London Area Guide: Living in Mayfair

Mayfair is one of London’s most prestigious areas, characterized by elegant homes from the 17th and 18th centuries and the proximity of Hyde Park. Situated in the City of Westminster Borough, Mayfair is bordered by:

• North: Marylebone
• East: Soho
• South: St James’s and St James’s Park
• South West: Belgravia
• West: Hyde Park

History

The May Fair

The original May Fair took place from 1 to 14 May between 1686 and 1688, featuring showmen, jugglers, and fairground attractions. Popular activities included bare-knuckle fighting, semolina-eating contests, and women’s foot racing. The fair was abolished in 1764 due to residents’ campaigns against it.

Grosvenor Square

Planned as the centrepiece of the Mayfair estate, Grosvenor Square was laid out around 1725–31 with 51 individual plots. It is the second-largest square in London. By the late 19th century, the Grosvenor family became immensely wealthy, with annual rents for their Mayfair properties around £135,000 (equivalent to approximately £15,685,000 today). Notable survivors of the original houses are No. 9 (once home to John Adams) and No. 38 (now the Indonesian Embassy).

Connection to the USA

• Pocahontas is believed to have visited Mayfair in the early 17th century.
• John Adams established the US Embassy on Grosvenor Square in 1786.
• Theodore Roosevelt was married in Hanover Square.
• Franklin D. Roosevelt honeymooned in Berkeley Square.

Recent History

World War I saw a decline in the upper classes in Mayfair, leading to many grand houses being converted into foreign embassies.

Properties in Mayfair

Mayfair’s properties feature grand white stucco-fronted buildings, Georgian townhouses, and mews properties. The overall average property price over the last year was £4,520,820, with flats averaging £4,377,790 and terraced properties around £7,000,000.

• Sold prices in Mayfair in 2022 versus the previous year: Down by 22%
• Average Property Price in 2022: Down by 40%, a decline since the 2019 peak of £7,580,217

Transportation

Mayfair is well-served by public transport in Zone 1:

• Bond Street: Elizabeth Line, Central Line, Jubilee Line
• Marble Arch: Central Line
• Green Park: Jubilee, Piccadilly, Victoria Lines

Fun Fact

Mayfair is the most expensive property on the Monopoly board, with the second most expensive being Park Lane, which is also in the area. It’s home to famous shopping streets like Oxford Street and Regent Street.

Things to Do

Art

• The Royal Academy of Arts: Founded in 1768, it hosts an annual Summer Exhibition.
• Maddox Gallery: Features contemporary art by renowned artists like Banksy and Andy Warhol.
• Gagosian Gallery: Showcases big names like Pablo Picasso and Jeff Koons.
• HOLTERMANN FINE ART: Focuses on contemporary art from around the world.
• The Mayor Gallery: Known for Dada and Surrealism art.

Retail Therapy

• Royal Arcade: Opened in 1889, featuring luxury stores like Charbonnel Et Walker and bespoke shoes from George Cleverly.
• Oxford Street: A major tourist attraction with big department stores and global retailers.
• Savile Row: Famous for bespoke tailoring.
• New Bond Street: Luxury shopping destination with flagship stores for Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and more.
• Regent Street: Known for its Christmas lights and Hamley’s Toy Store.
• South Molton Street: High-end designer boutiques.
• Mount Street: Boutique stores and fine dining.
• Shepherds Market: Independent stores and international cuisine.

Green Spaces

• Hyde Park: The largest of the Royal Parks with 350 acres.
• Marble Arch: Former entrance to Buckingham Palace’s courtyard.
• Grosvenor Square: Features 200-year-old London plane trees.
• Brown Hart Gardens: Renovated in 2013 with a café and unique seating areas.

Dining & Drinking

Mayfair is known for its Michelin-starred restaurants, high-end dining spots, and beautiful cafes. Top picks include:

• Le Gavroche: Classical French cuisine with 2 Michelin stars.
• Bibi: Fine-dining Indian cuisine inspired by Chef Chet Sharma’s travels.
• The Colony Grill Room: Modern New York dining at The Beaumont Hotel.
• Kai: Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant focusing on Nanyang cuisine.
• Park Chinois: Dining with jazz or cabaret performances.
• Bar at The Athenaeum: Over 100 whisky varieties and unique cocktails.

For more options, check out Ugo Arinzeh’s great selection of restaurants here.

Properties for Sale in Mayfair

1. Upper Grosvenor Street
   • Price: £6,350,000 (guide price)
   • Type: 3 bed, 3 bath leasehold flat
   • Features: Lift, concierge, first floor, communal gardens, 1,800 sq.ft (£3,527 per sq.ft)
2. South Audley Street
   • Price: £1,825,000 (guide)
   • Type: 1 bed, 1 bath leasehold apartment
   • Features: Period features, double height ceilings, 2nd floor, 711 sq.ft (£2,566 per sq.ft)
3. 47 Grosvenor Square
   • Price: £7,950,000
   • Type: 2 bed, 3 bath refurbishment project
   • Features: Fifth floor apartment, 24-hour concierge, overlooking the square, 2,145 sq.ft (£3,706 per sq.ft)
4. Clarges Street
   • Price: £1,375,000
   • Type: 1 bed, 1 bath
   • Features: High ceilings, classic features, 1st floor, 734 sq.ft (£1,873 per sq.ft)
5. Balfour Mews
   • Price: £3,750,000
   • Type: 2 bed, 2 bath
   • Features: Mews conversion, private terrace, loft space, duplex on 1st and 2nd floor, 1,300 sq.ft (£2,884 per sq.ft)

Mayfair remains a symbol of luxury and elegance in London, with its rich history, prime location, and high-end properties making it a highly sought-after area.