Guest Writer By Darcy Fowler, Guest Writer
Mayfair is one of London’s most luxurious areas, and the vast majority of pubs, bars and restaurants fall at the heftier end of the price range. But that’s not to say there aren’t some hidden gems that work for those who want to explore Mayfair on a budget.
We’ve put together four of the best spots for those who want to enjoy delicious food and drink that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Continue reading to find out more about whether Mayfair is the next destination for you.
Mayfair Chippy
When you think of great British food, the first dish to come to mind for most is the classic fish and chips. While paying over £20 for one portion of fish and chips won’t initially sound like a budget option, it’s not bad when you see what others are charging in Central London.
The Mayfair Chippy has a strong reputation among Londoners, and the chip shop’s success has seen the opening of a second location in Knightbridge, located close to Harrods. Outside the original store in Mayfair, you’ll often find a long queue of hungry diners prepared to wait for the renowned fish suppers that are served inside.
Don’t be put off by the long queues, though; think of them more as evidence of the high-quality meals that you’ll enjoy. It’s also worth pointing out that booking ahead means you can bypass the queues entirely and head straight on in.
All in all, if you are looking to sample a delicious meal that’s as British as it is tasty, you can’t go wrong with fish and chips. While you certainly won’t be short of options when it comes to chip shops in London, the Mayfair Chippy is one of the best spots in terms of taste and offers fantastic value for money.
The Windmill
Located in one of the busiest areas in London and located just off the famous sights of Regent Street, you’ll find the most British of pubs offering food capable of competing with surrounding restaurants at a fraction of the price.
The Windmill has everything you’d expect from a traditional London pub, and those who are visiting London from further afield are sure to find an authentic experience when visiting. The menu serves up a whole host of British classics, from award-winning pies to one of the best Sunday roasts in London.
It’s not just the food that makes The Windmill, though. Both the exterior and interior scream traditional London pub, and as you’d expect of course, it’s dog friendly too. If you are fortunate enough to visit London on one of its few sunny days, you can also escape the business of central London by seeking refuge on The Windmill’s roof terrace. You may want to book ahead if you do intend on eating or drinking on the terrace, however. It’s fair to say British people like to make the most of the sunshine, so it becomes quite a popular option during the summer months!
Mercato Mayfair
If you want an array of affordable options, head to Mercato in Mayfair, where you’ll find an abundance of stands serving up delicious food inside the food hall. If you are a fan of architecture, then Mercato is even more of a must. The trendy food market takes place inside St. Mark’s Church in Mayfair.
Inside, you’ll find everything from Italian coffee to Asian street food, meaning you’ll find something regardless of the time of day. For locals who have grown up on British classics, Mercato Mayfair is a great place to sample the various cuisines of Europe and beyond.
There’s also the added bonus of price. Sampling Mercato’s market-style offerings is far cheaper than forking out for restaurant or pub standard food in Mayfair, both of which can be a lot more expensive compared to other cities.
For the wine connoisseurs, make sure you head downstairs to The Crypt, where you can sample a variety of wines and a great selection of cheeses. It’s also another location with an airy roof terrace that you can enjoy if the British weather allows! Mercato also has two other locations in Elephant & Castle and Canary Wharf.
Popina
If you’re looking for somewhere to start your day in Mayfair, you should seriously consider Popina. Their breakfast options are some of the best in central London, although you wouldn’t be able to tell from the prices. Don’t fear if you are a late riser; Popina serve their egg dishes until 3pm, which is a godsend if you’ve enjoyed London’s famous nightlife a little too much the night before!
Their options consist of classics such as eggs benedict and florentine, while more exotic options include Shakshuka dishes and Turkish eggs. In terms of value, most of their dishes can be enjoyed for less than £15. Again, this is a fantastic value in the affluent area of Mayfair.
Other options include porridge, omelet, french toast and, of course, the staple full english. If breakfast isn’t your thing, Popina also serves up a selection of fresh sandwiches that go perfectly with their smooth coffees.
If you need another reason to visit Popina, it’s also a short walk from Grosvenor Square, which makes for a relaxing morning stroll before a fun-filled day of activities.
Our carefully selected list of the best affordable places to eat in Mayfair also takes location into account. Whether you plan on drinking or just want to avoid London’s notoriously busy traffic, you can access all of the above locations on foot from Bond Street tube station if you want to leave the car at home. If you plan on driving, our options are also located less than a 10-minute walk from Grosvenor Square car park, a 24-hour car park in London located in one of the city’s most affluent areas.
For more of what London has to offer, browse our website for the best hotels, restaurants and bars. If you’ve already conquered London, there’s plenty of other places for you to visit in the UK.
