The historical district of Mayfair is part of the City of Westminster at the heart of London, surrounded by significant landmarks including Hyde Park, Regent Street and Piccadilly. The affluent district started to take its shape in the mid 1650s, becoming home to an increasing number of notable wealthy, aristocratic and royal residents. Today, Mayfair remains one of the most affluent places in London, synonymous with sophistication and exclusivity. Magnificent mansions and grand Georgian properties still line its picturesque streets, but more recently, Mayfair has also become a thriving business district, home to offices for large financial organisations and international embassies. With fine dining destinations, luxury brand boutiques, high-end art galleries and museums, and five-star hotels to boot, Mayfair has an abundance of attractions and opportunities to soak up quintessentially British culture. Mayfair’s vibrant pub scene is an integral part of its DNA, and with a range of historic taverns and charming coaching inns to more contemporary establishments, there’s plenty to explore. Let us take you through some of our favourites.
The Audley Public House, Mount Street
Perched on the corner of Mount Street and South Audley Street, The Audley Public House offers everything you’d expect from a traditional British pub and a little bit more. The original pub was built in 1888, designed by Thomas Verity, the architect behind the exterior of the pavilion at Lord’s Cricket Ground. The listed Victorian building was carefully restored in 2022, respectfully incorporating cool and contemporary twists in the wooden panelled and gilt interior. The Audley is now a gastro pub-cum-gallery – the ceiling hand-painted with a vast collage by late London artist Phyllida Barlow, and the walls adorned with an eclectic collection of paintings and photography. The well-stocked bar offers a wide selection of draught beers, ciders and ales, with favourites from independent local Brewery, Sambrooks. Its small but expertly chosen menu is also sure to please, with delicious bar snacks, pub classics, and traditional roasts available on Sundays. If you fancy a more formal dining experience, you don’t need to venture far. Mount St. Restaurant sits just above the pub, serving traditional London dishes with modern twists that customers can enjoy surrounded by more captivating art.
Coach and Horses, Hill Street
One of the oldest pubs in Mayfair and a former coaching inn, the Coach and Horses dates back to 1744. Situated on Hill Street off Berkeley Square, the Grade II listed pub still has many of its original features and makes you feel almost as though you’ve travelled back in time to a classic British tavern. The pub features centuries-old cellars and is characterised by its dark wood, high ceilings, a brass foot rail, classic fireplace and plenty of plush seating. Its cosiness and character, alongside its extensive range of quality ales, craft beers, wines and spirits, make it a perfect retreat from Mayfair’s bustling streets – the ideal respite from a wild and wintery day or a much-needed stop off during a shopping spree. Now under the Shepherd Neame umbrella, the Coach and Horses offers a limited menu of comfort food classics, including bar snacks, pizzas and toasted sandwiches. The bacon and brie toastie with fig chutney is a special hit!
The Punchbowl, Farm Street
Tucked away on a quaint side street is The Punchbowl, another of Mayfair’s oldest pubs dating back to 1750. This hidden gem of Mayfair was once owned by Guy Ritchie and Madonna and was a popular watering hole for celebrities, with Prince Harry and Justin Timberlake among the rumoured famous clientele. While The Punchbowl of today is not thought to be as regularly frequented by the rich and famous, a visit to the pub and restaurant is nothing short of dazzling. The Georgian Grade II listed pub has a traditional cosy British pub feel on entrance and a more formal first-floor dining space and whiskey room above, with elegant decor, plush suede booths and carefully curated artwork. The dining area is also home to Mayfair’s finest selection of whiskies, which customers can enjoy as part of a unique tasting experience with carefully paired canapes. If whiskey isn’t your tipple of choice, there’s a vast selection of cask ale, craft beers, cocktails and spirits on offer, alongside an extensive global wine list. While we’d recommend sampling anything from The Punchbowl’s changing seasonal menu, the breakfast offering is especially impressive, with everything from Oysters and devilled kidneys to a classic bacon butty or smashed avocado and poached eggs atop fresh sourdough.
The Guinea, Bruton Place
The Guinea Grill on Bruton Place has a rich history and a big reputation. While it’s thought to have been established in 1675, there has been an inn on its site since 1423, making it a contender to the title of the oldest pub in London. Its traditional decor with dark wood, gold framed classic paintings, and elegant chandeliers speak to its roots. While it’s a staple on the Mayfair pub scene and well-known for its wide selection of ales and wines, its steak offering is where it really comes into its own. The Guinea’s upstairs restaurant is renowned for its premium dry-aged steaks, selection of pies, and Sunday roasts. Visitors to the grill can appreciate the freshness and quality of the meat from the cold cabinet display as they enter, where The Guinea’s passionate front of house team can talk through the various cuts and recommendations. While the popular dining destination was renovated in March 2024 and expanded into the building next door to seat 60 more guests, the relentless demand for The Guinea’s unique culinary experience persists.
The Iron Duke, Avery Row
Hidden away on a picturesque mews on Avery Row is the historic Iron Duke, a traditional English pub named after the Duke of Wellington himself. The traditional yet bright and airy interior has quirky Wellington-inspired decor, a theme jovially carried throughout to the pub to its elegant upstairs function area, ‘The Boot Room’. The pub, under the Fuller’s name, is a popular drinking destination attracting a wide range of clientele, from business people winding down with a post-work drink to tourists taking in its quintessentially British charm, and in the summer months, it’s not unusual to see pub goers spilling out onto the street. The Iron Duke’s simple bar snack menu lets its extensive drink offering take centre stage, and with a well-stocked bar of craft beers and cask ales, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a pint.
Each Mayfair pub has its own distinct identity and unique story to tell, testament to the district’s rich history and charm. Whether you’re planning a visit or even considering relocating to the area, exploring the local pub scene is a must.
