In 2026, a new boutique hotel will open in one of London’s most characterful enclaves. The Shepherd Mayfair, located in historic Shepherd Market, marks the latest addition to Mayfair’s evolving hospitality landscape. Designed by Buckley Gray Yeoman and Timothy Shepherd of Shepherd&, the project draws on the architectural language of Mayfair’s eighteenth- and nineteenth-century mansions, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens.
Spanning 33,600 square feet, the hotel forms part of the Elegant Hotel Collection and will feature 82 guest rooms and suites arranged across six floors. Alongside accommodation, The Shepherd Mayfair introduces three distinct food and beverage concepts: Fayre, a modern all-day brasserie; The Lounge, a café-style space designed to transition seamlessly from morning coffee to evening drinks; and Teddy’s, a concealed late-night cocktail bar on the lower ground floor.
Architecture Rooted in Place
Occupying a rare freehold site, the architectural concept takes its cue from the historic mansions that once defined Mayfair. Timothy Shepherd began the project during his tenure at Buckley Gray Yeoman before progressing it through his own practice, Shepherd&, shaping both the architectural direction and the interior narrative.
The design balances historic refinement with the distinctive character of Shepherd Market. Storytelling elements are woven throughout the property, referencing figures connected to the area including Desmond Sautter, Lord Sandwich and Tiddy Doll. Subtle braille and morse code details nod to the neighbourhood’s wartime intelligence links and nearby Down Street station.
Inspired by London’s traditional arcades, the hotel is conceived as a gateway between Mayfair and Shepherd Market. A discreet walkway leads guests from the main thoroughfare to the principal entrance. Throughout, material palettes, surface textures, bespoke joinery and detailing reflect a design philosophy rooted in classic British heritage, interpreted with contemporary restraint.
Rooms with Townhouse Character
The Shepherd Mayfair’s 82 rooms and suites are individually configured to respond to the building’s original townhouse proportions. Layouts vary, reflecting the idiosyncrasies of each space rather than adhering to a uniform template.
Interiors combine warm timber finishes with lighter tonal palettes and softly curved upholstery, punctuated by blue detailing and red velvet curtains. Darker, more atmospheric corridors create contrast, setting the tone for rooms that feel both refined and intimate. Subtle references to British craftsmanship appear throughout.
Practical design has been approached with a travel-focused sensibility. Adaptable furniture and integrated storage are central to each room’s functionality. Desks convert into dressing tables or chess tables, while concealed lighting establishes a relaxed ambience. Every room includes a banker’s lamp and a window seat overlooking Mayfair.
Lighting has been supplied by Apparatus, whose London showroom on Mount Street reflects the longstanding relationship between Shepherd& and the studio. Bathrooms are finished in marble, with select rooms offering bathtubs and separate seating areas.
Corridors feature a curated art collection, including works by British photographer Jack English, many exhibited publicly for the first time, alongside fine art photographer George McLeod, whose practice reinterprets classical imagery through a contemporary lens.
Teddy’s: A Late-Night Hideaway
On the lower ground floor, Teddy’s offers a more atmospheric counterpoint to the hotel’s daytime spaces. Named in honour of Edward Shepherd, the eighteenth-century architect and developer who established Shepherd Market, the bar draws inspiration from the area’s layered past and the drinking rooms of 1960s Mayfair.
Accessed via Market Mews, a concealed staircase, lift, or through an arched passage from the lobby, Teddy’s will seat 72 guests. Commissioned murals wrap around a low bar, referencing the diversity of Mayfair society while introducing subtle Parisian undertones. Interiors are defined by deep green and blue hues, with furniture upholstered in limited-edition Liberty archive prints. The result is a space designed to feel both lively and enduring.
Fayre and The Lounge
At ground level, Fayre is a 75-cover modern brasserie serving seasonal dishes throughout the day. Banquette seating, dark timber panelling and a berry-toned palette inspired by mulberry and blueberry hues define the interior. Wall coverings by urban artist Adam Ellis introduce theatrical scenes inspired by the spirit of a contemporary fair, referencing the historic gatherings that once took place on Mayfair’s open fields — from livestock markets and theatre performances to games of chance.
Also on the ground floor, The Lounge offers 58 covers alongside a generous outdoor terrace. Designed to serve both hotel guests and local residents, it moves effortlessly from artisan coffee and pastries in the morning to light lunches and evening drinks. Forest green velvet upholstery, natural timber finishes, softly carved lines and geometric detailing create a warm atmosphere. Black and white illustrated vignettes by British artist John Broadley animate the lobby, accompanied by additional works from Jack English and George McLeod.
A Modern Interpretation of Mayfair’s Mansions
