Julien Macdonald's guide to Mayfair

By MO Magazine

July 13, 2023

From oyster bars to dance floors, Julien Macdonald’s hangouts are as glamorous as his clothes.

For fashion designer Julien Macdonald, there’s nowhere quite like Mayfair. “I absolutely love it,” he says. “You always see the most fashionable people dressed in the most exquisite clothes and incredible jewellery. There are elegant historic buildings, verdant squares and quiet corners that belie the fact you’re in the centre of one of the world’s busiest cities.” Here, he shares eight of his favourite addresses.

THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS

I love surrounding myself with inspiration. The Royal Academy of Arts, founded in 1768 by a group of artists headed by portrait painter Joshua Reynolds, is the perfect place to soak up top-class exhibitions from around the world.

ANNABEL'S

Private members’ club Annabel’s is one of my all-time favourite places. It’s where all the fashionistas and celebrities flock to, dressed head to toe in designer outfits and diamonds. The people, interiors and flower displays make it the hottest ticket in town, and it’s one of London’s sexiest places.

GLENN SPIRO

If you want to see some of the most unusual and exquisite diamonds in the world, Glenn Spiro is the name to know. His collections are absolutely stunning, and he operates out of one of the most historic salons in Mayfair: the former studio of couturier Sir Norman Hartnell. It’s definitely one of London’s secret locations.

SCOTT'S

For a traditional British dining experience, Scott’s is one of my regular haunts and one of London’s oldest restaurants. Spending the evening perched at its elegant oyster and Champagne bar is an experience not to be missed. It was here – or so they say – that Ian Fleming first tried a dry martini ‘shaken not stirred’.

HYDE PARK

Working out and keeping active is important to me, and Hyde Park is just the place. It was originally used as a hunting ground by Henry VIII, and remains the largest of the Royal Parks. It’s a national treasure set in the heart of London.

The exterior of the Thomas Goode boutique in Burlington Arcade

MOUNT STREET

You’ll often find me on Mount Street – a place that’s synonymous with luxury shopping. Goyard is one of my personal favourites: the most exclusive luggage in the world, made from the most exquisite leathers. I also love Thomas Goode, in Burlington Arcade. I collect crystal and glass, and it holds one of the most unusual selections of glass and tableware in the world.

The impressive exterior of Christie’s auction house

MAYFAIR'S ART GALLERIES

Some of London’s finest galleries and art dealers can be found in the heart of Mayfair. On Berkeley Square, Phillips auction house specialises in art and design, while Clarendon Fine Art always yields inspiration and intriguing pieces. In neighbouring St James’s, Christie’s is another iconic auction house, with an incredible selection of contemporary art.

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