A local’s visit to the secret Mercato Mayfair in Central London; a wonderful food hall established in a former church, with shopping stalls and street food!
I don’t know what it is with me, but I love stumbling upon new food halls and street food markets I didn’t know about when I’m walking around London.
That’s what happened with the tiny one in front of Old Spitalfields Market, with the one close to Lower Marsh, and that’s what happened with Mercato Mayfair, which I’m sharing with you today.
Should you have read guides and reviews of mine in the past, you know that London’s hidden gems are what I’m always hunting for.
Lately, I’ve told you about the likes of the Ackroyd Drive Greenlink, colorful Aberfeldy Street, coffee shop Redemption Roasters with its sculpture basement, and even upscale bookshops like Maison Assouline on Piccadilly.
Today, you’ll not only be able to discover one of the best food courts in London, but also one of the most beautiful churches, really close to Oxford Street’s sights.
How to Visit Mercato Mayfair, London’s Secret Food Hall
Mercato Mayfair is located on North Audley Street in Mayfair – it’s one of the prettiest streets in the city, winding, with beautiful restaurants dotting the way.
You can easily access it from Bond Street Station on the Central Line; for instance, you could walk up Oxford Street from Tottenham Court Road to admire the Christmas decorations, and have a peak and lunch.
The market itself is housed in a Grade I-listed building, St Mark’s Church, which is none other than one of the repurposed churches I shared with you in another guide.
The church was deconsecrated in 1974, and then restored to become this secret shopping and dining court only minutes from Oxford Street.
It’s part of the Mercato Metropolitano group, which notably has another branch I love at Elephant & Castle; a great spot for cheap lunch, too.
Whether you’re visiting London at Christmas or in the spring, you’ll find this is a great spot to walk around; a historical site that doubles as a secret food hall, with shopping stalls along the entranceway.
Should you be looking for amazing gelato, sushi, Italian street food or beautiful plants, Mercato Mayfair is the place to be; it’s open every single day until 11 pm at the earliest, and is also a cool place to have breakfast in Central London.
Mercato Mayfair organizes cool workshops and cooking classes regularly – do check their website to see what events are taking place there soon.
And even if you just go for a short visit, don’t forget to go upstairs to the secret rooftop, with its immaculate views over Mayfair (you can also get a beautiful view from Brown Hart Gardens, although it’s much lower).
History lovers will also love to explore the lesser-known corners of Mercato Mayfair.
For instance, the first floor gives a great view over the nave, while the secret crypt and cellar are probably some of the best hidden gems you’ll find in the city.
How to Visit Mercato Mayfair, London’s Secret Food Hall
Unmissable is the word when it comes to Mercato Mayfair – I’d been seeing in on Pinterest, Instagram and TikTok for years, wishing I’d finally take the time to visit, and came across it by mistake.
After eating and checking out the beautiful church, why not walk around and discover Mayfair’s hidden gems and sophisticated streets?
You could also explore Mayfair’s secret gardens, like Mount Street Gardens and Brown Hart Gardens nearby.
Then, it’s time to choose a new neighborhood to visit – why not try the historic Fleet Street or West Smithfield, or the lively Shoreditch or Notting Hill?