Mayfair’s reputation as one of the most fashionable residential districts in the capital dates back to the mid-18th century. Stunning, grand, Georgian architecture characterises this elegant part of town.
To this day, property in Mayfair is coveted by any Londoner who enjoys the finer things in life and Residential Land is proud to have a selection of gorgeous homes in the W1 postcode.
To celebrate the area we’ve put together our favourite haunts of Mayfair, a few of which even the most seasoned Londoner might not have visited.
1 – Momo
Momo proclaims to be “London’s Original North African den”. Aside from the original, it is almost definitely the favourite. Mourad, the owner, arrived in London in 1995 and unable to find any authentic North African cafés serving the food he loved and missed from his home in Algeria, he set up his own. 20 years later and Momo keeps getting bigger and better. Mourad has even established his own record label Mo’Zik, promoting music with diverse influences.
Faces including George Lucas have been spotted in this unassuming restaurant. Come to Momo for hot and cold mezze dishes, live performances and an unbeatable atmosphere.
2 – Handel and Hendrix museum
Separated by a wall and 200 years are the homes of two canonical musicians who made London their home and are still much loved today. Whether you’re into rock or baroque, the Handel and Hendrix museum has something for you. Did you know that Hendrix in fact owned a copy of Handel’s Messiah on vinyl? The rooms in either apartment are meticulously restored, making this a fascinating look into the history of the London home.
If you love a home with a legacy, you will adore our Duke Street property. These unique apartments make up a six storey Victorian red brick, Grade II listed building just around the corner from Selfridges.
3 – Royal Academy of Arts
The Royal Academy of Arts was founded in 1768 when the architect Sir William Chambers (who designed Somerset House) presented King George III with a petition signed by 36 artists to establish ‘a society promoting the Arts and Design’. Ever since, the academy has been the place to celebrate contemporary artists and to promote the practice of art as well as the appreciation of it.
The current exhibition From Life runs until the 11 March 2018, it celebrates a range of work spanning the academy’s 250 years and ponders how technology will be reflected in art. Grab something tasty from Fortnum & Mason (just over the road) and while away a cold afternoon admiring the collection and the building it is housed in.
4 – Berry Bros and Rudd
This beautiful shop has been selling wine at this site since 1698, but the cellars date back to ancient times – this is a bona fide vintage. Berry Bros and Rudd hold two royal warrants and are still to this day run by members of the original Berry and Rudd families. Celebrated clientele includes Lord Byron, William Pitt, and Napoleon even held secret meetings in the cellars while he was in exile.
There is something here to suit every taste, and every budget – prices range from eye-watering to getting change from a tenner. Visit Berry Bros and Rudd to indulge your inner sommelier, to quaff a couple of glasses and to soak up the history.
5 – Royal Institution
The Royal Institution was founded in 1799 with the revolutionary intention of teaching science and introducing new technologies to the general public. Over 200 years later and the public are still welcome to wander in to this magnificent building for a lecture from the leading brains in the field. Take any young scientists in the family to one of the family masterclasses on the weekend and see their faces light up in awe as they assist the scientists with their experiments.
6 – Cad and the Dandy
Mayfair is famous for many things, but Savile Row is synonymous with the image of the British gentleman. So synonymous in fact, that the Japanese word for suit is actually ‘sabiro’ (try saying it out loud).
Our pick for the dapper gentleman about town is Cad and the Dandy, who combine traditional craftsmanship with a quintessentially British edge to create bespoke handmade suits. Each pattern is cut by hand and the suits are sewn together with age old hand techniques – a genuinely personal touch.
7 – Burlington Arcade
Step through the whale mouth entrance to Burlington Arcade and be transported to an opulent bygone era. Established in 1819 by Lord Cavendish to provide employment for ‘industrious females’, this covered promenade of shops was designed to be a haven away from the bustling market streets of London – to this day it is still guarded by Beadles who will scold shoppers for whistling, running, and ‘making merry loudly’.
Be sure to visit the luxury British perfume house Penhaligon’s who use the same fragrances and bottle designs as Mr Penhaligon mayfairdid when he first opened shop in 1870. Or make a trip to the shoe shine – who will have you spruced up for the nominal fee of £3.50. What’s more, its just a ten minute walk across the iconic Berkeley Square away from our chic Hill Street properties.