While some of the best pubs in Mayfair embrace the borough’s classy nature, others embody the more causal vibe that pubs are known for.
You can try award-winning savory pies at The Windmill, enjoy a delicious Sunday roast from The Market Tavern, and sip on an ale at The Punchbowl.
So if you’re looking for the best pubs in Mayfair, this list includes all of the most amazing places for you to grab a drink.
In this guide:
7 Best Pubs in Mayfair
The Punchbowl
Dating back to 1729, The Punchbowl is packed with history. For a few decades, it was actually owned by Guy Ritchie, the famed English film director. Today, it is definitely one of the best pubs in Mayfair.
While at The Punchbowl, you can get everything from local ales to fine single malt scotch. And you can pair your alcohol of choice with a few of the delicious bar snacks.
You can order Cumberland honey and mustard chipolatas, Welsh rarebit, or cheesy truffle chips. Or you can opt for the Punchbowl sharing platter, which includes everything from buttermilk chicken to calamari to scotch eggs to Welsh rarebit.
The Windmill
Known for its savoury pies, The Windmill undoubtedly serves up the best pub food in Mayfair. As a matter of fact, the steak and mushroom pie and the steak and kidney pie have both won national awards!
If you’re looking for other food options, you can also get the beer-battered fish and chips, the 10-ounce dry-aged rump steak, or the chicken, bacon, and leek pie.
And since this is a pub after all, you can pair your pies with an ale or lager of your choice.
The Footman
When it first opened in 1749, The Footman was actually called The Running Horse. For a while, this Mayfair pub became the go-to hangout spot for many of the footmen in the area.
Then, one day, the demand for the footmen came to an end, so one of the regulars of The Running Horse decided to buy the pub and name it after himself!
While pubs are typically quite casual, The Footman tries to embrace the classy nature of Mayfair. Inside this Mayfair pub, you’ll find large windows, leather seats, pressed tablecloths, and elegant gold accents.
You’ll also find scrumptious pub food while at The Footman. You can order the West Devon lamb shepherd’s pie, smoked monkfish wellington, cauliflower gnocchi, or venison haunch.
And don’t forget to order your beer or wine of choice as well!
The Market Tavern
Nestled in Shepherd Market, The Market Tavern is one of the best pubs in Mayfair when it comes to beers. As a matter of fact, The Market Tavern is a sister pub to The Builder’s Arms, one of the best pubs in South Kensington!
With an extensive collection of rotating craft beers and cask ales, you’ll always find something new that you’ll want to try. Or if beers aren’t your thing, you can try one of the wines, ciders, or gins that are available instead.
You can also pair your drink of choice with pan-roasted venison, sausage and mash, or roast Atlanta cod.
And if you happen to pop in on a Sunday, you can enjoy one of the special Sunday roasts, including the 21-day aged rib of beef, roast pork belly, or half roast chicken.
The Guinea
The Guinea is definitely one of the oldest pubs in Mayfair. Opened in 1675, The Guinea has served hundreds of thousands of customers over the past few hundred years.
This Mayfair pub is most well-known for the Grill Room, which serves up some of the best steaks in the UK! Try the porterhouse, sirloin, chateaubriand, or fillet.
And don’t forget to order a glass of wine to accompany your prime steak. The extensive wine list includes options from all across the globe from France to Argentina to New Zealand.
And if you still have room, you can finish off your meal with a sweet treat, such as the sticky toffee pudding, the apple tart tatin, or the pistachio and chocolate mille feuille.
Iron Duke
Tucked between adorable boutiques and tasty restaurants, the Iron Duke is one of the best pubs in Mayfair.
The Iron Duke is known for its rotating selection of amazing cask conditioned ale. But you can always order a wine, spirit, or a cider if that’s more your style.
As for the food at the Iron Duke, it’s a cool combination of classic pub food and innovative dishes. Opt for the Fuller’s Frontier battered haddock with triple fried chips or the ragout of tomato, sweet potato, chickpeas, and kidney beans.
The Clarence
The Clarence is one of the best pubs in Mayfair, thanks to its historical significance, its views, and most importantly its drinks.
Once upon a time, The Clarence became the location from which Alexander Graham Bell’s first successful phone call was made! That’s quite a special title to hold.
As for the views, The Clarence overlooks the stunning The Ritz London. Add a picture-perfect sunset to the setting, and you’d be hard pressed to find a better view than that (even if London is home to some incredible city views and rooftop bars)!
As with most pubs, the most popular drinks on the menu are the cask ales, but The Clarence also boasts extensive wine, gin, and whiskey collections as well.
There’s even a beer library with beer artifacts, including ale-themed books and engraved tankards, that are available for purchase.
Final Thoughts on the Best Pubs in Mayfair
Whether you’re looking for a local ale, a top-notch pie, or a spectacular Sunday roast, the best pubs in Mayfair can definitely deliver!
In addition to boasting some of the best pubs in town, Mayfair is one of the most centrally located boroughs in London.
It’s actually one of the best areas to stay in London, since it’s close to many of the best attractions, most beautiful places, and prettiest streets in the city.
Mayfair is also home to some awesome bars, cafes and brunch spots!
Are there other good pubs in Mayfair that I should feature on this list? Let me know in the comments below!
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