In this month’s edition of “Why We Love”, we’re taking a look at the affluent Mayfair area, situated in London’s West End.
Local businesses we’ve interviewed:
Hush is a brasserie and cocktail bar with private rooms set in a picturesque cobbled courtyard just off Bond Street. The restaurant was recently voted “Restaurant of the Year” in the Tatler Restaurant Awards 2014 for the “Test of Time” award – restaurants who’ve been open for at least ten years. Established in 1999, they have become a popular haunt for business lunches, tourists and locals.
Mount Street Association is the traders association for Mount Street, Davies Street and South Audley Street in Mayfair, established in 1992.
Mayfair Office Girl is a private Business PA for a select few clients in Mayfair and the surrounding areas. She is also the founder of MOG (Mayfair Office Girl), an online guide to Mayfair which also covers PA tips. MOG, who used to spend the majority of her summer holidays in her father’s Mayfair office, started working full time in the area 6 years ago.
Allens of Mayfair is the oldest butchers shop in England, and has been trading in Mount Street since 1830. The shop was bought by London butchers David House and Justin Preston in 2006.
Murano is a 1 Michelin starred restaurant owned and operated by well-known chef Angela Hartnett. Murano was opened in August 2008 by Angela and Gordon Ramsey, and will be celebrating its 6th birthday this year. Being surrounded by so many offices, they have a number of very loyal and regular guests.
Why do you love Mayfair?
Elizabeth from Mayfair Office Girl told us that “Mayfair for me, feels like home in the sense that I have been fortunate to experience it from a young age, with my favourite area being Shepherds Market. Most of all though, Mayfair still has that village feeling, and people are genuinely friendly.”
According to Jayne Weldon from Mount Street Association, the Mayfair area is beautiful, playful and luxurious with a community feel amongst both the residents and businesses. Meanwhile, Lizzy Barber from Hush loves working in the area because it’s so close to the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street.
Laura from Murano mentioned that there are many great restaurants and shops, with beautiful buildings around every corner.
Justin Preston from Allens said that “It’s great to be a part of such a historic and illustrious neighbourhood. The locals are demanding, but charming.”
What makes the Mayfair area unique from other business centres in the UK and around the world?
“Mayfair is very much an exclusive part of London, but it’s also quintessentially British and I think that international travellers really like that,” said Elizabeth.
Lizzie, meanwhile, mentioned the beautiful old buildings and green spaces like Hanover Square, while Jayne attributes the area’s mix of fashion, business, community and heritage in distinguishing it from other business centres around the world.
What are the challenges of operating a business in Mayfair?
According to the Mount Street Association, the businesses in the area are a mix of large luxury groups and owner operators, so it is sometimes hard to get ‘buy in’ for events – businesses can be reluctant to fund them. Justin from Allens of Mayfair also mentioned the associated costs of a Mayfair postcode: “Call a plumber and say you’re in Mayfair and the price doubles.”
Where do you go for your morning coffee?
“Without a doubt, Benugo, and with more of them popping up around Mayfair, it’s not hard to find one,” says Elizabeth. Laura from Murano seconds this suggestion: “Great coffee and pastries and a very friendly team.”
Both Justin and Jayne recommend Mount Steet Deli for their morning coffee, and the occasional pastry.
Lizzie, meanwhile, frequents Everbean on Avery Row – they make great coffee, and have some of the friendliest staff in London. “Since they opened, I can hardly even look at a Starbucks,” she says.
Do you know of a hidden gem for business lunches?
Elizabeth from Mayfair Office Girl has a number of suggestions, depending on the kind of business lunch you’re planning. “For a quiet, relaxed, long business lunch with an old business acquaintance – Le Boudin Blanc or Langan’s. For sushi – Sakura on Conduit Street. For a serious ‘here to have lunch’ – Bellamy’s. For an ‘artsy’ lunch – Bond & Brook on Fenwick’s 2nd floor. For a summer sandwich – The Garden at Alfred Dunhill. For a ‘to be seen’ lunch – C London, Cecconi’s or La Petite Maison.”
Mount Street Association recommended Delfino, located at 121 Mount Street, while Allens suggested The Only Running Footman, situated near to Berkeley Square.
According to Lizzie, Hush’s first floor dining room, the Silver Room, is an intimate, more formal dining space – perfect for meetings. Chisou on Princes Street is also great for Japanese.
As for Murano? “Not many people are aware that you can pop in for a quick 2 course lunch and be out in less than an hour.”
Where is your favourite spot for a drink after work?
“I try not to frequent the same places but still have my ‘Mayfair favourites’ – The Market Tavern for a relaxed drink in the sun, The Bar at Browns Hotel for a Pink Gin when it’s been a tough day, and the bars in Lancashire Court,” says Elizabeth.
Jayne recommends either Mews in Lancashire Court, or Hush – drinks can be enjoyed in their cocktail bar or out in the courtyard if it’s sunny. Laura, meanwhile, suggests the Coburg bar at The Connaught hotel, for their amazing cocktails.
According to Justin, “Mortons, a private members club over looking Berkeley Square, is always going to be a winner!”
A big thank you to the businesses who took the time to answer our questions. Do you have any Mayfair hotspots you’d like to share with us? Let us know in the comments section below. And if you’re looking for office space in Mayfair, don’t hesitate to contact us.