Anyone who has played Monopoly will be aware that Mayfair represents the glamorous side of London life. From exclusive boutiques to high-end hotels, everything about Mayfair represents the finer things in life, and that extends to the entertainment options as well.
Anyone visiting Mayfair should make the most of the amazing local offerings, and with so many different activities to choose from, there’s something to suit anyone’s idea of a good time. Some of the best include the following.
Casinos
The digitisation of traditional casino games has seen a resurgence in the popularity of long-time favourites such as poker, roulette, and blackjack.
While fans can access a selection of the best online casino sites at home, if you are going to a physical casino, then Mayfair is the place to play. The Palm Beach Casino is one of the most popular spots for those that like the gaming tables, with a luxurious gaming floor providing a sumptuous backdrop for a night of fun.
The Clermont Club is another top pick for fans as it is a modern reimagining of the gentlemen’s clubs of old which draws on its long and distinguished history. Players can choose between the Club Room, the Pavilion Rooms, or even the smoking terrace, for a real taste of gaming traditions with all the mod cons that make 21st-century gaming so much fun.
Walking Tours
For those that like to explore and want to learn more about this historically significant area, there are plenty of walking tours available. From free tours that you can download and use on your phone, to guided tours in which you can have all your questions answered by a knowledgeable expert, there are tours to suit every budget.
You can learn where you’re most likely to spot a ghost, find out which historic figures have spent time in Mayfair, and learn how the residents and visitors have experienced Mayfair over the years. For the inside scoop on some of the most intriguing events, there’s even a ‘Rich People Behaving Badly’ tour that takes in some of the biggest scandals including Royal mischief and high-profile poor behaviour from the past and the present day.
Shopping
Whether you are on the lookout for something specific or just want to window shop, Mayfair is the place to find all manner of amazing things. The world-famous Burlington Arcade is a special spot designed to provide Lady Burlington with the perfect shopping experience, and two hundred years later it is home to a range of boutiques and specialist stores.
Most people will have heard of Savile Row, the street that has earned an international reputation as the home of quality tailoring for the most exacting fashionistas in London. A Mayfair shopping trip can take in some of the most renowned tailors including Gieves and Hawkes, Davies and Son, and Huntsman, not to mention all the other shops such as jewellers and art galleries.
Museums
There are a few notable museums in Mayfair, but there are also plenty of places that aren’t quite so well-known that visitors should consider while visiting Mayfair. The Cartoon Museum tells the important story of how cartoons and comic strips reflect the important events of their time, giving visitors the chance to learn all about some of the most important cartoons of our time, from Private Eye to the Beano.
The Faraday Museum celebrates the work of the scientific superstar Michael Faraday, whose work has shaped so much of our modern lives. A museum charting his work can be found on the lower floors of the Royal Institution, another must-visit spot for inquisitive minds around Mayfair.
Art lovers may choose to visit the Gagosian Gallery, the London branch of an international group of galleries that can also be found in New York, Beverly Hills, Paris, Rome, and Geneva. Exhibiting works by artists from all over the world, recent exhibitions have showcased talented sculptors, painters, photographers, and filmmakers with collections that challenge and inspire.
Final Thoughts
Whatever brings you to Mayfair, there is so much to see and do that you are sure to find plenty to keep you occupied. While the area has a reputation for being chic and upmarket, the truth is that Mayfair, like any area of London, has a fascinating history and plenty to offer visitors from all over the world.
