A Detailed Guide to Working in Mayfair
1. Overview of Mayfair
2. Mayfair Demographics
3. Building Types in Mayfair
4. How Mayfair Office Prices Compare to Nearby Areas
5. Great Places to Eat, Drink and Meet in Mayfair
6. A List of Green Spaces
7. Business And Industry Events in Mayfair
8. Accommodation for Professionals
9. Shopping in Mayfair
10. Wellbeing Facilities Available in Mayfair
11. Hidden Gems
Overview of Mayfair
Mayfair stands out as a symbol of elegance and prestige in the heart of London, rich in history and sophistication.
Home to historic architecture and exclusive addresses, the streets of Mayfair are lined with Georgian townhouses, acclaimed art galleries and bespoke tailors amidst corporate giants and embassies. This mix of old charm and modernity offers an exciting environment for professionals.
Our guide will help you master working in this esteemed district, offering insights into hidden gems, networking events and tips for balancing work and leisure in this vibrant area.
Mayfair Demographics
The area boasts a strong international community due to its many hotels and embassies, which adds to the cultural and social fabric of Mayfair.
Statistics include:
• Mayfair covers 279 acres and nine neighbourhoods, attracting high-net-worth individuals and professionals.
• Houses 5120 permanent residents who represent over 40 nationalities and are involved with finance, business, and arts.
• Over 42% of the population is aged between 25 and 44.
• There is a population density of just 39.3 per hectare.
Building Types in Mayfair
Mayfair is renowned for its prestigious buildings. Both classic Victorian and Georgian architecture is prominent and features high ceilings, ornate features, and large windows. These are contrasted by modern business centres in the area with sleek designs and contemporary facilities. The interiors boast luxury finishes, smart features, and bespoke furnishings, perfect for high-end businesses looking for office space.
How Mayfair Office Prices Compare to Nearby Areas
Commercial or residential, Mayfair is normally the most expensive area in London to either buy or rent property. The area is lined with grand Georgian mansions and elegant townhouses offering stunning historic architectural features.
Office space to rent in Mayfair can cost anything from £1000 upwards a month for a desk in a private serviced or managed office. For leasehold, the average cost per square foot is £100.
Neighbouring areas to rent offices in include St James’s, Knightsbridge and Belgravia, offering desk rates which are lower and range from £850 per desk/per month. Leasehold prices have an average of £90.00 per square foot.
Great Places to Eat, Drink and Meet in Mayfair
Whether you are striving to make a great impression on a prospective client or a potential new employee, Mayfair is filled with dining options perfect for business lunches or out-of-office meetings.
Shepherd Market presents a variety of charming cafés and bistros away from the hustle and bustle. Or if it’s a sleek venue you require, pull out all the stops and book a reservation at Maison Francois but be sure to book well in advance as tables can be booked up months in advance.
For after-work drinks, there are a variety of bars in Mayfair, including Madison's and Smith & Whistle, alongside many pubs offering a more casual atmosphere.
A List of Green Spaces
Amongst the hustle and bustle of Mayfair are tranquil green spaces which are ideal for a lunch break in the summer:
• Hyde Park (view map) – Nicknamed “The People’s Park”.
• Green Park (view map) – Created by King Charles II in 1660, overlooking Buckingham Palace.
• St James’ Park (view map) – Bordered by 3 Royal Palaces.
• Hanover Square (view map) – Named in honour of the coronation King George I in 1714.
• Cavendish Square (view map) – A public garden found behind Oxford Street.
• Grosvenor Square (view map) – Takes its name from the Duke of Westminster.
• Berkeley Square (view map) – Originally built in 1660 for the first Lord Berkeley of Stratton.
Hyde Park
Grosvenor Square
Business And Industry Events in Mayfair
Mayfair is a prime venue for a variety of business conferences and networking events. Famous for its luxury hotels and exclusive clubs, Mayfair regularly hosts international conferences, high-profile business meetings and industry seminars.
It’s the chosen location for future events such as The Business of Football Summit and the M&IT Awards, providing a prestigious backdrop to these important industry nights.
Accommodation for Professionals
Hotels in Mayfair define luxury in London, from historic 5* properties with opulent features such as The Ritz, to contemporary boutique hotels like The Mayfair Townhouse, providing a modern experience. Renowned for their exceptional service, these hotels boast stunning interiors, fine dining restaurants and elegant bars.
Companies renting office space in the area will find a hotel for every budget, whether holding a team-building event or hosting international stakeholders and CEO’s.
Shopping in Mayfair
Mayfair is known for its upscale shopping options and is home to many famous high street names as well as beautiful and unique boutiques. Burlington Arcade is bursting to the brim with luxury stores including fine watch and jewellery brands.
Mayfair also features historic shopping streets such as Bond Street, and Savile Row, which are known for their luxury fashion stores and bespoke tailors.
Retailers in Mayfair cater to a discerning clientele, offering a mix of modern and traditional shopping experiences.
Wellbeing Facilities Available in Mayfair
Although Mayfair is a beautiful and thriving area, it can be quite hectic like many parts of London. For this reason, it's important to have nearby facilities that enhance your wellbeing when you need them.
Luckily Mayfair has many such facilities including prestigious fitness clubs like The Lanesborough Club & Spa, recently voted the Best Spa in London at the Good Spa Awards 2023.
Several Mayfair hotels offer well-being and leisure facilities, such as the Four Seasons Park Lane with its spa suite on the top floor and stunning views across Hyde Park.
Additionally, the excellent parks in and around the area provide perfect spots for outdoor exercise and meditation as well as being a beautiful place to eat in the summer.
Hidden Gems
As famous as Mayfair is for its designer boutiques, international restaurants, cocktail bars and spas, there are a variety of lesser-known hidden gems that are well worth a visit.
The Royal Academy of Arts, founded in 1768, is the hub of contemporary artists and has some of the world’s best-known collections.
Pickering Place is a tiny courtyard known as the smallest square in London and was originally a notorious area for gambling and duels. Packing in a wealth of history, it is an absolute delight of unspoilt Georgian architecture and unique finds.
If musical history is your thing, then you must visit the Handel and Hendrix Museum which tells the story of two iconic musicians who lived 200 years apart; the composer George Frideric Handel and guitarist Jimi Hendrix who lived in the same stunning Georgian house.
Brown Hart Gardens provides a secluded spot away from the hustle and bustle at street level. Urban myths suggest that its domed structure was originally built as a home for Queen Victoria’s pet elephant. However, even though Queen Victoria did have a pet elephant, the elephant was eventually housed at what is now London Zoo.
Known for its prestige and luxury, Mayfair is one of the most iconic areas in London. However, if you’re looking for a nearby alternative, our guides to working in Marylebone, Knightsbridge and Oxford Circus can help you decide. These areas also boast a high-level of prestige and with a range of luxury workspaces and local amenities, these areas are as much in demand as Mayfair.
