Mayfair to St James's Park...
1 – 2 hours walking
Leave The Townhouse, turning right and at the end of the road, turn left.
You will arrive at London’s famous Piccadilly - across from you is Green Park, one of London’s Royal Parks. A peaceful triangle of mature trees and grasslands, the perfect place for a quiet retreat from city life, right next to Buckingham Palace. If it is birdlife you’re after, continue straight, through Green Park and past Buckingham Palace, where you will enter the wildlands of St. James’s Park, home currently to Isla, Tiffany, Gargi, Sun, Moon and Star, the resident pelicans. First introduced in 1664 as a gift to the UK from the Russian Ambassador, the park is now home to over 40 pelicans. Pelicans are outgoing, sociable creatures; pause for a moment on one of the park benches and you may well be joined by one of the birds having strayed from the lake. A must-know, Queen Elizabeth II has ownership of all, yes all swans in England and Wales.
If wildlife is not for you, skip the parks for now and instead continue your journey on Piccadilly. On the other side of the road, you will fail to miss The Ritz Hotel, an iconic London landmark.
Once photos have been posed for, turn right at the traffic lights on to St. James’s Street, a road lined with private member’s clubs, and housing St. James’s Palace at its end.
On the left you will find Jermyn Street, a road that dates back to 1664 when King Charles II authorised Henry Jermyn, the Earl of St Albans, to develop an area close to St James’s Palace. The road holds a worldwide reputation for high-quality British artistry and craftsmanship. London’s finest men’s tailors, shirtmakers, and supplier of leather goods are all dotted along the pretty pavements making this one of London’s iconic addresses. Speak with our Concierge to book a private appointment for a personal fitting. Next, at the end of the road head to cheese heaven! Paxton & Whitfield established over 200 years ago. Our top pick is their stilton jar, a nice gift to take home with you. If clothing and cheese are not your thing, how about a cigar? Walk to Davidoff, they stock extremely rare and fine cigars. Speak to Luigi who will be delighted to help!
If you are in the mood to discover new culinary delights, continue to the end of Jermyn Street, where, on your right-hand side, you will see a small pedestrianised area called St. James’s Market. Here you will find revered 1 Michelin * restaurant, Ikoyi. Its food is focused on the flavours of sub-Saharan West Africa paired with the freshest seasonal British ingredients. Contact our Concierge for us to secure you a table – it will be a meal you will not forget!
Whether or not dining, take a left-up Waterloo Place where you will arrive at Piccadilly Circus. Take in the iconic lights and pause to see a few streets shows before heading back down Piccadilly where The Mayfair Townhouse awaits.
