How Mayfair got its name

Mayfair London // May 17, 2012

 

325 YEARS of the MAY FAYRE - 1286 - 2011

325 YEARS of the MAY FAYRE - 1286 - 2011

Mayfair is now well known for being one of the most prosperous and exclusive areas in the city of London, with a reputation for excellence and elegance. Most people know the names of the shops, restaurants, hotels, and other renowned local attractions, but few people know the history behind the name of Mayfair itself.

Mayfair was named after the May Fair, an annual event which took place in the area, on the site that now plays host to today’s popular Shepherd Market. The May Fair was a fortnight long occasion which gave farmers and other local traders the opportunity to showcase the best of the year’s wares, and allowed them to trade and barter with each other and the public. It also gave local residents an occasion to celebrate the coming of Spring, making it a key event at the heart of the community.

Whilst it was credited with bringing both wealth and a positive reputation to the area, the May Fair is now thing of the past – in fact, it was moved to Fair Field by Bow in 1686, and finished entirely in 1764. However, there is a commemorative plaque at its original site in Shepherd Street, to pay tribute to the event and ensure that the origins of Mayfair are never forgotten.

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Claridges in Mayfair

Mayfair London // May 14, 2012

Claridges is one of the most prestigious five star hotels in London, situated on Brook Street in the exclusive district of Mayfair. It is renowned for its ideal central location, luxurious decor and impeccable service. Whether it’s spent in an extravagant penthouse or a refined en-suite bedroom, any stay at Claridges is guaranteed to be an experience of ultimate comfort and utmost style.

As well as being a stunning Art Deco hotel, Claridges also offers a range of fine dining options, from award winning afternoon tea in The Foyer to an evening meal in the celebrity endorsed Gordon Ramsay at Claridges restaurant. For a post-dinner drink, The Fumoir serves up indulgent thirties themed cocktails, and Claridges bar provides the perfect environment for sipping champagne. Truly enthusiastic food lovers can even take part in culinary ‘Master Classes’, where the secrets and skills of the Claridges team are revealed – for a price.

For the health conscious, there are also leisure facilities, located on the sixth floor with inspiring views of the city, so guests can either work off that amazing dinner with a personal training session, or get pampered with one of the many Sisley beauty treatments or massages offered in the Spa.

Claridges is also available for meetings, events, and even weddings, but whatever the reason for visiting, it is an iconic and impressive setting which will leave a lasting impression on any patron that passes through its doors.

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Professor Green visits Mayfair’s designer boutiques with girlfriend Millie Mackintosh

Mayfair London // May 8, 2012

Rapper Professor Green is known for being a streetwise East Londoner, raised on an estate in Hackney. However, he was recently spotted shopping in a different part of town – perusing the boutiques of Mayfair with his girlfriend, reality star Millie Mackintosh.

The 28-year-old musician, whose recent hits include Read All About It and Just Be Good to Green, was photographed in the area, carrying several bags from many of the exclusive high-end stores. Sources say that the couple visited designer label Acne and spent time trying on shoes in the Jimmy Choo boutique in the Burlington Arcade.

The couple announced their relationship in February of the year, and Professor Green has since made a brief cameo in an episode of Made in Chelsea, the E4 reality series which Millie stars in. In a recent interview with Look Magazine, Millie, 22, spoke highly of the relationship, saying “He’s so talented and the kindest person I’ve ever met”. However, despite the obvious affection between the pair, she added that they are taking things one day at a time. “I’m only 22! I’m not thinking about that at the moment, but I’m really excited for the future.”

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Mayfair Library

Mayfair London // April 30, 2012

There has been uproar in recent months over the closure and cuts of many beloved libraries across the UK, highlighted by campaigns such as the Evening Standard’s ‘Save Our Libraries’, which is backed by high-profile authors such as Benjamin Zephaniah and Martina Cole. It is therefore comforting to see that Mayfair Library is still up and running, and providing local residents with a great range of fiction and non-fiction books, and many other services.

In addition to the main library, there is a small children’s section which holds a Chatterbooks reading club and homework group, as well as events for under 5s. For adult visitors, there are monthly Reading Groups, and regular Employment Advice sessions. It is also possible to hire a meeting room for any business or conference needs.

Last year, figures showed that children who use libraries are twice as likely to be above-average readers, and they are a hugely important resource for learning regardless of age. Whether you prefer the latest bestsellers or classics, libraries offer you them for free. They are a great asset to any community, and one that more people should utilize.

Mayfair library is located on South Audley Street, accessible from Bond Street, Green Park or Hyde Park Corner, and is open Monday to Friday, 11am-7pm, and 10:30-2:00pm on Saturdays.

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