Best cosy cafés in Mayfair
by Annabelle Spranklen
London’s cafe culture is almost as old as the city itself, back in the 1650s these were the hubs of gossip, a place of intellectual exchange. These days, nothing makes a local’s heart beat faster than an independent roaster and artisan coffee shop. Forget the super-sized chains, these are the most unique and best cafés in Mayfair worth a visit.
Marchesi
The first Marchesi bakery opened in 1824 in Maria alla Porta, and has since become one of the most famous in Italy and its first and only international outpost happens to be on Mayfair’s elegant Mount Street. Now owned by the Prada Group, this is a hub of decadent treats all year around. Locals come here for the world-famous Panettone, made with 100% Italian wheat flour, six-crown raisins and Sicilian oranges (don’t miss the apple, cinnamon and caramel seasonal special). Plus, the coffee is strong and very, very good.
The Connaught Patisserie
From the pastel pink leather seats to the glistening marble counter showcasing treats galore, there are few lovelier places to be in Mayfair than inside the rose-coloured Patisserie at The Connaught. There are some beloved classics - namely the signature Connaughty Hound, an indulgent chocolately masterpiece of a hazelnut cake in the shape of the hotel’s canine mascot as well as the handcrafted morning pastries plus an incredibly velvety hot chocolate that’s made with dark Valrhona and Madagascan vanilla and topped with whipped cream.
Hideaway
A suave kind of spot, Hideaway is Ollie Dabbous’ (of Michelin-starred restaurant Hide) boutique café spin-off. More elevated than your usual café, expect marble tables and chandeliers, all bathed in airy shades of creams and woody browns. The counter is laden with just-baked goodies - goji berry cookies, yuzu and perilla cream buns and toasted éclairs, plus the likes of lobster rolls and avo on toast (with Royal Siberian caviar) washed down with Union Coffee and some novelty specials, apple pie latte, anyone? Plus Hedonism Wines if something stronger beckons.
Farm Shop
Farm Shop is the Mayfair version of the group’s store at Durslade Farm in Bruton, Somerset, with some of the finest seasonal produce on offer, many either grown or reared directly on its 1000-acre free-range farm. Naturally, this farm shop has a pretty fine café, whipping up cheese toasties and sandwiches filled with the farm’s organic meat. Most come here for the rotisserie chicken (there's a genius dedicated Chicken Line - 07749701549 - to place your order ahead). If you want to linger for longer, head downstairs where big wooden tables and sharing charcuterie boards await.
HR Higgins
Coming to HR Higgins feels like you’re experiencing a hidden slice of old Mayfair again. This is a secret hotspot on Duke Street for those in the know - they have an 80-year legacy as being one of the finest suppliers of the roasted bean in London and for coffee connoisseurs, there are few places in town that serve a better cup. There’s takeaway of course, but take time to savour it and head to the basement café below instead with homemade cakes and frothy hot chocolates also on the menu.
Hagen Espresso Bar
A Danish-influenced haven of specialty coffee, Hagen Espresso Bar is an elegant spot to recharge on North Audley Street. Serving premium speciality coffee with a dash of Danish hygge and old-school class, the drool-worthy interiors (vintage brass, marble bars and hessian wallpapers) and the fact each drink is brewed with care, will keep you coming back. There’s light bites on the menu - pastries, avocado on toasted rye, and, of course, espresso-based drinks and filter coffee. Sink into a leather chair in one of the cosy nooks and you’ll never want to leave.
Everbean
Locals love this buzzy-as-a-honeypot coffee shop, an oasis of calm that happens to be just minutes from New Bond Street. Serving up Yallah Coffee, who roast their single-origin coffee in Cornwall, alongside teas, turmeric and matcha lattes, and hot chocolates, there’s plenty on offer at Everbean. Counters are piled high with flaky croissants, flapjacks and lemon drizzle plus there’s wholesome salad boxes and hot bowls when you fancy something a little more substantial. Like all the best places, this one turns into a sultry wine bar in the evenings.
Comptoir Café and Wine
A stone’s throw from the chaos of Bond Street, stepping into Comptoir Café and Wine feels like a soul-soothing respite from the day’s stresses. Pop in for a morning coffee and pastry or stay for a croque monsieur or Lancashire toastie. If the wine shop downstairs is luring you (it’s overseen by master sommelier Xavier Rousset so the selection is epic) it transforms into a wine bar when night falls, where glasses can be thrown back with huge sharing charcuterie boards. You won’t be leaving this café in a hurry.
Ladurée
It’s hard not to be enticed into the new opening of Ladurée with its pistachio green awning and gingham-printed chairs. Yes, this renowned Parisian coffee chain has just opened a chic new café on South Audley Street and it’s a beauty. Come here for the creamiest hot chocolates and its famed macarons (best take a box home too), cakes and pastries. If you have to dash, the takeaway cups are too pretty not to show off.
