What makes Mayfair the best area to live in London

Mayfair is the square everyone wants to own on a Monopoly board. And, the desire to own a piece of London’s most exclusive enclave is just as strong in reality. So, just what makes Mayfair such a desirable place to live? Well, countless reasons. Here are just a few…

Shopping

Mayfair is home to Bond Street, known throughout the world as one of the best places to shop for designer labels. But, not only that, it is also where Mount Street is based. A string of the highest of high end labels has snapped up property here, including Oscar de la Renta, Lanvin, Celine and Marc Jacobs.

Restaurants

Mayfair has more than its fair share of incredible restaurants. Bond author Ian Fleming’s favourite eateriewas seafood restaurant Scotts, on Mount Street, where he dined on potted shrimp. Or, you could follow Kim Kardashian’s recommendation and try the spare ribs at Michelin-starred Cantonese Hakkashan. In total, Mayfair has an amazing19 Michelin starred restaurants, boasting 25 stars between them.

Bars

Mayfair’s bar scene is second to none. Bar 45 exudes Park Lane glamour and serves up expertly mixed cocktails, including the Duke of Earl, Earl Grey tea infused gin with lemon and sugar syrup. Or, you could head to Cartizze, a luxury Belini and cocktail bar tucked away behind Bond Street on Lancashire Court.

Private members clubs

For those looking for extra exclusivity, Mayfair has a wealth of private members clubs to choose from. Les Ambassadeurs’ casino floor is open 24 hours seven days a week, while the Reform Club will be instantly recognisable as the place where Daniel Craig’s Bond fought in a fencing bought in Quantum of Solace.

The West End

The theatres of the West End are a short stroll from Mayfair’s prestigious addresses. You can see some of Britain’s biggest shows such as Cats, Wicked or Les Miserables, stopping off for a cocktail or post-theatre dinner on the way home.

Cinema

Film buffs are well catered for with mainstream cinemas as well as The Curzon, the bastion of world and arthouse cinema in Mayfair. The Curzon was one of the first cinemas in the UK to show foreign language films and has played host to significant premieres since opening 80 years ago.

Parks

Mayfair has some of London’s most beautiful green spaces, both the private gardens owned collectively by residents in Mayfair and the public parks on the doorstep. The east edge of Hyde Park runs by Mayfair, where there are 350 acres to explore, or you could choose to stroll in equally beautiful Green Park or St James’s Park.

Hobbies

Just because you’re in the heart of London, that doesn’t mean you have to forgo country pursuits. Hyde Park Stables can take you on a hack through the bridleways of the park, skirting around The Serpentine in the most beautiful setting for horse riding in any capital city. Or, you could try your hand at a new sport perhaps at the Lansdowne Fencing Club on Fitzmaurice Place, which caters for all abilities.

Art

Art lovers are spoilt for choice when it comes to galleries to simply enjoy browsing or to choose some pieces for a new home if you’re moving into the Mayfair area. The Royal Academy of Arts is based in historic Burlington House and features exhibitions from the biggest names in art along with up-and-coming stars. Cork Street and Albemarle Street are also renowned for their galleries and you can easily while away a morning visiting the likes of Medici, Beaux Arts and Redfern.

All within reach

Whether you have a driver, choose a cab, or you prefer to walk, all of London’s major attractions are within very easy reach. You can stroll to Trafalgar Square, visit The Cenotaph war memorial or see Big Ben and the London Eye. The Cabinet War Rooms and Buckingham Palace are also within walking distance, as are the Science Museum and Natural History Museum.  It means you can enjoy being a tourist in your own city, but return home, away from London’s hustle and bustle, to the refined enclave of Mayfair.