Have you ever been to Shepherd Market in Mayfair, London? Many people think that it is Shepherds Market but it’s actually spelled without an “s”. This little oasis of calm is one of the most charming areas in Mayfair. It has many good cafes and boutique shops in its pedestrianized streets, making it a pleasure to spend time in.
History of Shepherd Market, Mayfair
The area was originally developed from 1735 onwards by Edward Shepherd, then used for the annual May Fair from which Mayfair takes its name. There was once a duck pond, a two storey market and a theatre here.
Famous Residents of Shepherd Market
Nancy Mitford, the novelist and biographer, worked at Heywood Hill, the renowned book store on Curzon Street. The area was a popular residential choice for writers and artists such as Anthony Powell in the 1920s.
Half Moon Street, adjacent to Shepherd Market, is where P.G. Wodehouse’s fictional characters Bertie Wooster and Jeeves lived.
Despite its upmarket ambiance, the area used to be a red-light district where ladies of the night would ply their trade. These days its an altogether more salubrious place.
There are a number of excellent restaurants such as Kitty Fisher’s, as well as some interesting independent shops and one of the most luxurious London cinemas, the Curzon Mayfair.
The very upmarket private member’s club, 5 Hertford Street is also a popular destination.
Shepherd Market Wine House
There are a number of Victorian pubs and stylish eateries in this London quarter. One of the most striking is Shepherd Market Wine House.
It’s a nice place to enjoy a glass of wine and some nibbles. The interior is very cosy and there’s a downstairs room that can be hired for private events. The main attraction though are the fantastic wines. They’re available to purchase and take away or to enjoy in the tavern itself.
Since they use a unique system to preserve the wine, you can sample a wide variety by the glass rather than having to purchase a bottle. The Coravin method was invented by a surgeon and injects inert argon gas into the bottle, protecting wine from oxidation and leaving the cork in place.
Ben Van de Meutter, Shepherd Market Wine House’s manager and sommelier, recommends a glass of NV Lallier Brut Grande Reserve champagne to begin. It has a wonderful biscuity taste with fine bubbles. The ham is also a real specialty here and is full of flavour…
The truffle infused salami is also a delight. Don’t forget to try the selection of cheeses – a tangy goat’s cheese, a creamy and sweet Pont-l’Évêque and a classic Comté.
This could well be our favourite French cheese, with its delicate nutty flavour. To go with it, we recommend a glass of Château Panchille Bordeaux Blanc 2014 with hints of peach and honey.
An intense, earthy 2013 Chorey- Les-Beaune from Burgundy has a ruby red hue and fantastic depth. It matches perfectly with a tender smoked duck breast.
You’re sure to enjoy the casual vibe of Shepherd Market Wine House, and it’s a great spot from which to people watch. During the week, the square bustles with local office workers, people on date nights and groups of friends.
It’s conveniently located ten minutes away from the other wine bar in the group, Pall Mall Fine Wine located in the Royal Opera Arcade just off Piccadilly.
Shepherd Market itself is one of the most charming London areas. This is a good meeting point for friends as you’re sure to find somewhere to eat or drink that suits everyone.
We hope that you’ve enjoyed this virtual tour – have you ever been to Shepherd Market?
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Ah this has been on my list for a place to wander for ages. But just have never gotten round it! Shall move it higher up now!
Sophie
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A Story of a Girl
I know what you mean, Sophie, there’s always so much to do in London but it’s well worth a look
Looking at how classy and quaint this street is, I would never ever have thought that it used to be a red light district! I’ll have to check it out next time I’m in London
Rachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
I think there are still one or two ladies of the night there but I’ve never seen them
It’s such a lovely little area of London isn’t it?
Yes and perfect for a day like today! Hope you had fun at the wedding
It’s such a lovely place to mooch about and have lunch. It has an interesting history but is a very different place now. I love the idea of having different wines to sample the charcuterie Lucy x
Quite a relief that it’s become a more sedate area now ;-). The wines worked a treat with the charcuterie
i’m so jealous you’re in London! there is so much to discover each day!!
enjoy your Sunday evening!
❥ Vicky | The Golden Bun – Instagram TGB
I’m really lucky, Vicky and it was a gorgeous day in London today – we had a good walk along the river
Shepherd Market is such a lovely part of London and so perfect for an idyllic Sunday stroll. So nice to learn a little bit about its history as well!
I’d heard that it was the site of the May Fair but it’s only this time that I actually came across the plaque, it would be good if they recreated the May Fair now!
What fun! I love a little stroll around Shepherd Market whenever I find myself in the area.
Me too, it’s such a haven when the sun is shining, by the way I nominated you for the 30+ awards
Such a lovely area in London!!!
Kisses, Paola.
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You’re right, Paola, it’s very charming!
I must have walked past it but never been to Shepherd Market. It looks like a lovely place. I only know the Curzon Soho; didn’t know that there was one in Mayfair as well.
The Mayfair cinema shows quite a lot of arthouse films and it’s a nice place to go to escape the crowds!
It’s a great little area and you can walk round it in no time at all!
I was at SMWH just over the weekend in fact – such a cosy bar, not to mention the fab selection of wine! xx
Ooh that’s funny! It’s a great little place isn’t it!
Wow. That salami surely is mouth watering!
Jil,
http://www.jildiamante.com/2016/06/sleek-flare.html
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What else is Sunday for if not for strolling, wine and cheese….
What else is Sunday for if not for strolling, wine and cheese….