Travel
Spend the perfect day in Mayfair
Mix the classic, the cultural and the new in London’s most illustrious neighbourhood
By Cheryl Caira. Lead image: Exterior of The Audley Public House/Mount St restaurant
SW Must-Visit: Mount St. Restaurant
Laden with a feast of artwork and a gorgeously sultry atmosphere, this Mount St venue – tucked away above the buzzy Audley pub – has become a London go-to. High-end but not pretentious-feeling, the window tables provide prime people-watching opportunities as Mayfair unfolds beneath.
Artwork is the central focus at Mount St. Restaurant
The brainchild of Artfarm – the company founded by Iwan and Manuela Wirth, co-founders of art gallery Hauser & Wirth and owners of the The Fife Arms – part of the fun of dining here is seeking out some stellar pieces. Lucian Freud, Andy Warhol and Henri Matisse are just some of the influential 20th century artists that bedeck the walls, while statement red dining chairs from artist Matthew Day Jackson sit atop a mosaic floor made of different types of marble, a commission by American artist Rashid Johnson.
Contemporary meets culinary history within the pages of the menu. Although open seven days a week from breakfast through to dinner, we’re a fan of the ambience come suppertime. Think hearty with the best British produce, with oysters to scoop up to start, London classics such as omelette Arnold Bennett, the restaurant’s famous lobster pie, and meaty options including Highland venison, Dursdale lamb, and beef wellington with truffle mashed potato. There is a dandy little selection of martinis – the signature has the addition of tomato liqueur – or you can go ‘scruffy’ with Tanqueray gin infused with olives, olive brine and olive oil.
One of the signature dishes, omelette Arnold Bennett
It would be remiss not to mention the collection of ‘Curious Rooms’ located on the floors above the restaurant for private events. It’s a fascinating insight into the Wirths’ creative mindset – the Swiss Room is a celebration of the country’s history of art and design, and there’s an adjoining Italian Room inspired by Palazzo interiors. The Games Room pays homage to large-scale sculpturalist, Louise Bourgeois, and The Scottish Room features an imposing antler chandelier above a hand-carved Scottish oak table. The tartan adorning the room was created by textile designer Araminta Campbell, in three striking colourways.
L’Autre at Shepherd Market
Shepherd Market
Originally devised in the 1740s by architect Edward Shepherd – and once a hub for aristocrats, bohemian artists and the less salubrious – this compact and historic area has a village-like atmosphere. There’s a gorgeous mix of independent restaurants, shops and galleries – enough to keep you occupied for an afternoon at least. Find excellent Italian Da Corradi, look in at luxury barber and perfumer, Geo. F. Trumper and try Polish Mexican cuisine at L’Autre, Mayfair’s oldest wine lodge.
Aman Spa
Making time for some TLC? The only Aman Spa outwith the worldwide resorts, this is an oasis tucked away in The Connaught Hotel. Take the thermal journey through the spa’s sequence of hot and cold therapies, and try out the spa’s signature massage – combining Swedish, deep tissue and lymphatic drainage techniques.
Maison Assouline
Maison Assouline
The Paris-founded bookstore on the edge of Mayfair is a very special place to while away an hour. Housed inside a former bank and sitting amongst the publishing house’s signature coffee table books, you’ll find Swans Bar – a treat for coffee or cocktails with the most elegant ambience.
Burlington Arcade
The link between Bond Street and Piccadilly and classed as Britain’s first real department store, the Regency arcade has brought browsing joy across the generations. Its arches are currently festooned with decorations along the theme of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas,’ so take in the sparkle while you peep in at the luxury shops – whether bespoke tailoring, antique jewellery, leather goods, or a delicious macaron at Ladurée.
Handel Hendrix House
Handel Hendrix House
If you’ve already ventured into some of the big-hitter galleries and fancy a change of pace, head to this musical melange of a venue. 18th-century composer George Frideric Handel lived at 25 Brook Street, while rock legend lived at 23 in the late 1960s. The building was restored to combine both spaces – and preserve areas such as Handel’s music room – with the artists’ stories on display as you wander round.
Esmeralda’s
A little slice the New York’s golden age on Hanover Square, this early December opening is set to be the late-night, live music haunt of the season. Opening within Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, expect burnt orange velvet decor, a six-piece band blending soul, funk and disco, and a cocktail list paying homage to the classics.
