Yahoo News Living in Mayfair: restaurateur Samyukta Nair’s guide to the ‘lavish but charming’ West End area that borders Hyde Park
I’ve been visiting London since I was a little girl and Mayfair has always been my home away from home.
As a student I really enjoyed living in the West End and I am now thrilled to be able to experience living here as an adult. It feels almost like a homecoming of sorts. I’ve just moved to a period building on Upper Brook Street in a two-bedroom apartment.
I spent a considerable amount of time over the last five years going back and forth from Mumbai, which is where my family home is. With the pandemic and work interests growing in London, making the move seems long overdue.
Best eating and drinking
Scotts is a family favourite and high up on my list. I also immensely enjoy La Petit Maison and Roka.
Closer to home and to my heart are our restaurants, Jamavar and Bombay Bustle, which I’ve always made time to visit since we launched them. There’s truly nothing like Jamavar on weekends and Bombay Bustle is my go to for brunch. Our newest addition, MiMi Mei Fair, is my favourite Chinese restaurant in Mayfair, despite practically living in it the past few months to get it ready for the launch. I just can’t keep away.
For something more casual I always find myself going to NAC and now Hideaway, which is a really lovely addition to the neighbourhood.
Both the bars at The Connaught are favourites too and I very much enjoy Mr. Fogg’s.
Where I work out
I usually work out at home when alone but when my trainer comes we’re lucky enough to have Hyde Park for our sessions. It’s so nice to be out in the open air and surrounded by the greenery. I favour early mornings so the park is at its quietest.
For a culture fix
The galleries in Mayfair are incredibly special. Almine Rech, Gagosian and David Zwirner are some of my favourites. I also make the time to visit The Royal Academy of Arts as I love their exhibitions. The Heywood Hill bookshop has me eager to peek in and The Curzon always has something interesting to watch.
To commune with nature
I live on the edge of Park Lane and so it’s really lovely to be able to walk in and out of Hyde Park. I walk across Grosvenor Square every day to work and adore how charming Mount Street Gardens is.
Grocery shopping
Selfridges Foodhall is my usual go to when I need to pick up a number of items as they have a wide selection of things I love. For specialist items I head to Le Deli Robuchon, who have lots of quality French produce and Lina Stores around the corner from Mayfair, in Soho, is my favourite for authentic Italian produce.
When I’m hosting and need to pick up a bottle of wine, I usually head to Hedonism Wines, just round the corner from Jamavar. My other new favourite is the boutique wine shop in the cellar of Comptoir Cafe, which I only came across recently. Both spots have rows and rows of gorgeous wines from all across the world and something for every occasion.
Getting around
I walk everywhere. It’s so easy and such a pleasure to be able to explore my surroundings on foot.
Dream street
I absolutely adore Mount Street. The architecture has me in awe, the pace is leisurely and the street is undeniably charming. I am so deeply attached to it as my first restaurant, Jamavar, opened on 8 Mount Street, so it has a special place in my heart.
Something you only see in Mayfair
The cultural eclecticism is really quite special.
What’s the catch?
It isn’t for everyone, I appreciate that it can be perceived as over the top and lavish.
In three words
Charming, bustling and cosmopolitan.
Local schools
There are several primary schools in Mayfair rated Outstanding or Good by Ofsted including Hampden Gurney CofE Primary School and St George’s Hanover Square CofE Primary School.
For secondary education Westminster City School is deemed Good or Queen’s College London is an independent option for girls.
Read More
