Essential Mayfair: a 24-hour guide

9:00am Grab a coffee…

And take a morning stroll around Green Park. This petite Royal Park is a popular picnic spot during the warmer months, but as autumn approaches it really comes into its own. The sight of crisp golden leaves scattered across the grass, with Buckingham Palace in the near distance, is pure Instagram heaven.

10:30am Do brunch…

At Le Caprice. This 35-year-old restaurant is a Mayfair institution, and it offers a superb brunch, including an optional Bloody Mary or Buck’s Fizz. We recommend the Spanish-inspired fried-duck egg with chorizo, potato and padrón peppers.

www.shepherdmarket.co.uk

12pm Step back in time…

In charming Shepherd Market. This blink-and-you’ll-miss-it enclave is where the 17^th-century May fair, from which the area takes its name, was originally held. It’s home to many quintessentially British boutiques and proper little Victorian boozers.

1:30pm Indulge yourself…

With ice cream at Fortnum & Mason. Of course, this iconic former greengrocer’s is famous for its afternoon tea, but as a decadent alternative we recommend paying The Parlour a visit. Choose from old favourites like a knickerbocker glory or banana split, or try original creations such as a kir royale popsicle or even an afternoon tea-inspired sundae.

3pm Go window shopping…

In Burlington Arcade, an ornate covered walkway replete with delightfully traditional antique stores and jewellers. It’s located across the way from Fortnum & Mason and leads to Bond Street, where you then have the option of exploring Mayfair’s many landmark shopping areas or continuing to bustling Oxford Street. If you do, don’t miss a stop at Selfridges, one of London’s biggest and best department stores.

5:30pm Grab a pint and a light supper…

At a Sam Smith’s pub. This historic independent brewery has branches dotted all over town and is as authentic a British experience as you can possibly get. What’s more, a round of drinks with a portion of chips thrown in costs less than a tenner – practically unheard of in central London.

Photo courtesy Brinkhoff Mögenburg

7:30pm Catch a show…

In the glittering West End. Whether it’s classic productions like Phantom or Les Mis, or an acclaimed newcomer such as Aladdin or The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time (above), a weekend in London without a West End pitstop is simply unthinkable.

11pm Unwind after a long day…

With a nightcap at the all-new Bar at The Athenaeum. Take your pick from an eclectic menu of innovative cocktails created with craft spirits, or, for those of a more traditional palate, the bar’s famously extensive whisky collection is still going strong. Post midnight, if you’re keen to carry on the party and make the most of your 24-hours, you can always hail a taxi and head into Soho to check out some late night haunts.

Main image courtesy Anne Marie Briscombe