for paintings and sculptures.
Mayfair is known for its esteemed private members clubs, including Annabel’s, 27 Private Members Club, Georges, and The Arts Club.
Other things to do in Mayfair include visiting auction houses, Sotheby’s and Christie's, the Cinema at Selfridges, Curzon Mayfair, and exploring the Grade II listed Beaumont Hotel.
Transport in Mayfair
Central and connected, moving in, around and out of Mayfair is simple. At the edge of Mayfair’s centre, there are six underground stations covering the Jubilee, Central, Elizabeth and Bakerloo lines.
Driving your own car in Mayfair will incur a congestion charge; however, residents can get a discount. Taxis are abundant here and ready to take you further afield around the city.
For international travel, Mayfair is an excellent central point. Heathrow Airport is a 50-minute journey away by tube on the Elizabeth Line, and London City Airport is 45 minutes in the opposite direction via the Jubilee Line. Reach King’s Cross St Pancras in 20 minutes and travel to Amsterdam, Paris, Bruges, and Brussels – for work or pleasure.
Education in Mayfair
Mayfair is home to outstanding schools across primary and secondary.
Westminster School is one of the UK’s top independent schools just south of St. James’s Park.
Other respected schools in the local area include Connaught House Preparatory School for children aged 4 to 11 and Queens College London, a high-achieving and diverse school just outside Mayfair close to Cavendish Square.
Sylvia Young Theatre School is in nearby Marylebone. The specialist performing arts school offers high-level academic and vocational studies and has taught celebrities such as Amy Winehouse and Rita Ora.
For higher education, Westminster University is at the North of Mayfair, and Imperial College London is a little further to the west.
Properties in Mayfair
Queen Ann style houses dominate and define Mayfair’s architecture. The red-brick or stucco-fronted properties are tall, symmetrical, and grand. While some remain large homes, others are modern apartments retaining their original features. But there’s more to Mayfair than five-story buildings.
Throughout the streets, Mayfair is home to quaint mews houses with something special. While some feature gyms or garages, others have roof terraces, cinema rooms, and saunas.
Freehold townhouses and homes with gardens are rare in Mayfair, fetching them a premium.
Tastefully and carefully designed, new build properties to fit with the local look and feel of the area. Some older buildings have been restored with care to create incredible spaces to look at and live in.
Green Spaces in Mayfair
Backing onto Hyde Park and The Green Park, Mayfair is perfectly positioned for residents to enjoy leafy green spaces and all that happens here, including running routes, music events, and playgrounds.
Within Mayfair, you’ll find Grosvenor Square, Berkley Square, and St James’s Square, all of which provide serene spaces to enjoy.
While the manicured gardens are a space to rest, the play parks offer children a chance to explore the outside. To the south of Mayfair, St James’s Park Playground features climbing frames, a sandbox and a snack bar. Nestled by the lake, this is a calm outside space to enjoy with children.
Annual Events and Festivals in Mayfair
Mayfair hosts a wealth of events to bring together the community. From Burn’s night dinners and networking evenings to quiz nights and wine tastings, Mayfair has an event every night of the week.
Famously, nearby Hyde Park hosts Winter Wonderland each year. People from all over come to enjoy the festivities, which include fairground rides, live music, food and drink, and ice skating.
Running events, such as the Royal Parks Half Marathon, take place in Hyde Park, Green Park, St James’s Park, and Kensington Gardens.
With its handsome architecture, fine dining restaurants and high-end shopping experiences, Mayfair is a sophisticated location brimming with class.
For more information on Mayfair and its properties, contact us.
