Meander through London’s Mayfair neighborhood and you’ll wander past countless fancy shops, beautiful cafés, luxurious hotels and elite art galleries in one of the city’s most affluent corridors. Whether or not you're able to indulge in all 16 of these recommendations, a May stroll through Mayfair is sure to impress with its historic architecture and flash floral pop-ups. Just be sure to dress for the occasion, as you wouldn't want to rub shoulders with any royals and not feel every bit the part.
Reporter: Alyssa Brown
photo by My London Fairytales
Travel
How to Spend a May Day in London’s Poshest Neighborhood
Meander through London’s Mayfair neighborhood and you’ll wander past countless fancy shops, beautiful cafés, luxurious hotels and elite art galleries in one of the city’s most affluent corridors. Whether or...
photo by My London Fairytales
The legendary nightclub of choice for London’s elite, Annabel’s recently reopened (two doors down from its original location) with interiors that ooze luxury, glitz and glamor. Highlights include London’s most buzzed-about loo with pink onyx sinks and gold swan taps, de Gournay’s finest hand painted wallpapers, a lush courtyard, a dog walker and an ice carver – the list goes on and on in varying levels of opulence.
Hanging out in Mayfair is bound to have you feeling fancy, so you might as well indulge in the best caviar around. Head to Caviar House and Prunier Piccadilly if you’re craving a seafood bar and a bottle of bubbles.
Garsageel saffron and rose cakes, fig tarts, dulche de leche caneles, caramel popcorn blondies and more delicious pastries are served up in this Mayfair café. A proper space for afternoon tea, the interior of Élan is just as sweet a treat to look at.
Contemporary and modern art adorn the walls of Maddox Gallery. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or looking to purchase an original Warhol, Koons or Banksy, this is your spot.
Sketch is *the* it-place for afternoon tea in Mayfair. Surrounded by art and the powderiest of pink walls, tables and ceilings, you’ll be sipping on your choice of tea or bubbly while nibbling on finger sandwiches, scones with cream, and sweet treats delivered on tiered trays and rolling trolleys.
The Connaught is one of London’s best 5-star hotels, set in the heart of Mayfair. A stay here is luxe and glam, including access to an Aman spa and a Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant.
Mayfair’s go-to for bespoke fragrances, Creed Boutique offers fragrance blending and consultations in a space that’ll please all of your senses. Be sure to ask about their monogramming if you’re considering a gift purchase.
The Dorchester overlooks Mayfair’s Hyde Park and serves as a lovely launch point for a tour around the neighborhood and the rest of London. The rooms here are elegant and perfectly primped -- the ideal stay for a special occasion.
Your retail habit will thank you for a stop by the five-level department store that is Fenwick. Plan to spend the day perusing the collections or opt to do a deep dive into your beauty routine with a visit to the Blink brow bar and treatment room or the Clarins skin spa.
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Claridge’s is undoubtedly one of London’s most famous hotels and it just so happens to sit (in all its 5-star luxurious glory) in the heart of Mayfair. Hot tip: the Royal Penthouse includes a palatial dining room and a grand piano, making it a gorgeous spot for an intimate gathering.
With the feel of an antique railway carriage, Bombay Bustle delivers not only a lively atmosphere but also the delicious aromas and flavors of Mumbai. If you’re looking to do dinner in Mayfair and want something outside the norm, this spot is first class.
Whether you’re on the go or in it to have a seat and relax a while, Mount Street Deli offers breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea in a cozy, neighborhood spot. Plus, their holiday décor game is strong (spring included).
Old-world elegance fills the rooms of the Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel, reflective of the neighborhood surrounds. Located near Green Park Station, it’s an easy stroll through the Royal Parks to Buckingham Palace.
Historic Regent Street is an easy place to while away an afternoon in Mayfair. Dip into Momo for an authentic Moroccan dining experience, complete with a lantern filled terrace.
Chanel, Ladurée, La Perla and Manolo Blahnik are just a few of the specialty shops that make Burlington Arcade a luxury haven. If you’re itching to blend into the chic streets of Mayfair, a quick spree through this pleasant retail spot should do the trick.
When you’re ready for a post-stroll pick-me-up cocktail, Browns Brasserie and Bar has you covered. Check out their list of seasonal highlights and be sure to try the English Garden G&T with cucumber bitters.
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