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Shepherd Market

A Georgian village hidden in Mayfair's heart, where independent shops, art galleries and historic pubs preserve timeless London charm.

Tucked away in the heart of Mayfair, Shepherd Market is a charming village-like enclave that feels frozen in time. This pedestrianised Georgian square, dating back to the 1730s, offers an enchanting blend of independent boutiques, art galleries, intimate restaurants, and traditional pubs. Narrow cobbled alleyways wind past quirky shopfronts, vintage telephone boxes, and a vibrant community of long-established businesses. From fine dining to casual cafes, international cuisine to English classics, Shepherd Market delivers an authentic London experience far removed from the bustle of nearby Piccadilly and Curzon Street.

A brief summary to Shepherd Market

  • London, GB
  • Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Local tips

  • Enter from Curzon Street to experience the charming covered walkway entrance, flanked by a sandwich shop and antiquarian bookshop—a perfect introduction to the market's blend of old and new.
  • Visit Ye Grapes or The Kings Arms for authentic pub atmosphere; both are historic establishments serving traditional English ale and classic fare in intimate, character-filled settings.
  • Explore the art galleries scattered throughout—Maddox Gallery features works by Banksy, Basquiat and contemporary artists, while smaller galleries offer rotating exhibitions in original shopfronts.
  • Linger at Shepherd Market Wine House with its distinctive mustard-yellow façade; enjoy wine and charcuterie while watching the world pass by from pavement tables.
  • Allow time to wander the narrow alleyways and discover hidden corners; the market rewards slow exploration with unexpected boutiques, cafes and historical details.
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Shepherd Market location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Shepherd Market

A Georgian Village in the Heart of Mayfair

Shepherd Market is a rare pocket of old London that has managed to preserve its 18th-century character despite being surrounded by one of the capital's most prestigious neighbourhoods. Created by architect Edward Shepherd from 1735 onwards, this intimate square occupies the site where the famous May Fair was once held—the annual event that gave Mayfair its name. Originally a cattle trading fair that evolved into a festival for Londoners from all walks of life, the location transformed into the charming marketplace and social hub that exists today. The market's narrow, pedestrianised streets are lined with Georgian shopfronts, creating an atmosphere that transports visitors back several centuries.

Eclectic Shopping and Independent Boutiques

The market's appeal lies in its collection of independent retailers and bespoke businesses. Boutiques offer everything from contemporary fashion to vintage clothing, while jewellers display both traditional and innovative pieces. Art galleries dot the alleyways, including the prestigious Maddox Gallery, which showcases works by established artists alongside emerging talent. Specialist shops cater to every need: a florist frequented by locals and shopkeepers alike, a barber using Turkish haircutting traditions, a shoe repair shop, and postal services. This self-contained village even has its own pharmacy and fashion retailers, meaning visitors need never leave to find essentials or luxuries. The quirky British charm is completed by a red pillar box and two bright telephone boxes—iconic sightings that have become Instagram favourites.

Dining and Drinking Across Continents

Shepherd Market's restaurant and pub scene reflects both its heritage and cosmopolitan character. Historic pubs like Ye Grapes (dating to 1882) and The Kings Arms (established in 1742, originally called the Three Jolly Butchers) serve traditional English ale and fish and chips in atmospheric settings filled with old-school décor. For dining, the market offers remarkable diversity: fine dining establishments like Kitty Fisher's, named after a Georgian courtesan and featuring dark wood and red velvet interiors; Italian restaurants such as Da Corradi, tucked down narrow walkways and beloved by locals and celebrities alike; and international options ranging from French and Lebanese to Iranian and Thai cuisine. Wine bars like Shepherd Market Wine House, recognisable by its distinctive mustard-yellow façade, offer carefully curated selections paired with charcuterie from France, Switzerland and Italy. Cafes provide everything from Greek pastries to contemporary coffee culture.

Living History and Hidden Stories

Beyond its visible charm, Shepherd Market harbours intriguing historical layers. The basement of Jack the Clipper barber shop was once the laboratory of Sir William Withey Gull, a physician to the royals and a figure named in historical speculation about Jack the Ripper. The market's covered walkway entrance from Curzon Street, flanked by a sandwich shop and antiquarian bookshop, exemplifies the blend of old and new that defines the area. Art galleries including 54 The Gallery, Hignell Gallery, and Imitate Modern occupy original shopfronts, while the Lamb Arts exhibition space sits next to The Kings Arms, creating a vibrant cultural quarter within this compact neighbourhood.

A Self-Contained Community

What makes Shepherd Market truly special is its sense of community and self-sufficiency. Shopkeepers frequent one another's businesses; the neighbourhood even hosts its own ceremony to switch on Christmas lights. This interconnectedness creates an atmosphere where long-established traders serve multiple generations of customers, and the market functions as a genuine village rather than merely a shopping destination. The area maintains its independence fiercely—locals have successfully campaigned against development proposals that might compromise its character. For visitors, this means encountering authentic London commerce and social life rather than corporate uniformity.

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