KNOWN AS THE HISTORIC HEART OF PRIME CENTRAL LONDON, IN RECENT YEARS this enclave HAS REINVENTED ITSELF as a hotspot for A NEW GENERATION OF HIGH-EARNING PROFESSIONALS
It’s time to change perceptions about Mayfair. Its stuffy and deeply traditional past is well and truly behind it. Historic buildings have been recrafted to accommodate five-star serviced lateral apartments of jaw-dropping luxury. Shops reflect the area’s kudos as a fashion and arts district, and its restaurants are among the finest in the capital.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Its attractions are appealing to a much younger generation, particularly those who work in tech industries. “There’s a really healthy appetite among those aged 29 and under to live in prime central London, particularly Mayfair,” says Kate Hefferman, head of lettings at Savills Mayfair.
“In fact, nearly half (49 per cent) of all our current tenants are aged 29 and under, with more applicants in this age range showing a keen interest in the W1 postcode – a vast contrast from 2016 when the average age of our tenants was 55.” The buyer profile is a combination of “international money and an active pool of domestic buyers”, says Claire Reynolds, head of sales at Savills Mayfair.
“What remains a common theme between all buyers is the lifestyle they’re in search of – a sought-after postcode, proximity to private members’ clubs, bars and restaurants, as well as the world-class shopping that Mayfair’s arguably most famed for,” she says.
Turnkey flats and lateral conversions finished to show-home standards are popular with millennials coming here to work in the fintech, finance and gaming sectors. “British, European and American buyers are drawn to more traditional buildings, while Asian buyers love and favour new builds,” according to Samuel Richardson, head of sales at Carter Jonas’s Mayfair office.
A DAY OUT
9AM
Luxe out
Get the circulation flowing with Third Space on Clarges Street. The boutique London health clubs deliver award-winning personal training and have touches of wellness that make all the difference, from Himalayan salt-walled saunas to cycling shoes. Explore a range of classes, from dance and swimming to studio cycling, to start your day off on the right foot.
11AM
Starry start
Head over to Stratton Street for a nutritious breakfast at Langan’s Brasserie . Co-founded by actor Sir Michael Caine in the 1970s, it has seen the likes of Mick Jagger, Muhammad Ali and Dame Joan Collins walk through its doors. Skim the menu for pick me-ups after a gruelling workout, such as Langan’s fiery recovery shot with lemon, ginger and pepper.
1.30 PM
The art of lunch
With illustrious art and antiques links with the LAPADA fair held in Berkeley Square, take time to venture to Mayfair’s galleries including Phillip’s, Mayfair Gallery on South Audley Street, and Gagosian on Grosvenor Hill. Head to Sketch Gallery, above, designed by India Mahdavi with works from artist Yinka Shonibare, for an arty lunch.
3PM
Material world
No trip to Mayfair is complete without a little retail therapy. Mount Street is home to designers Jenny Packham, Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera to name just a few. For a good night’s sleep, Savoir Beds is home to made-to-order beds, while Thomas Goode & Co on South Audley Street is renowned for high-end tableware.
5PM
Ace of clubs
Choose from a variety of clubs that combine luxury with impeccable interiors. The most famous is Annabel’s, however there are others: The Arts Club on Dover Street, Little House Mayfair on Queen Street and The Twenty Two on Grosvenor Square.
ASK A LOCAL: STEPHEN WEBSTER MBE
Stephen Webster founder and creative director of Stephen Webster Jewellery: “In search of a location for our new boutique, I finally settled on the stunningly elegant, but sleepy Mount Street in 2008.
Other areas simply cannot compete with what Mayfair offers: the martini bar at the Connaught Hotel, was voted the best bar in the world; truffle focaccia and wagyu amid the stylish and lush foliage of Sparrow restaurant on Avery Row; Mount St restaurant, above the Audley pub, is a culinary treat surrounded by blue-chip artworks.
And if it’s heavyweight artistic indulgence you’re after, there’s the Royal Academy. The thousands of other reasons to be cheerful about being a Mayfair resident, would fill an additional volume of Samuel Pepys‘ diary.” stephenwebster.com
MAYFAIR: FOOD & DRINK
42 Albemarle Street
Known for contemporary and classic Indian cuisine, the restaurant is split over two floors with British Raj-inspired interiors. Inspired by the elite clubs of India, find delights such as Goan prawn curry and archari paneer tikka with fig. Maintaining its Michelin star since 2014, Gymkhana now offers diners a range of its finest cooking sauces, marinades and chutneys to try at home.
34 Grosvenor Square
Famed for its decadent and seasonally decorated facades, the 34’s food is equally delightful. The modern grill restaurant is the perfect setting for all times of day and occasions, from celebrating a milestone to low-key lunch with friends. From roast fillet of halibut to corn tacos salmon tartare with red chilli dressing, the rich and varied menu has something for everyone.
28 Upper Grosvenor Street
Opened in 2008 by renowed chef Richard Corrigan, the eatery serves modern British and Irish cuisine, with dishes such as rack of Welsh lamb and hand-dived Orkney scallops, head chef Luke Ahearne uses seasonal produce to bring his own twist. Corrigan’s hosts wine dinners, shining a light on their favourite producers (the next on 27 June).
68 Duke Street
The sustainable restaurant is a low-waste operation using British produce full of flavour. Awarded a Michelin Green Star in March, Apricity offers a selection of low-intervention wines. Menu highlights include butter-poached Cornish cod with fresh flour orzo. For pudding lovers, rhubarb granita with ‘goldencombe’ is a must-have.
20 Mount Street
For seafood, look no further than the legendary Scott’s Mayfair. The long-established A-list favourite is lead by head chef David McCarthy. Classic, refined and elegant, the menu includes French, English and Irish oysters, beluga caviar, a plateau de fruits de mer to share, Dover sole on the bone and lobster thermidor.
SCHOOLS
For tiny tots, there are plenty of nurseries within walking distance. Bryanston Nursery at Marble Arch welcomes children from three months until the age of five and has bright, spacious rooms, while Miss Daisy’s Nursery has a Hyde Park branch in Connaught Village, with its own secret garden and forest school area.
For prep-age children, St George’s Hanover Square CE Primary offers a Christian education and values, but welcomes boys and girls from multi-faith backgrounds. Wetherby Prep in Bryanston Square is one of the most sought-after schools for boys aged seven to 13 in central London, with pupils going on to prestigious secondaries.
Wetherby Senior for boys is in nearby Marylebone, while Eaton Square Senior has an enviable location on 106 Piccadilly for girls and boys, pictured above. Pupils, who at present come from 41 different nationalities, enjoy a wealth of museums, galleries and theatres on their doorstep.
MAYFAIR: ON THE MARKET
ASK AN AGENT: PETER WETHERELL, FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF WETHERELL
”In 1983, I sold a two-bedroom apartment in Grosvenor Square for £400,000. I sold it to Countess Spencer, stepmother to Diana, Princess of Wales and today I’m now selling a similar apartment next door at £8.5m.
Today’s Mayfair has settled into “Mayfair Village”, the residential heart to the west of Berkeley and Grosvenor Squares (think Mount Street, Scott’s and The Connaught), with “Mayfair Town” to the east for shopping and offices from Berkeley Square to Bond Street and onto Regent Street.
Within 28 acres lies 350 years of history. Its 5,500 residents enjoy 80 per cent of the world’s leading retail brands that also service guests in the 4,000 5* hotel rooms. Tip: For future growth, hotspots are “North Mayfair” from Grosvenor Square to Selfridges and Shepherd Market down to Piccadilly.”
NORTH AUDLEY STREET
A three-storey, three-bedroom maisonette with private terrace and garden in the bustling heart of Mayfair. Set in an elaborate red-brick former vicarage, and next door to the former St Mark’s church – now the food and wine haven, Mercato Mayfair – this is a stunning address. £7,500 pw.Agent: wetherell.co.uk
20 GROSVENOR SQUARE
This magnificent four-bedroom family apartment comes with concierge and services by Four Seasons, including pool, gym, spa, valet parking… the works. £21.5m Agent: carterjonas.co.uk
ALBEMARLE STREET
In the heart of Mayfair’s art-and-fashion district, this spectacular loft-style lateral third-floor apartment offers three bedrooms and open-plan living with library. £14m. Agent: savills.com
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