Centrally-located and known to be one of the city's fanciest areas, Mayfair has no shortage of great places to eat, drink, shop, and be entertained. From fine dining spots to world-famous shops, you'll discover plenty of things to do in Mayfair. We've got you covered if you're planning a day in the area and aren't sure where to begin. From morning until night, this is our guide to how to spend a day in Mayfair.
How to spend a day in Mayfair
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Begin with breakfast
Award-winning breakfast spot
Popina is an award-winning café that serves breakfast all day. The venue is crisp and contemporary with a light atmosphere. For breakfast you can try simple eggs on toast, shakshuka, Turkish eggs, or a full English breakfast. For something lighter, there's granola and porridge or you can try one of several French toast varieties.
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83 Duke St, Mayfair
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Popina
020-762 988 83 - Read more on Thatsup
For sheer indulgence
If you're craving a luxury breakfast then check out The Foyer and Reading Room at Claridges. This opulent space has a classic look with Art Deco mirrors and towering floral arrangements, plus a striking Chihuly sculpture. Sweet and savoury breakfast dishes are served ranging from pastries and pancakes to omelettes and traditional fry-ups.
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Claridge's, Brook Street, Mayfair
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The Foyer & Reading Room at Claridge's
020-762 988 60 - Read more on Thatsup
Classic dining in Piccadilly
The Wolseley in Piccadilly is a classic dining destination, bringing the European grand café tradition to London. Food is served all day in a refined and timeless environment. It's a popular choice for breakfast with light options like pastries, granola, and fruit, as well as cooked breakfasts like omelettes, a fry-up, and smoked salmon with scrambled eggs.
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160 Piccadilly, Mayfair
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The Wolseley
020-749 969 96 - Read more on Thatsup
Retail therapy
Shopping arcade from 1879
You can't go shopping in Mayfair without checking out the Royal Arcade. Built in 1879, it's London's oldest purpose-built shopping arcade and is full of timeless charm. As you walk through you'll see original Victorian features as well as luxury boutiques from high-end retailers. Shop here for footwear, jewellery, antiques, modern art, and confectionary.
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28 Old Bond Street, Mayfair
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Royal Arcade
020-749 548 82 - Read more on Thatsup
Gourmet department store
Foodies can shop at Fortnum & Mason. This department store is bursting with high-end gourmet treats as well as bars and eateries, but you can also shop for tableware, stationery, and pet products. The store is also home to an experiential food hub with cookware, bespoke hampers, books, demonstrations, and its own gin distillery.
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181 Piccadilly, Mayfair
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Fortnum & Mason Piccadilly
020-773 480 40 - Read more on Thatsup
Luxury fashion for men
Located in Savile Row, Gieves & Hawkes is a luxury tailor and menswear retailer that was founded in 1771. The store looks impressive and is classic but still contemporary. High-end suits are the speciality, with ready-to-wear, made-to-measure, and bespoke designs available. Wedding outfits and personal styling are also available here.
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1 Savile Row, Mayfair
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Gieves & Hawkes Savile Row
020-743 420 01 - Read more on Thatsup
Time for lunch
Classic seafood spot
Scott's is an A-list dining destination for seafood. The restaurant oozes luxury in both the setting and the menu. There are light dishes like sashimi on the menu that are fab for lunch or you can go for all-out indulgence with oysters, caviar, lobster, and champagne. Veggie and vegan dishes are available too.
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20 Mount Street, Mayfair
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Scott's Mayfair
020-749 573 09 - Read more on Thatsup
Focusing on sustainability
Fine dining restaurant Apricity is committed to sustainability, with even the restaurant itself featuring reused and upcycled materials. The menu is all about British produce and minimising waste. A set lunch menu is on offer with choices like trout paté, ox tongue salad, and roasted cauliflower, which you can enjoy with a zero-waste cocktail or low-intervention wine.
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68 Duke St, Mayfair
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Apricity Restaurant
020-801 727 80 - Read more on Thatsup
Michelin-starred Indian cooking
Have a Michelin-starred lunch at Gymkhana. Evoking the elite members' clubs of colonial India, it's a luxurious place serving northern Indian cuisine, with several elegant dining spaces. A lunch menu with multiple courses is available, with dishes like Goan prawn curry and mutter paneer. Wine, punch, and signature cocktails are served.
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42 Albemarle Street, Mayfair
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Gymkhana
020-301 159 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Things to do in Mayfair
Rejuvenate yourself
Relax in the heart of London at May Fair Spa. This calming space offers rejuvenating spa experiences and has a range of facilities including heated beds, a steam room and sauna, and an ice fountain. Bespoke treatments and packages are also available, with services like wraps, massages, and facials.
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The May Fair, Stratton Street, Mayfair
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May Fair Spa
020-791 528 26 - Read more on Thatsup
Discover musical history
At Handel Hendrix House you'll find a unique museum encompassing the former homes of Handel and Jimi Hendrix. Discover more about their lives, works, and activities whilst living in London. The museum also puts on a weekly programme of events, talks, activities, and musical performances, including activities that are family-friendly.
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25 Brook St, Mayfair
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Handel Hendrix House
020-749 516 85 - Read more on Thatsup
Blockbuster art exhibitions
The Royal Academy of Arts is one of the most famous art museums in the country. You can see blockbuster shows by a diverse range of contemporary and historical artists including Tracey Emin, Picasso, and Michael Armitage. The annual Summer Exhibition is always a big event on the London art calendar.
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Burlington House, Piccadilly, Mayfair
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Royal Academy of Arts
020-730 080 90 - Read more on Thatsup
Pre-dinner drinks
Glamorous cocktail spot
Full of glamour and 1930s style, Manetta's Bar is a swanky spot for a cocktail. Kick back in a plush armchair amidst rose gold furnishings and portraits of literary greats as you sip on a signature cocktail. There's a choice of eight different Negronis plus a concise choice of wine. Refined bar snacks are also served.
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Flemings Mayfair Hotel, Mayfair
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Manetta's Bar
020-701 656 01 - Read more on Thatsup
One for the whisky drinkers
Whisky lovers will appreciate a drink at Coburg Bar. There's a compendium of whiskies from around the world available at this refined establishment. Other drinks are also served including wine, cocktails, and tequila. Snacks and meals are available too. The setting is peaceful and calm and you're welcome to linger.
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The Connaught, Carlos Place, Mayfair
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Coburg Bar
020-749 970 70 - Read more on Thatsup
All-day café and wine bar
Comptoir Café & Wine comprises of an all-day café that becomes a wine bar by night, as well as a boutique wine store in the cellar. Combining classic and contemporary style, it's a relaxed and attractive spot with indoor and outdoor seats. Sample pastries, coffee, and sandwiches for brunch and lunch and in the evening try small plates with hundreds of wine options, including about 30 varieties by the glass.
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21-22 Weighhouse St, Mayfair
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Comptoir Café & Wine
020-749 998 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Places for dinner
Luxurious omakase
Indulge in an exclusive Japanese meal at Taku. This fine dining restaurant specialises in omakase, or leaving things up to the chef. It's an intimate and upscale venue with only 16 seats and three sittings each day. Diners here sample unique 20 course menus of Michelin-starred cuisine, prepared using fine ingredients.
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36 Albemarle Street, Mayfair
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Steak and seafood
Hawksmoor in Air Street is the ideal place to eat if you're all about meat. The restaurant has a classic appearance with leather booths and low lighting. Steak is a big attraction but you'll also find other traditional dishes like bone marrow and onions and whole lobster. Cocktails and wine are served here too.
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5A Air Street, Mayfair
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Hawksmoor Air Street
020-740 639 80 - Read more on Thatsup
Refined Mediterranean meals
Isabel Mayfair is a refined restaurant in Albemarle Street specialising in Mediterranean cuisine. The rich interior has dark furnishings, bronze accents, botanical prints, and a distinctive feature bar. The seasonal menu is constantly changing but expect dishes like salads, scallops, pasta, grilled octopus, and steaks. Complete your meal with cocktails or wine.
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26 Albemarle St, Mayfair
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Isabel Mayfair
020-309 692 92 - Read more on Thatsup
Don't go home yet
Colourful pop fest
One of Europe's leading pop and disco clubs, Carwash Nightclub plays anthems and deep cuts from the 1970s to the 2000s, encourages dressing up, and is packed with colour and lively atmosphere. There are three floors of music here with themed nights on each week. The club also has a restaurant on-site and VIP packages are available for big nights out.
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19 Dering St, Mayfair
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Carwash Nightclub
020-455 879 44 - Read more on Thatsup
Large luxury gaming floor
Home to one of London's largest gaming floors, The Palm Beach Casino is a luxurious destination for games. This glitzy establishment has its own lounge bar and a restaurant serving fine South Asian food. Games available here include baccarat, roulette, blackjack, and slot machines, plus you can visit the intimate high stakes room if you want to place some serious bets.
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30 Berkeley St, Mayfair
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The Palm Beach Casino
020-749 365 85 - Read more on Thatsup
Eccentric cocktail bar
Enjoy cocktails until the early hours at Mr Fogg's Residence. This bar is full of eccentricity with artwork, hanging bird cages, curiosities, and plants. Try out exclusive signature cocktails prepared with exotic ingredients, as well as an extensive collection of spirits. Nibbles, including cheese and charcuterie, are also served here.
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15 Bruton Ln, Mayfair
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Mr Fogg's Residence
020-703 606 08 - Read more on Thatsup
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