The Knight Frank guide to Mayfair and St James’s for businesses

Both its respective W1 and SW1 postcodes are considered some of the most desirable in the Capital, but now, their fi nery is the exact reason why its become a commercial epicentre for exclusive businesses looking for a physical presence that refl ects a sense of status.

Adjacent to and bisected by London’s biggest entertainment districts in Soho and Piccadilly respectively, and sit astride two of London’s Great Parks – Hyde Park and Green Park – both Mayfair and St James’s offer businesses looking to impress a sense of class and tradition upon clients, and importantly, be in right in the heart of the Capital.

Getting there

Mayfair and St James’s central proximity makes it Zone 1 for London public transport services, with each district served by several underground stations at all compass points. These include for Mayfair:

• Green Park Underground Station: Jubilee Line, Victoria Line, Piccadilly Line
• Hyde Park Corner Underground Station: Piccadilly Line
• Marble Arch Underground Station: Central Line
•  Bond Street Underground Station: Jubilee Line, Central Line, Elizabeth Line

And for St James’s:

• St. James’s Park Underground Station, Circle Line, District Line
• Piccadilly Circus Underground Station: Piccadilly Line, Bakerloo Line

Key mainline London stations within a short tube – or even walk – from both districts include Paddington, Marylebone, Victoria and Charing Cross Stations. And, with the opening of the Elizabeth Line, both London City Airport and Heathrow Airport (all terminals) are commutable within 30 minutes.

Meet the Neighbours

Offi ce spaces bearing a Mayfair or St James’s postcode certainly can make a statement, but businesses located in these districts are more likely known for their discretion.

Private banks, wealth management fi rms, and private equity companies may traditionally be the occupants of the leafy districts’ townhouses, as are other types of legal and professional services consultancies, but tech start-ups, luxury boutiques and other businesses are also making Mayfair and St James’s their home.

Prestige may play a significant factor for businesses looking to base themselves in either district, and this can be refl ected in their reputation for being excellent networking hubs for high-net-worth businesses and individuals, alike. Some of London’s most exclusive private members clubs – think Annabels, Allbright and The Savile Club – are situated off the leafy squares and terraces of both districts.

Choosing the right location for your office is one of the most important decisions you can make when growing your business. With its rich history, thriving business community, and excellent amenities, Mayfair is perfect for businesses in a range of sectors, but the postcode’s prestige is in high demand and fi nding the perfect fi t for your business can take time.

On your doorstep

It’s true both districts are synonymous with the fi ner things London can offer, and especially when it comes to eating and drinking.

Mayfair in particular boasts some of London’s best, if not obvious choices, such as The Savoy, The Connaught Bar or The Wolseley, but more affordable staples in the Guinea Grill on Bruton Street or the Barley Mow on Duke Street make fantastic options for wining and dining clients.

In fact, Shepherd Market – a vibrant pocket of Mayfair – showcases what makes London one of the world’s greatest cultural melting pots. You can find anything from Italian, Turkish, Mexican or Japanese in this charming little part of the neighbourhood – favourites of ours including Misto for cozy Italian dining, Yazu Sushi for exactly that, and Fez Mangal for an authentic taste of Istanbul.

Bond Street to the north offers high-end luxury retail, as does the wonderful Mount Street, while Burlington Arcade invites shoppers to peruse the rare and wonderful. The best of the rest for eating and drinking across both districts include cocktail bars Trader Vics and Sketch, as well as classic Victorian boozer The Red Lion, and The Footman Mayfair – one of London’s oldest pubs dating back to 1729.

“There are few districts in London that have it all in the same way Mayfair or St James’s do. A super central location, excellent connectivity, and the very best in lifestyle options the Capital has to offer, it’s no wonder how both have remained prime destinations to live and work for decades, while so much of London has changed.

But it's Mayfair and St James’s more intangible qualities that have made it increasingly popular for businesses in emerging industries to fi nd a home in either. Tradition, prestige and affluence define both W1 and SW1 postcodes – something the beautiful selection of commercial spaces in each pays testament to.

Our team is well established in the area, and we’d love to help your business a space of its own in either” Amanda Lim, Head of Flexible Offices

Places of interest

We’d be remiss not to mention that Mayfair and St James’s neighbour two of the liveliest entertainment districts in London, in Soho and Piccadilly, these W1 and SW1 postcodes have more than enough for the more mindful worker, who may be looking to escape the bustle of the city centre.

Green spaces, galleries and some of the Capital’s finest architecture are in abundance here – and all easily traversable by foot.

For instance, the beautiful green enclave of Berkeley Square is open to the public year-round. Take in the gorgeous Georgian architecture, which includes homes to former Prime Ministers, PG Woodhouse's fictional character Bertie Wooster, and, allegedly, the most haunted building in London.

The Royal Academy of Arts is perhaps best known for its annual summer exhibition of contemporary art, but also offers a year-round programme of world-class exhibitions and free displays of art and architecture.
Both districts are particularly blessed with beautiful and expansive green spaces, besides the iconic squares dotted across both districts. Enjoy a lunchtime run around the 350-acre Hyde Park, take your Teams meeting outside in Green Park, or simply soak in the royal history of St. James’s Park on a sunny afternoon – you’re spoiled when it comes to connecting with the outdoors.


Find your base in Mayfair & St James’s

At Knight Frank, we know how important it is that you fi nd offi ce space that’s within budget and is conveniently located but that also makes you and your team happy. With our expertise and extensive knowledge of the Mayfair & St James’s office space and commercial rental market, we’re perfectly placed to empower your search.

Take a look at our offices to rent in Mayfair & St James’s, or get in touch for help finding the perfect offi ce space for your business.