Pubs in England first appeared in the 19th century and they have remained an important aspect of British culture for centuries. Mayfair may be known as the poshest neighbourhood in London, but part of its pride are some of the oldest pubs in the city.
Whether you are looking for pies and pints, a pub to watch your favourite football match, or a spot to hang out on St. Patrick’s Day, Mayfair has you covered.
Here is the list of the best Mayfair pubs in London.
Best Pubs in Mayfair
The Footman Mayfair
Recently refurbished, this late-18th- century pub was known as the Running Horse when it first opened doors in 1749. At the time, it was a popular hangout for the footmen working in the neighbourhood until, eventually, one footman bought the pub and named it the Footman.
Spread across three floors, the Footman Mayfair offers warm and welcoming dining rooms with impressive traditional decor with modern elements, such as chandeliers made from antlers. Besides being one of the oldest pubs in Mayfair, The Footman is also one of the best Mayfair pubs for food.
From Kashmiri chicken korma to grilled lamb cutlets and more than 20 different flavours of wine, The Footmen is an excellent pub to stop by, fill your belly and unwind.
- Location: 5 Charles St, London W1J 5DF
- Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-11pm; Sun: 12pm-10pm
- Price range: Food £20-£40
- Atmosphere: Lively, elegant, and stylish
- What it is best for: Mouthwatering British pub classics
The Punchbowl
Listed as a Grade II English Heritage, the Punchbowl is another historic pub in the heart of Mayfair, serving customers fine local ales and whiskey since 1729. Housed in a Georgian building, although refurbished numerous times, the Punchbowl has kept a few of its period features, like the dog-leg staircase and the dado panelling.
The Punchbowl became even more popular in 2008 when the Queen of pop Madonna and her now ex-husband Guy Ritchie bought the pub for £2.5 million. The place quickly became a hangout spot for celebrities like Justin Timberlake, Jude Law and even Princess Beatrice.
Superb British cuisine and a choice of three dining rooms to suit every mood make this place one of the best Mayfair pubs. If you fancy a single malt, check the Pub, or enjoy Sunday roast dinner in the Dining Room. Want to hide from curious eyes? Then head down to the Club for the best private dining experience.
From milk poached cod and Welsh rarebit to crispy-battered Haddock and Confit Duck Leg salad, their team ensures everyone gets the best out of their kitchen.
- Location: 41 Farm St, London W1J 5RP
- Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 12pm – 11pm
- Price range: Food £12-£22
- Atmosphere: A combination of luxurious comfort and a cosy pub atmosphere
- What it is best for: Fine local ales and laid back atmosphere
The Guinea Grill
For the most traditional and historic pub in Mayfair, head to The Guinea Grill on 30 Bruton Place. The site has been home to an Inn since 1423, so The Guinea counts as one of the oldest pubs in Mayfair. Since the Guinea Grill opened in 1952, the pub has been churning out some of the best dry-aged, grass-fed British beef in the UK.
If money is not an issue, you can pair your steak with a bottle of Chateau Latour for £1,100 or go with the cheaper option: a glass of house wine for £3. The Guinea is also known for their award-winning pies, so make sure to try some. Private dining is another beautiful experience in the Guinea Grill for parties of up to 28 guests.
- Location: 30 Bruton Pl, London W1J 6NL
- Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-11pm; Sun: 12pm-11pm
- Price range: £39-£1100 for a bottle of wine
- Atmosphere: Intimate and cosy pub ambience
- What it is best for: Steaks and pies
Related: Best Bars in Mayfair
Coach and Horses Mayfair
The famous Bruton Street in Mayfair, known for its famous residents such as the Duchess of York and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, is also home to the oldest pub in Mayfair. Established in 1744, the Coach and Horses welcomes all tourists and local workers for traditional pub food and top-class ales.
The building with a mock-Tudor exterior has kept much of its period features, so one step inside this Grade II listed building, and you will be transported back in time.
Considered one of the best Mayfair pubs for food, the Coach and Horses offers a wide range of pub classics like traditional cod and chips, cheddar cheese and bacon burgers, fish fingers and onion rings for less than £15.
- Location: 5 Hill St, London W1J 5LD
- Hours: Mon-Tue: 12pm-10pm; Wed-Fri: 12pm-11pm; Sat-Sun: Closed
- Price range: Pub classic £11-£14
- Atmosphere: Quaint, warm and inviting
- What it is best for: Top-class ales
Also Read: Best Clubs in Mayfair
The Windmill Pub Mayfair
When the busy city drains your energy, there is no better place to recharge the batteries than the private roof terrace at the Windmill Pub in Mayfair. Known for their award-winning pies and eight different cask ales on tap, alongside pub classics like fish & chips and sausage rolls, the Windmill Pub Mayfair is ideal for friends and after-work get-togethers and anyone looking for pies and pints.
Fast service and warm ambience create repeat customers, especially for Sunday roasts. Booking in advance is advised for the pub, the roof terrace and the private dining in the Upstairs room.
- Location: 6-8 Mill St, London W1S 2AZ
- Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-11pm; Sun: 12pm-6pm
- Price range: Pies £16.50-£19.50
- Atmosphere: Warm and friendly
- What it is best for: Pies and wide range of cask ales
The Goat Tavern
Since its opening in 1958, the Goat Tavern has been a place where locals would gather for a crisp cold pint and gossip or two. Today, this traditional pub on 3 Stafford Street in the heart of Mayfair is an excellent spot for after-work get-togethers and nights out with friends.
Aside from the life-size goat statue above the main door, the goat paintings, drawings and other goat-related decors, this place offers a warm and friendly ambience and mouthwatering British pub food classics. Don’t forget to pick something from the extensive wine list and cask ales on tap, including their very own Greene King IPA.
- Location: 3 Stafford St, London W1S 4RP
- Hours: Mon-Wed: 11am-11pm; Thu: 11am-11.30pm; Fri: 11am – 12am; Sat: 11am-11.30pm; Sun: 12pm-10.30pm
- Price range: Food £7-£19
- Atmosphere: Bustling and cosy
- What it is best for: Classic British pub favourites
Market Tavern Mayfair
There is nothing like a cool pint of ale to keep your adrenaline in check when cheering for your favourite team at the Market Tavern. Located in Mayfair’s Sheperd Market, The Market Tavern has been welcoming beer lovers since 1808.
The pub oozes Victorian charm, which can’t go unnoticed, but the highlight is the boudoir-inspired Chesterfield Bar upstairs, reserved for private dining. There are 11 choices of draught beer and a selection of 3 real ales to pair with your Sunday Roast or the roasted garlic chicken and truffle dauphinoise available daily.
- Location: 7 Shepherd St, London W1J 7HR
- Hours: Mon-Sat: 12pm-11pm; sun: 12pm-10.30pm
- Price range: Sunday Roast mains £16-£26.50
- Atmosphere: Elegant and laid back
- What it is best for: Wide range of ales and craft beer
The Iron Duke
The Iron Duke on 11 Avery Row is another traditional pub to check out in the heart of London’s West End. Decorated with riding boots, the interior catches the eye upon entering. Highly trained Fuller’s chefs prepare the most delicious pub classics in this easygoing pub.
From Fuller’s frontier battered haddock and Norfolk chicken schnitzel to nachos and pan-roasted sea bass, the family-friendly pub has a little bit of everything for every taste.
Top that up with seasonal ale, craft lager or one of their exclusive wines and you are set for the day. Bring your dog along and the entire family can enjoy a meal in the Iron Duke.
- Location: 11 Avery Row, London W1K 4AN
- Hours: Mon-Fri: 12pm-11pm; Sat: 12pm-10.30pm; Sun: Closed
- Price range: Main menu £12.50-£17.50
- Atmosphere: Easygoing and family-friendly
- What it is best for: Amazing cask conditioned ale and innovative dishes
The Red Lion
If you want to get a glimpse of life in the 19th century, you don’t have to visit a museum. Stop by The Red Lion, Mayfair. There has been a Red Lion pub on site since 1788, but the one today was built in 1821, preserving a lot of its Victorian charm and decor. Glasswork and mirrors decorated with the most advanced engraving and etching techniques available at the time are everywhere.
Authentic fresh food makes this pub an excellent pit-stop for lunch after roaming Regent Street. There is nothing like fried buttermilk chicken burger, sweet potato fries and onion rings to elevate your mood on a grey day in London.
But the highlight of this traditional boozer are its award-winning ales. From modern craft beer to the best cask classics, The Red Lion has you covered any time of the day.
- Location: 2 Duke of York St, St. James’s, London SW1Y 6JP
- Hours: Mon-Wed: 11.30-10pm; Thu-Fri: 11.30pm-11pm; Sat: 11.30pm-10pm; Sun; Closed
- Price range: Mains £13-£22.50
- Atmosphere: Cosy, friendly and welcoming
- What it is best for: Great food, good service and comfortable atmosphere
The King’s Head
Established in 1720, The King’s Head is one of the oldest pubs in Mayfair. This traditional pub was once owned by the Duke of Albermarle, so you are not only getting excellent food but you are also getting class, history and a lot of character.
Located near Buckingham Palace and The Ritz, The King’s Head is the perfect location for anyone looking to take a break after a long day sightseeing. When you are feeling peckish, try some of the authentic pub classic like their award-winning Steak and Nicholson’s Pale Ale Pie or go wild with a 21-day-aged ribeye steak.
Complement your scrumptious meal with one of the many cask ales, fine wines and whisky at the cellar bar, a perfect spot to unwind and relax with friends.
- Location: 10 Stafford St, Greater, London W1S 4RX
- Hours: Mon-Wed: 11am-11pm; Thu-Fri: 11am-11.30pm; Sat: 11am-11pm; Sun: 12pm-9pm
- Price range: Pies £12.50-£17.50
- Atmosphere: Vibrant and cosy
- What it is best for: Cask ales, premium gin and traditional pies
The Masons Arms
Head down to 38 Maddox Street and you will find The Masons Arms, a traditional pub set in a 300-year old building with a mock Tudor facade. While the exterior is only attracting visitors to get inside the pub, it is the warm ambience, the attentive staff and excellent food that make their guests stay and come back for more.
Moreover, prices are reasonable given the quality of the food and the pub’s location. From Hunter’s chicken and beef lasagne to lamb rump and beyond meat burger, you can fill your belly in The Masons Arms for less than £13.
Top your Sunday roast with a pint or two of Punk IPA, or go with a glass of sparkling Prosecco or a Bloody Mary if cocktails are your thing.
- Location: 38 Maddox St, London W1S 1PY
- Hours: Mon-Sat: 12pm-11pm; Sun: Closed
- Price range: Pub classics £10.49-£17.49
- Atmosphere: Warm and quant
- What it is best for: Excellent food at reasonable prices
Also Read: Best Cafes in Mayfair
What Pub Does Guy Ritchie Own in Mayfair?
Guy Ritchie and Madonna bought the Punchbowl pub in Mayfair for £2.5m in 2008. Five years later, The Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels director sold the pub to Alexander Langlands Pearse’s Cirrus Inns Company.
Today, Guy Ritchie and football icon David Beckham own the Walmer Castle in Notting Hill.
Read More:
Conclusion
Though an upscale hub of Michelin-starred restaurants and celebrity residents, Mayfair, London, has some of the oldest traditional pubs in London. Many of them are Grade II listed by English Heritage, transporting their guests back in time.
From celebrities in the Punchbowl and the finest steak in the UK in the Guinea Grill, to the chilled atmosphere at the Coach and Horses, and the award winning pies in The Windmill, there are enough pubs in Mayfair for all tastes and wishes.