This blog post was updated on October 25, 2018.
Terrifically near but wonderfully removed from the buzz of Central London, Shepherd Market offers an oasis of village-y calm for locals and visitors to London alike.
Tucked quietly away in the exclusive and historic Mayfair, it’s an ideal spot for relaxing over a pint or glass of wine with some friends, grabbing something great to eat, doing a bit of upscale window shopping and generally soaking up some “olde” English countryside atmosphere without having to actually leave town.
Indeed, for travelers arriving on flights to London, a visit to Shepherd Market feels as though you’ve stumbled upon one of London’s best kept secrets.
Wedged snugly between Piccadilly and Curzon Street and considered by many (especially among the locals) to be the heart of Mayfair, the little piazza dates back to the 1700s and is comprised of a number of small side streets lined with a selective handful of boutiques, galleries and quaint shops … and more than its fair share of quality places to eat and drink. Shepherd Market is highly regarded for its Victorian-era pubs – Ye Grapes is a definite favourite – and an enticing range of restaurants from upscale French and Lebanese to what may be the world’s only Polish-Mexican bistro.
A beloved celebrity haunt for ages, Mama Cass Elliot of The Mamas & The Papas, drummer Keith Moon of the The Who both lived (and sadly died). Shepherd Market has also played host to a number of literary stars as well, including fictional characters Wooster and his faithful valet Jeeves of the beloved P.G. Wodehouse novels. Yes, this is a brilliant spot for seeing how the other half (whether they happen to be real or make believe) live.
You certainly can’t blame the well heeled and celebrated for making Shepherd Market their home. Shepherd Market is steps from some of London’s best hotels and an impressive assortment of Michelin starred restaurants – not to mention Hyde Park, Green Park, St James’s Park, Kensington Gardens, Buckingham Palace and several more attractions. The famed theatres of the West End are but a mere stroll or cab ride away as are the shopping meccas of Oxford Street, Carnaby Street and Regent Street with their world famous department stores and major retail outlets.
It’s amazing to think that somewhere so conveniently situated to its urban surroundings can still retain such distinctive character and have such a bucolic air about it. A true London gem that’s well worth stumbling upon!
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