Lady’s Secret Guide to London’s Shepherd Market

There’s something mysteriously alluring about Shepherd Market. Tucked away in a tiny pocket of Mayfair, it’s a little village hidden in the heart of central London. But even more intriguing is its ability to be home to some of London’s hottest restaurants, best shops, and coziest pubs while also seeming to hide some of the city’s most clandestine businesses down dark little alleys and secret squares.

Shepherd Market

I’ve been to Shepherd Market before, but I’ve always dipped in to have a pint at Ye Grapes, my favorite pub in Mayfair, or dinner one of the many restaurants dotted throughout the area.

But now I’m back to spend a bit more time in Shepherd Market, lingering in shop-lined alleys and loitering in 18th-century squares to learn more about how Mayfair’s former red light district has managed to be so many things to so many people.

Shepherd Market Restaurants

The restaurants, for example. Kitty Fisher’s is one of the most famous Shepherd Market restaurants. This low-lit, intimate bar and dining room serves Modern British fare and proper cocktails.

But as celebrated as it is, there are other restaurants in Shepherd Market that I could pass by a million times and never notice. It seems everyone here wants to keep a low profile, and yet some succeed more than others.

One business that does a very good job is on a little alley off the main square in Shepherd Market. Its window blinds are drawn day and night, making me wonder whether there’s any business going on at all (and what sort of business it is if there is!).

Given Kitty Fisher’s is named after an infamous 18th century courtesan, and a former resident told me that such activities might still persist, my imagination marvels at the possibilities.

Beyond Kitty Fisher’s, there are more good restaurants in the village. My favorite Turkish place, Sofra, is here, and there’s a lot more variety beyond it.

There’s even a Polish-Mexican restaurant that has always intrigued and worried me in equal measure.

Shepherd Market Wine Bars and Cafes

One place that doesn’t keep a low profile (and doesn’t appear to want to) is Shepherd Market Wine House, a wine bar with a mustard yellow shopfront and a mouth-watering array of charcuterie on rustic wooden tables.

Another is the brightly lit Cafe Mish, a diminutive shop with delicious looking sandwiches.

Shepherd Market Pubs

But back to the Shepherd Market pubs. The aforementioned Ye Grapes is my favorite pub in Shepherd Market. It has great old-world atmosphere and is a fun place to meet friends for drinks after work.

The Market Tavern is another good Shepherd Market pub. This one has great character and authentic charm, and I’ve spent many weekend afternoons and evenings here with friends.

Art Galleries

And then there are the art galleries, of which there are a surprising number for such a small London neighborhood.

One is the Maddox Gallery. It’s housed in the former space of the Mayfair branch of the Bankrobber Gallery, which is famous for selling the works of Banksy.

It seems fitting that such a mysterious street artist’s work would be sold in such a clandestine place.

Jewelers

Next are the jewelers. Some display their wares in bright shopfronts with picture windows.

Others, like Guy & Max, prefer privacy, blacking out the glass and offering clients the opportunity to discuss their unique 3D-printed pieces incognito.

Shepherd Market Members’ Clubs

And speaking of incognito, 5 Hertford Street is home to a private members’ club of the same name, as well as the famous LouLou’s nightclub.

I’m invited in for tea, where I sit in a dimly lit room so full of men and cigar smoke that I can’t help wondering what kind of deals are being done around the tables.

Shops

When it comes to shops, my favorite place to go in Shepherd Market is the local florist, where seemingly everyone in the neighborhood pops in to get flowers. This includes the shopkeepers, who get floral arrangements for their stores here.

In fact, the longer I spend in Shepherd Market, the more I realize that this village is not just mysterious, but also self-contained.

All of the businesses frequent one another, and there’s a pharmacy, a shoe repair shop, and a store offering postal services. They even have their own ceremony to switch on the village’s Christmas lights.

Shepherd Market’s Secret

So maybe that’s the secret. Once you’re in this London neighborhood, you never have to leave.

And why would you? With enough to feed, clothe, and entertain, the Shepherd Market restaurants, shops, and pubs could keep a person thriving for a long time.

And with enough time, maybe one could also solve some of the village’s mysteries…

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