Guide to Living in Mayfair

Mayfair is a location many wish to live for its prime central London location, incredible restaurants and beautiful homes.

The area steeped in History and its aristocratic roots run deep, so if your budget will allow, this area could provide a prestigious address like no other.

In this guide, I share what makes the area so popular, things to see and do, as well as some properties currently on the market to view.

The History of Mayfair

Mayfair is named after the annual "May Fair" that took place in the area from 1686 to 1764, which became notorious for its rowdy entertainment, leading to its eventual closure by local elites.

Just like in Belgravia (watch my video to tour the beautiful properties in this area), the Grosvenor family was paramount in developing this neighbourhood to its now prestigious style, with Sir Richard Grosvenor developing Mayfair into an affluent district in the early 18th Century. The Grosvenor Estate still owns large portions of the area today.

Mayfair saw significant construction during the Georgian and Victorian periods, with townhouses and grand squares like Grosvenor Square, Berkeley Square, and Hanover Square, which you can still see today.

After World War II, many grand townhouses were converted into offices and luxury hotels, and more recently, there has been a trend towards converting these back into high-end residences and exclusive clubs.

Top Dining Spots in Mayfair:

You can’t visit this area without at least visiting some of the amazing places to eat and dine, and as a regular to the area, I have shared a few of my favourites.

Jeru

Showcasing authentic and timeless Mediterranean flavours, acclaimed Chef Roy Ner prides himself on serving fresh and flavoursome food accompanied by fine wines and hand-crafted cocktails, housed in a stunning restaurant across three floors.

You can watch your food being prepared at an open kitchen, indulge your inner gourmet at the chef's counter, select your fish from the Fish Market, or settle down at the artisanal bakery (that transforms into a wine bar at night!).

You can also visit the Laylay Dining room that offers live DJ for ambient dining, or visit one of the private event spaces for an exclusive celebration.

Park Chinois

This is a beautiful luxury Chinese restaurant with live entertainment inspired by the glamour of 1930's Shanghai supper clubs & cabarets.

With fine wines, exquisite food, and a show, this restaurant offers experiential dining like no other!

You must grab a drink at the Salon Bar, which has an unrivalled collection of artisan spirits, before you head to the bougie dining room where you will enjoy incredible Chinese dishes while being serenaded by their house band.

If this wasn't enough, you can head down the spiral staircase to "Club Chinois" for low lit dining, and entertainment Wednesday-Saturday, 7pm - 2am.

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One Hotel

Helmed by two-Michelin-starred winner Chef Tom Sellers, 1 Hotel Mayfair's restaurant, Dovetale, and the terrace is grounded in timeless British fare

The restaurant offers seasonal, organic and locally sourced ingredients, with reimagined european classics

You can also visit their signature cocktail bar, Dover Yard, which blends nature-inspired aesthetics and ambiance.

There are sustainable and conscious drinks including innovative and refreshing cocktails made with natural and locally sourced ingredients

They also hold a daily market stand where you’ll find fresh seasonal fruits that would otherwise be discarded by producers or grocers

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?Property in Mayfair

Average Prices:

Properties in Mayfair had an overall average price of ￡4,074,105 over the last year.

The majority of sales in Mayfair during the last year were flats, selling for an average price of ￡3,756,052. Terraced properties sold for an average of ￡6,600,000, with semi-detached properties fetching ￡9,200,000.

Overall, sold prices in Mayfair over the last year were 38% down on the previous year and 56% down on the 2019 peak of ￡9,158,652. (source: Rightmove)

On the Market:

Georgian Townhouses

Many original Georgian townhouses remain, known for their classic architecture, large windows, and grand facades. Some have been converted into embassies, luxury flats, or private residences.

6 Bed, 4 Bath, Georgian Townhouse - ￡10,500,000

South Street

Located on a prominent corner position within Mayfair village, this 6 bed, 4 bath Georgian townhouse offers grand living across 5 floors.

The period features of this house are complemented by neutral tones and elegantly refurbished features, and tehre is even a blue plaque on this home that honours Catherine Walters, who was the "last Victorian courtesan" who lived in this home from 1872 - 1920.

Large and imposing rooms, parquet flooring and fireplaces throughout create a stunning property for a growing family.

Berkeley Square is a short walk from the property and plays host to exclusive private members clubs and famous restaurants. The green spaces of Hyde Park and Green Park are both nearby

At 4,348 sq.ft, this comes to ￡2,414 per sq.ft.

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?Luxury Apartments

Modern developments and conversions of historic buildings offer luxury apartments. These are typically found in converted townhouses or purpose-built blocks like Twenty Grosvenor Square.

High-end apartment buildings often include amenities such as 24-hour concierge services, gyms, and underground parking.

4 Bed, 4 Bath - ￡11,000,000

Hereford House

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Set in the heart of Mayfair, this four-ensuite-bedroom apartment lies on the fifth floor of a beautiful mansion block.

Defined by wonderfully considered interior design and large sash windows throughout, the apartment is an exceptionally bright and calm space.

Air conditioning runs throughout the apartment, and there is a 24-hour concierge.

?Situated in Mayfair in the heart of the West End, Hereford House is moments from the brilliant shopping on Oxford Street, as well as the world-class amenities, restaurants and hotels of Mayfair and neighbouring Marylebone and Soho. The apartment is just a short distance from the green open spaces of Hyde Park and Grosvenor Square.

At 2,703 sq.ft, this comes to ￡4,069 per sq.ft.

Mansion Blocks

Elegant mansion blocks offer spacious apartments with communal gardens, often favoured by wealthy families.

5 Bed, 5 Bath - ￡6,500,000

Park Street

Set in one of the highly coveted mansion blocks of Mayfair, this 4th floor apartment is located in Fountain House overlooking Park Lane and Mount Street.

It has five bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a (rather small) private balcony that overlooks hyde park, as well as a 24 hour porter

At 2,211 sq.ft., this comes to ￡2,939 per square foot.

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We specialise as relocation and buying agents, so if you want to know more about moving to London, and the stunning neighbourhoods this city has to offer, please reach out.

What do you think of the property styles & things to do in Mayfair? Did I miss any spots you recommend?