Mayfair Guide

Named after the May Fair that took place in the area from 1686 to 1764, Mayfair today is now a staple of London. From its simple beginnings, the area developed, starting with Grosvenor Square. Its opulence attracted the upper class, and soon the neighbourhood was filled with titled owners. It was these residents that banned the May Fair from the area to begin with! So, what’s there to do today? (Other than purchase some of the most expensive homes in all of the United Kingdom, of course).

Sketch Gallery & Parlour

You might have heard of this place; it has some pretty iconic and extravagant décor. This dream of a place conceived by master chef Pierre Gagnaire and Mourad “Momo” Mazouz way back in 2002 and has been wowing us since. With two Turner Prize winner’s inputting on the restaurant décor, decorating the walls with original artwork and turning the restaurant into a wondrous exhibition space. Sketch Parlour is where you can treat yourself to cocktails, afternoon tea, and other comfort foods without an advance booking.

IceBar

One of the “cooler” bars in London, IceBar offers you a fun way to experience winter any time of the year. The temperature is kept at -5C and all the furniture are made of Torne River rice, but don’t worry about being cold! You’re given thermal boots and jackets to keep warm with. Your drinks are served in tumblers made of ice and for when you’re done with the cold there’s a restaurant and lounge upstairs, too. Book for your 40-minute time slot and join in on the fun! Already been? Don’t worry – they completely revamp the design every year, so there’s something new to return to!

The Royal Institute of Great Britain

This is one of Britain’s most celebrated science institutions – fourteen residents alone have gone on to receive Nobel Prizes and ten of the chemical elements have been discovered here. There are events open to the public regularly, so if you’re interested in science, why not stop in for a lecture by some of the world’s leading scientists? Not only that, but it has been recently redeveloped to renew the building’s old splendour. There are exhibitions to see, a café, bar, and restaurant, to visit for, too.

The Royal Academy of Arts

The Royal Academy of Arts is an NGO that promotes art, artists, and the practice of art itself. It was founded in 1768 and is now held in the Burlington House, a beautiful mansion that has been the home of the RA since 1867. This establishment is best known for their galleries, of which they have both paid and free exhibitions for the public to enjoy. Their most famous event is the Summer Exhibition, which is the world’s largest open entry event and has been in circulation for nearly two centuries. 1000 of the best works of art are carefully selected and exhibited to the quarter million visitors who attend every year. The Royal Academy of Arts is a must for all art lovers to visit and enjoy.

Mayfair is one of those neighbourhoods that you will visit regardless of whether you have a set destination within it or not. It’s just too central to miss. These top locations are what draws people back, because, in the end, Mayfair is more than its overpriced homes; it’s the destination for special nights out, too.