The Poshest Area of London
Since a lot of you enjoyed my East London staycation, I thought I would share another one! Not sure if you’ve noticed on Instagram or Stories, but I tend to hang out in Mayfair quite a bit and that is only because of work really. For those of you who don’t know, Mayfair is right in the middle of London sitting on the east edge of Hyde Park. Quite an affluent area where you find a lot of London’s oldest private members’ clubs and Michelin star restaurants. It was once a place where British aristocracy resided, but with its decline much of the residential bit has become rather commercial. So the idea of a staycation in Mayfair is grand!
With that said, I haven’t been able to enjoy Mayfair outside of nightclubs and work, so my mom and I decided to pack our bags on her last few days in London and head out there for a gorgeous, luxurious staycation in Mayfair!
Friday • 2pm • check-into 9 Hertford Street
Right off the tube at Green Park and onto a very busy street, I think my mom was a bit overwhelmed by all the city chaos. We headed towards Hertford street to start our staycation in Mayfair. Just a few blocks away from the station there’s a secluded street full of residences. Cafes just down the street, a grocery store few minutes walk and then a big beautiful door entrance. We were in a lobby adorned with beautiful artwork and the faintest sunlight trickling in.
Aude sorted us out in our flat at 9 Hertford Street for our staycation in Mayfair. Yes, a flat and not a room. It was a one bedroom, spacious enough to house a small family. Wide halls, a lovely kitchen and a sweet little dining area. It was going to be perfect for our little retreat. We could enjoy the city, but also enjoy each other’s company and catch up too!
Travel Favorites
Friday • 4pm • spa at Elemis
Nothing is more fun than a bit of pamper on a staycation in Mayfair. As most of you know, I absolutely adore Elemis products and use their marine cream every single night. The spa is wonderful and their facials are the only ones that don’t make my skin flare up. My mom is not the type of person who spoils herself and so it only seemed right to give her a bit of a nudge for indulgence. I booked a 30 minute facial and a 30 minute massage for both of us, which is exactly what we both needed. It’s the best way to unwind for your staycation in Mayfair!
Friday • 6pm • film at Curzon
Since having a facial and massage, we wanted an easy evening. We headed to the Curzon in Mayfair. I think this place is a bit of a gem in the area! The Curzon is a cinema that shows some of the world’s leading house art, independent films and documentaries. I actually have a membership, which allows me to see a certain amount per year with added benefits!
Friday • 8pm • dinner at The Mayfair Chippy
Finally, we decided to indulge in the British classic that is fish and chips! Not just your ordinary chippy, but an upscale one done right by Mayfair. The Mayfair Chippy is considered one of the best in London! I’d go for the classic fish and chips because even Michelin has considered it a great place! Other things to order are the battered wally and cornish salt and pepper squid.
Saturday • luxury window shopping
After a leisurely morning, we decided to spend the afternoon shopping. Mayfair is no short of shopping and is considered a designer playground with boutiques lining the streets! A few places you have to visit:
- Mount Street is full of designer boutiques and shops with some gorgeous window installations
- 5 Carlos Place is home to Matches Fashion House with the latest fashion pieces and a cafe upstairs
- French Connection Studio is a concept store that even sells pieces unique to only that store
Saturday • 5pm • blow dry at Duck & Dry
Since we were planning on having a special evening, I thought a nice blow dry to freshen us up after a bit of shopping is a great idea. Afterall, a staycation in Mayfair is all about spoiling ourselves! We went to Duck & Dry and were taken care of so well by the stylists! We got our hair washed, scalp massaged and done our hair however we wanted it! It felt really special! The best part is that they use all their own products, so you get to shop their range along the way. I loved their gentle ‘Fix Your Quiff’ hair spray.
Saturday • 6pm • wine tasting at Shepherds Market Wine House
One of my favorite little area of Mayfair is Shepherds Market because it feels like a big hug from London. Shepherds Market is one of my favorite little spaces in Mayfair. It’s cute, comfortable and includes some adorable cafes and restaurants. Quite humble compared to what Mayfair is known for, which are the tricked out Rolls Royce and new age aristocracy. The owners of Shepherds Market Wine House are extremely passionate about their wines and pairings, so let them do the deed and you just let them know what you like and dislike. Our pickings were perfect and since we were just slightly peckish {with some wonderful dinner plans} we went for the small charcuterie board and a glass of wine before heading back to get ready for our dinner. A must for a staycation in Mayfair.
Saturday • 8pm • dinner at Peyote
Mayfair is full of fine dining options! It’s definitely the place I take clients after signing something or to celebrate my birthday even. Peyote is all that glam, plus more. Off on a street you wouldn’t expect, it’s nestled in a little corner. On the outside it seems like a standard column and a navy facade. And through the fogged windowed doors, you walk into a gorgeous luxe modern Mexican restaurant! Notorious and notable tequila displayed, a cheeky sign to accompany and the artwork and lamps that married the ambiance and atmosphere-it is cozy and thrilling all at once!
We ordered margaritas naturally and immediately asked for the guacamole. The drinks flowed {asked for the peyote margarita} and the party mood was set. Each small plate came in one after the other and we couldn’t help but feel so impressed by the aromatics and flavor abundance in each bite. But what hit it all were the ingredients available. London lacks its ability to provide unique and fresh ingredients from tropical places, but Peyote and cactus and blood orange were ingredients used all over the menu.
And of course the dessert was the most exciting and enticing. Between the tres leches and the churros it was a draw, but the experience of the entire meal stole the show.
Sunday • 12pm • check out 9 Hertford Street
The next day, we got up to a lovely sunrise overlooking Mayfair’s finest streets. Enjoyed a cuppa or two on the terrace, had a little nibble of a breakfast and some additional snacks before making our way down to check-out and heading to the airport to drop off my mom. Quite the humble, yet luxurious staycation in Mayfair it all was and the perfect way to send off my mom back to America.
Sunday • 2pm • afternoon tea at Flemings Mayfair
Since we’re being indulgent and truly British, an afternoon tea had to be in the books. Since my mom’s flight was in the evening, we decided to spend the afternoon enjoy tea and cakes. It can go on for hours and it’s the best way to catch up or, in our case, look back on my mom’s trip! Flemings has a gorgeous room set up for tea with an impressive collection of teas and cakes. I personally loved the scones and clotted cream! The best part was the setting being The Drawing Room as the design pays homage to the hotel’s 18th century origins. If you’re looking for a truly luxury afternoon tea experience that is unique, then definitely choose Flemings Mayfair.
