London’s most illustrious neigbourhood is also home to some of its oldest pubs Housed in Victorian townhouses and charming historic properties, many of Mayfair’s storied boozers set up shop during its development as a wealthy residential area in the 1700s – and with money, gentry and staff came the need to whet whistles at watering holes. Plus, while Mayfair is now the centre of the city, it once marked the beginning of a coach route in and out of London, with many taverns springing up to entice travellers and coachmen (hence the plethora of locals named The Coach & Horses).
With the average Londoner’s appetite for a post-work pint having only grown since, many of these establishments still have their doors open. They may now cater to a modern, commuter crowd looking to let off steam on a Thursday and Friday night, but they still retain that old-fashioned charm and offer what we think of as a ‘proper’ pub experience. Not sure where to go for a pint in W1? Here are the best pubs in Mayfair.
The Barley Mow
Named one of the UK’s best restaurants in 2023, The Barley Mow is more than just a pub – but remains a charming destination for a quick pint in Mayfair. The corner house actually dates back to 1809, and was converted in 1896 to become the Japanese ambassador’s residence (there’s rumours of an underground passage that leads directly to the embassy). The site was pelleted by terrorist gunfire in 1976, with the shots actually intended for the hotel next door, and a bullet hole remained visible until the Cubitt House group overhauled the property and reopened it as a pub in 2022.
Today, it is home to a bar that runs the full-length of the ground floor and stocks more draught pints and bottles than you can shake a stick at, with live music every Wednesday and Thursday. Fancy a snack? Pick from a menu of haggis Scotch egg with whisky mayonnaise, leek, potato and tarragon croquettes, or Croque Monsieur with a fried Cacklebean egg.
82 Duke Street, W1K 6JG, visit cubitthouse.co.uk
The Audley Public House
Image: Simon Brown
Blending artistic flair with old-world charm, The Audley Public House is one of the poshest pubs in Mayfair. Situated on the corner of South Audley Street and Mount Street, the building spans five floors and boasts three distinct experiences: on street level, The Audley Public House is a relaxed traditional community pub, complete with piano, extensive beer offering and classics such as half a pint of prawns and mayonnaise, Butler’s bangers and mash and, of course, a signature Sunday roast.
Upstairs is the refined Mount St Restaurant – a bright, gallery-like foodie destination – while the top three floors house the Curious Rooms: four private events spaces, each with its own story, artwork and bespoke furniture. Go to The Audley for some of the best Guinness in W1 and stay for the snacks: London rarebit and one homemade sausage roll please…
41-43 Mount Street, W1K 2RX, visit theaudleypublichouse.com
The Footman
Serving Mayfair since 1749, The Footman is one of London’s oldest pubs. Originally named The Running House, it was regularly frequented by the footmen who worked in houses of Berkeley Square, and word on the street is that it gained its new name when the footman trade declined and one purchased the pub and renamed it after his old job.
Despite its history, interiors are elegant and understated, and the menu offers cask ales, pub snacks and lunchtime meals as well as full-blown fare at the upstairs restaurant. Small plates include charred mushroom shawarma with coconut yogurt, and baked camembert with hot honey and sourdough, but those after for something heartier should look no further than the sirloin steak sandwich or classic pie of the day.
5 Charles Street, W1J 5DF, visit thefootmanmayfair.com
The Windmill
Best known for its pies, The Windmill is ideally situated in the heart of Mayfair, just off Regent Street and only a short walk from Oxford Circus Station. The property dates back to the 19th century and is run by the team behind The Guinea Grill (see below), but retains more of an old-fashioned feel than a posh pub vibe. Spanning a bar, dining room and roof terrace, it would be remiss not to try one of the pies – especially when the fillings are as good as Guinness and braised short rib, game options including rabbit, pheasant and venison, and steak and stilton.
6-8 Mill Street, W1S 2AZ, visit windmillmayfair.co.uk
The Guinea Grill
London’s oldest steakhouse reopened in 2024 following an extensive refurbishment – but don’t worry, great care was taken to match the interiors to that of the original pub, preserving the character and conviviality of a Mayfair institution once frequented by Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner. The Guinea Grill has been operating as an inn since 1423, with Young's brewery taking ownership in 1888 before opening its famous steakhouse here in 1952. Despite its foodie reputation, it remains a community hub and is open for drinks at the bar, with space outside for an evening pint (or two) with friends, family and colleagues.
Inside, dark oak panelling, tartan flooring and an eclectic mix of artwork sit alongside white-clothed tables and the pub’s trademark meat counter, while a wall of wines joins a fully stocked bar, dispensing perfectly poured Guinness, Young’s Original and a vast array of fine wines by the glass (the pub’s wine cellar pre-dates the Second World War, so expect the unexpected). Feeling peckish? Start with traditional dishes of prawn and crayfish cocktail and devilled kidneys on toast, before sampling the pub’s award-winning homemade pies, served since the 1940s, and steaks that have been dry-aged by Frank Godfrey of Highbury in a special room the has been reserved for the pub for nearly 60 years.
30 Bruton Place, W1J 6NL, visit theguinea.co.uk
The Coach and Horses
The Coach and Horses is the oldest surviving pub in Mayfair, established in 1744 on what would have then been the western fringe of the city, but is now at its beating heart on Hill Street. The name, and location, suggest that this was once a hotspot for the coachmen, whips and hackmen who stopped off on this coach route in and out of the city. In 1989 it was granted Grade-II-listed status, and has also been recognised by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) as having an interior of special national historic interest.
Now standing proudly among designer boutiques and five-star hotels, The Coach and Horses offers a quintessentially British pub. It has retained many of its original features, such as cosy fireplaces, centuries-old cellars and an old-fashioned cold room, serving an array of ales, lagers and stouts. The menu is concise and concentrates on pizza – expect toppings of goat’s cheese and 1698 ale and onion chutney, and loaded pepperoni – alongside toasties and sausage rolls.
5 Hill Street, W1J 5LD, visit coachandhorsesmayfair.co.uk
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