Welcome to Mayfair, a vibrant district in London that seamlessly blends opulence and tradition. This captivating neighborhood is renowned for its exorbitant real estate prices, rivaling the famed board game property on the Monopoly board. Get ready to explore a captivating world of five-star hotels, designer boutiques, exquisite dining, and hidden gems.
Scientific Discovery at the Royal Institution
Immerse yourself in the world of science at the Royal Institution, a Grade I listed building on Albermarle Street. Founded in 1799, this esteemed institution has been dedicated to promoting scientific education and research for over two centuries. The current Patron is Her Majesty The Queen, showcasing its royal ties.
The Royal Institution is most recognized for its Christmas Lectures, captivating science presentations that have featured renowned figures like Michael Faraday. Explore the fascinating world of science through interactive activities, guided tours of the historic building, and a visit to the Faraday Museum, a testament to the institution’s groundbreaking research. A highlight is the preserved Faraday’s magnetic laboratory from the 1850s, juxtaposed against a modern nanotechnology lab.
Grosvenor Square: A Glimpse into Mayfair’s Past
At the heart of Mayfair lies Grosvenor Square, a testament to the influence of the Duke of Westminster. The square, named after Sir Richard Grosvenor, the first Duke of Westminster, who developed the area around 1721, boasts a rich history and a touch of elegance.
Grosvenor Square once housed the American Embassy, its iconic façade still dominating one side of the square, featuring a large golden eagle. A poignant memorial honoring the British victims of the 9/11 tragedy, and statues of three American presidents – Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eisenhower, and Ronald Reagan – add a touch of international history to the square.
Haunted History and Tranquility at Berkeley Square
Step into Berkeley Square, where history whispers through the cobblestone streets. Number 50, known as London’s most haunted house, was once the residence of George Canning, a former Prime Minister. But it is Mr. Myers, a 19th-century resident who was jilted at the altar, who is said to haunt the house, his ghostly presence lingering in the upper floors.
Despite its spooky reputation, Berkeley Square is an oasis of tranquility. Its beautiful gardens, laid out in the 18th century, offer a welcome respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. A Grade II listed London plane tree, planted in 1789, stands as a testament to time, its size, health, and historical significance making it the “most valuable street tree in Britain.”
Savile Row: The Birthplace of Bespoke
For fashion enthusiasts, a visit to Savile Row is a pilgrimage. Home to over 40 tailors, Savile Row is synonymous with “bespoke” tailoring, where suits are meticulously crafted by hand.
The area’s character is protected by the combined efforts of the Savile Row Bespoke Association, founded in 2004, and the Pollen Estate who, in collaboration with the local council, safeguard the street’s tailoring heritage.
Fortnum & Mason: A Royal Legacy
A visit to Mayfair wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Fortnum & Mason, London’s most famous grocery store. Founded by William Fortnum, a royal footman during Queen Anne’s reign, it started by selling repurposed candles. Now, Fortnum & Mason is renowned for its exquisite selection of tea, biscuits, and elegant picnic hampers.
Mount Street: A Haven for Fashionistas
Parallel to Piccadilly lies Mount Street, a Queen Anne Revival street, where fashionistas can indulge in the latest trends. The street boasts exclusive boutiques featuring renowned labels like Loewe, Lavin, Balenciaga, and Louboutin.
The Ritz: A Symbol of Ultimate Luxury
Along Park Lane, home to a plethora of five-star hotels, stands The Ritz, a symbol of ultimate luxury and elegance. This iconic building, constructed in just two years on the site of an old coaching inn, was opened in 1906 by Swiss hotelier Cesar Ritz.
Apsley House: A Step Back in Time
Apsley House, located at Number One, London, boasts an impressive collection of art, porcelain, and silverware. Originally the home of the first Duke of Wellington, it remains largely preserved as it would have been in 1815, when he achieved victory at Waterloo.
Pace Gallery: A Destination for Art Connoisseurs
Pace Gallery, a New York outpost located near the Royal Academy, is one of London’s most influential modern and contemporary art galleries. This art haven features works by renowned artists such as Hockney, Rothko, Picasso, Hepworth, and Rauschenberg.
Grosvenor House Hotel: A Legacy of Luxury
Just a short walk from the Dorchester, Grosvenor House Hotel, opened in 1929, was the first London hotel to feature en-suite bathrooms in every room. The Great Room, initially designed as an ice rink, was quickly converted into a ballroom and banqueting hall, hosting the legendary Queen Charlotte’s Birthday Ball, a highlight of the London Season.
St James’s Church: A Historical Gem
St James’s Church, a Christopher Wren masterpiece, was partially destroyed by a bomb in 1940. Despite the wartime damage, the church retains many original features, including a stunning carved 17th-century screen. Today, it hosts concerts, talks, and events, adding a touch of history to the bustling district.
Brown’s Hotel: An English Country Retreat in the City
Step into Brown’s Hotel, founded in 1837, where history and luxury intertwine. This quintessentially English hotel, London’s first five-star establishment, was the first to host the first British telephone call during Alexander Graham Bell’s visit in 1877. Many famous dignitaries, authors, and artists have resided at Brown’s, making it a testament to its enduring charm.
The Burlington Arcade: A Shopping Haven
Mayfair is renowned for its designer shops, and The Burlington Arcade, one of the earliest shopping arcades, opened its doors in 1819. This elegant passage, running behind Bond Street, is lined with luxury boutiques and patrolled by Burlington Arcade beadles in their traditional top hats and frockcoats.
Wigmore Hall: A Symphony of Sound
Built between 1899 and 1901, the Wigmore Hall, designed by Thomas Edward Collcutt, is known for its intimate chamber orchestra concerts. The hall hosts Sunday morning concerts, offering a delightful combination of classical music and refreshments.
Claridges: A Haven of Luxury and Elegance
Claridges, founded in 1812 as Mivart’s Hotel, has been a symbol of luxury and elegance for over two centuries. Purchased by Richard D’Oyly Carte, the founder of the Savoy Hotel, in 1894, Claridges was completely rebuilt, adding lifts and en-suite bathrooms. Today, it attracts film stars, musicians, and discerning travelers seeking the ultimate in luxury.
Bond Street: The Epitome of Haute Couture
If Oxford Street is London’s most popular shopping street, Bond Street reigns supreme as the city’s most exclusive destination. Home to every major luxury brand, Bond Street boasts the highest density of haute couture stores in the world.
The Royal Academy: A Celebration of Art
Burlington House, home to the Royal Academy, is a haven for art enthusiasts. This 250-year-old institution is managed by elected artists, Royal Academicians, whose works form the core of the permanent collection. The Royal Academy is entirely privately funded, thanks to a thriving Friends scheme and generous donations.
The Dorchester: A Prestigious Landmark
The Dorchester, one of the most renowned hotels on Park Lane, stands on the site of Dorchester House, a mansion built in 1853. This iconic hotel, opened in 1931, has been a symbol of prestige and elegance for generations.
Shepherd Market: A Historical Tapestry
Mayfair itself takes its name from a 15-day fair established by James II in the 1680s. The fair was held at Shepherd Market, which underwent a transformation in the mid-18th century, when architect Edward Shepherd redeveloped the area. Shepherd Market’s history is a tapestry woven with tradition, entertainment, and a hint of intrigue.
Gagosian: A Global Art Powerhouse
Mayfair is renowned for its private art galleries and dealers, with Larry Gagosian, a prominent figure in the art world, boasting two galleries in the district: Davies Street Gallery and Grosvenor Hill Gallery. Gagosian specializes in contemporary and modern art exhibitions, representing some of the world’s most famous artists, including Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, Damien Hirst, and Pablo Picasso.
