WORLD-FAMOUS AS A GILDED SHOPPING DISTRICT, THE BOND-STREET AREA ALSO BOASTS SOME OF THE GRANDEST HOMES IN MAYFAIR, JUST A SHORT WALK FROM ITS JEWELLERS, HOTELS AND GALLERIES
A trip down Bond Street and New Bond Street is a roll-call of the finest jewellers and watchmakers in the world: Cartier, Fabergé, Bulgari, Boodles, Graff, Rolex, Patek Philippe, Tiffany… But like a beautiful diamond, the street has benefited from a reset and polish in recent years.
First impressions
A trip down Bond Street and New Bond Street is a roll-call of the finest jewellers and watchmakers in the world: Cartier, Fabergé, Bulgari, Boodles, Graff, Rolex, Patek Philippe, Tiffany… But like a beautiful diamond, the street has benefited from a reset and polish in recent years.
The construction of the Elizabeth Line on Bond Street has provided the catalyst for the
delivery of placemaking upgrades. New development around Hanover Square has transformed the once rather forlorn square into a vibrant new hub in the heart of the West
End. Further improvements include the widening of pavements and decluttering of Bond Street itself to cope with the extra Elizabeth Line footfall. Burberry has reopened, Claridges has benefited from a new five-storey extension and Watches of Switzerland plans to open a 7,200 sq ft flagship on Old Bond Street next summer.
“Old Bond Street and New Bond Street lie in one of Mayfair’s oldest quarters, with Hanover Square being created in 1717 on land owned by the Earl of Scarborough,” says Peter Wetherell of Wetherell estate agents. “The area offer an amazing shopping experience.”
Wetherell is currently selling a flat opposite Claridges on Davies Street, another on Maddox Street, a new development in the Art Quarter at Cork Street and a three-bedroom triplex penthouse stunner on Old Bond Street, opposite The Ritz. Pieds-à-terre go to cosmopolitan buyers who love the area’s cachet.
“Bond Street has an enduring appeal with world-class fashion boutiques, global businesses, discreet residences and exceptional cuisine,” says Alastair Nicholson, head of sales in Knight Frank’s Mayfair office. “The opening of the Elizabeth Line and the extensive works around Hanover Square have added to the area’s exclusivity.”
A Day Out in Bond Street
9AM
Making a list
Get ready for the day ahead by having breakfast at The Wolseley. As a haven for shoppers, the perfect gift awaits on Bond Street. In jewellery there are new collections Manhattan and Jazz in Boodles, Cartier and Jessica McCormack, where you can eat nibbles while browsing. In fashion find Chanel, Burberry and Church’s.
11AM
Handcrafted with love
Looking for festive entertainment for the younger members of the family? FIELD
in Fortnum & Mason will be hosting a Christmas Ornament Decorating Workshop for children aged five to nine, who must be accompanied by adults. Let their creativity flow to decorate ornaments that can be hung on the Christmas tree and be treasured for years to come. It’s advised to wear clothing that you don’t mind getting messy.
1PM
Fine-dining and festive fare
As a neighbourhood boasting the finest hotels, visitors won’t be short of magic. The Beaumont on Balderton Street has a Jazz Age afternoon tea, with Hemingway-inspired cocktails. At The Connaught, above on Carlos Place, sample the Michelin-starred Hélène Darroze. The hotel offers a special festive two-night stay, including a letter penned by Santa himself.
3PM
12 Gifts of Christmas
Glide across Hanover Square’s brand new Skate West End. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or new to the ice, take a turn. Every ticket sold will raise funds for children’s charity Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), whose logo has inspired the shape of the rink.
5PM
Hit the high notes
The London Christmas carol concert is always in aid of a good cause. At the Grosvenor Chapel in Mayfair service for Chain of Hope (7 December), readers will include Baroness Floella Benjamin.
Ask a local: Richard Williams, Assistant Concierge at Brown’s Hotel
“The Bond Street area is a refined slice of London, but it’s got a hidden side where you can find some really unique – historic places like artisanal chocolatiers Charbonnel & Walker, premium cigar experts James J. Fox, or Lock & Co., the world’s oldest hatters – it’s like stepping back in time – and there’s always something quirky and cool to see at Paul Smith’s store. For some peace and quiet, you can’t beat Truefitt & Hill for a spot of old-world pampering, or take a stroll through Green Park – an oasis of calm in the heart of the city.”
Food & Drink
20 BERKELEY
Berkeley Street
One of the stars of the 2023 food scene. This winter, tuck into this grill restaurant’s brunch offering. ’Tis the season to catch up with old friends, indulge in a cosy atmosphere and order from a menu which includes delectable dishes such as smoked trout royale, smoked marrow and short-rib hash, and spicy lobster brioche rolls.
HAKKASAN
Bruton Street
A London classic, Hakkasan’s seasonal menu is testament to the establishment’s long running reputation for excellence. The Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant, which is famed for its Peking duck, new dim sum flavours include Shanghai scallop dumpling with curry sauce, and on the heartier side, butter miso venison with baby gem cup and the supreme stock ribbon noodle, soft-boiled egg and black truffle.
LAVO
Marylebone Lane
Serving Italian cuisine with coastal flair, LAVO was another highly anticipated addition to the London dining scene. Get into the buon natale spirit via a slice of the dolce vita, with dishes ranging from super- fresh pasta, such as tagliatelle al limone infused with marjoram, sweet butter and Oscietra caviar. Be sure to leave room for the already iconic 20-layer chocolate cake.
CAVITA
Wigmore Street
The debut restaurant from chef-owner Adriana Cavita, celebrates the wonders and vibrancy of Mexican cuisine. Downstairs in the Mayahuel, guests can unwind with a cocktail or two to toast to another year, before or after dinner. Whether you want to share or have plates for yourself, discover the joys of Mexican food. cavitarestaurant.com
CLARIDGE’S
Brook Street
With a reputation that proceeds itself, the quintessentially London hotel’s festive menu will include Christmas classics with a Claridge’s twist. Find everything from roast turkey to beef Wellington and desserts including Claridge’s Christmas pudding and Black Forest gateau, served in the art deco Foyer & Reading Room.
Schools in the area
With the motto ‘go shine in the world’ and welcoming children of all faiths, St George’s CE Primary School on Hanover Square enjoys an enviable location and serves the community well, but its most recent Ofsted report details ‘requires improvement’. As one would expect, there are many excellent fee- paying schools in the area. Many are gathered on Portland Place, including Queen’s College Prep for girls, which was established in 2002 and where most pupils head up to older sister school, Queen’s College London. Abercorn caters for both girls and boys aged 2-16). For boys, the outstanding Wetherby Prep on Bryanston Square is one of the most sought-after preps in central London, and feeds into Wetherby Senior as well as some of the top schools in the country. For senior boys and girls, Eaton Square School’s establishment on 106 Piccadilly boasts a location in the heart of the action, and uses the West End as a classroom.
Ask an agent: Bond Street on The Market
Paul Finch, Head of new homes and developments, Beauchamp Estates
“For many, Bond Street is not only one of the world’s most famous luxury retail destinations, but also Mayfair’s principal road. A village in the city, with its own districts, parks and places, Mayfair is an exceptional place to live: Shepherd Market is a favourite of mine as it’s where Mayfair began and offers charm on a more compact scale. However, the grandeur and green space of Grosvenor and Berkeley Squares never fail to charm. The intimacy of Mayfair offers those fortunate enough to call it home an exceptional quality of life – with the most amazing array of world cuisine and leading art institutions, Mayfair is a real community. Exceptionally well connected in all corners, the Elizabeth Line has further increased this, with Heathrow now just 35 minutes from Bond Street station and Canary Wharf just over 22 minutes away.” beauchamp.co.uk
CULROSS HOUSE
It doesn’t get more glamorous than this. A newly built, 8,060 sq ft, six- bedroom Mayfair townhouse, complete with glass lift, marble floors, indoor pool and staff quarters. Guide price £23.95m Agent: beauchamp.com
DAVIES STREET
This elegant one-bedroom apartment in a period building opposite Claridge’s comes with a long lease and high ceilings. The perfect pied-à-terre. £1.9m. Agent: wetherell.co.uk
BOURDON STREET
The former home of 1960s fashion photographer Terence Donovan offers six bedrooms over four floors, a beautiful glass lift and light-filled atrium. £18.25m. Agent: knightfrank.co.uk
© 2024 