There’s nowhere quite like Mayfair; one of the world’s most affluent neighbourhoods, it’s home to five-star hotels, world class galleries, feted restaurants, glitzy night spots and, of course, the best designer shopping. And, with its elegant Georgian architecture, it’s one of the Capital’s most aesthetically pleasing and architecturally celebrated areas.
Photography by Emmanuelle Peri
Local Heroes
Jamavar, W1K
Matthew Huybrechts from Dexters recommends visiting Jamavar, an exquisite fine dining restaurant that serves delectable dishes from all parts of India. “The interior is simply beautiful and the service is outstanding,” he says. “It’s the perfect place for a leisurely lunch or an evening meal.” Jamavar can be found on the world-famous Mount Street, situated between Grosvenor Square and Berkeley Square. “I would definitely recommend Jamavar to anyone visiting or moving into the area,” says Matthew. “I always look forward to stopping by for a bite to eat.”
8 Mount Street, W1K (020 7499 1800; jamavarrestaurants.com)
Bocconcino, W1J
For Benham & Reeves’ Philip Lingard, eateries like Bocconcino are driving a welcome change in the area. “Like many other upscale London neighbourhoods, Mayfair is throwing off its stuffy image, loosening corporate ties and embracing generational change,” he says. “The designer shops still dazzle and the galleries still inspire awe, but there’s a funkier edge to the area that’s making its presence felt, especially in the restaurants, and Bocconcino is a fine example. This is a local Italian for the glitterati, where the opulence of the décor is more than matched by the lavishness of the menu.
19 Berkeley Square, W1J (020 7499 4510; bocconcinorestaurant.co.uk)
The Twenty Two, W1K
Claire Reynolds from Savills gives a shout out to a very local hero. “The new hotel has recently opened on the corner of Grosvenor Square and North Audley Street, where our office is located,” she says. “The doormen there are exceptional – there are always two of them, beautifully dressed, and they have the biggest smiles greeting absolutely everyone who walks past, not just guests of the hotel. They add a ray of sunshine and additional warmth and friendliness to our street, we walk past them multiple times a day to and from viewings, and it has been a pleasure welcoming them as our neighbours.”
22 Grosvenor Square, W1K (020 3988 5022; the22.london)
Meet the locals
Sakshi Chhabra
Founder, Foodhak
Our offices are in Mayfair and it is London at its most luxurious, where the streets are paved with Georgian houses, designer fashion and destination hotels and restaurants.
It’s easy to get lost in the gloss, but it’s the nooks and crannies that make it so special. I must begin with a shout out to Shepherd Market, which is like a village in itself. It was developed in the 18th century square by a developer and architect called Edward Shepherd. I was raised in India, so for me, it’s full of olde world charm and so quintessentially British. In the 1920s, the elite lived here and today it still has such quirky appeal. Everything you need is here. Boutiques, jewellery shops, cobblers, newsagents, along with restaurants and Victorian pubs. Sadly, the flappers and the 1920s rakes have gone…
From the idiosyncrasies of Shepherd Market to the gilded luxury of the hotels. It’s such challenge to settle on an actual favourite. The agony of choice means that you have to choose between Claridge’s, The Beaumont, Brown’s, The Connaught and the Martini at DUKES! However it’s that David Collins-designed bar at The Connaught which has the edge and draws me back time-after-time. Those who want their cocktails with a side-order of theatrics should head down to Mr Fogg’s. Cocktail aficionados can choose from a huge selection of rare spirits and botanicals; all drinks are influenced by Phileas Fogg’s adventures. It’s a super fun hangout.
If you’re a foodie, you’re spoiled for choice in Mayfair. One of my favourites is Isabel. With its gold-fabric lined walls, mirrored ebony bar and polished brass lamps adorning the ceiling, it’s certainly a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. For Tuscan-inspired modern Italian food, Il Borro is one of the area’s newbies. It is fine dining in the most beautiful of settings and it also incorporates biodiversity and organic farming.
For casual Indian street food, I go to Bombay Bustle which is great for warding-off homesickness. Disclaimer alert: it’s street food at the higher-end, but this is Mayfair, so no surprises there. It’s owned by my friend, Samyukta Nair, who lives and breathes hospitality – and it shows. For the best tandoori food in town, I’m going to go off-piste but only to Covent Garden. I have to give a special mention to Tandoor Chop House. It’s run by my brother in law and genuinely does the best tandoori food in town.
Finally, if you want to go truly iconic, it has to be Quaglino’s. Who could forget that scene in The Crown where Camilla had lunch with Princess Diana? For Eddie and Patsy it was always “Quags for lunch sweetie?” When you’re immortalised in Absolutely Fabulous, you know you’re a London institution.
foodhak.com
Streethearts
Lancashire Court
Tucked away from buzzy Bond Street, this quaint mews-style lane is home to a selection of shops and restaurants, including Mews Mayfair, whose tables spill onto the pavement
Mount Street
If fashion is your thing, you’ll find it here – the smart street is home to the crème de la crème of international and home-grown brands, along with some seriously sought-after foodie spots
Burlington Arcade
Opened in 1891, this is the world’s oldest and longest arcade. Beautiful Georgian canopies cover over 40 of the Capital’s most desirable boutiques, from jewellers to perfumers