Set in The Ritz Hotel, five ornately decorated rooms in the spectacular William Kent House hosted the Mayfair Awards 2016 on Tuesday 25th October. Mayfair’s social elite and other distinguished guests were in attendance to celebrate the recipients of the 17 awards, which encompassed categories that recognized designer shops, hotels, restaurants, and other institutions in Mayfair. Organized by The Mayfair Magazine, with Pastor Real Estate – as the headline sponsor, the Awards were a resounding success and iterated the inimitably spirited feel of the exclusive neighborhood.
Mayfair is a unique area of London: characterized by stunning architecture, attractive park spaces, appealing cafes, bars and restaurants, and cultural points of interest, the largely residential area has emerged as the most desirable place in which to reside in London. Describing Mayfair, Hannah Lemon – the Editor of The Mayfair Magazine – said:
“The Mayfair Magazine is delighted to be hosting The Mayfair Awards for the fifth year to celebrate the people who invest so much in the community. The area’s rich history is as vibrant as ever with the beautiful boutiques on Bond Street, the master tailors of Savile Row, and renowned art galleries. While new restaurants, plush renovations and art exhibitions add a breath of fresh air. The Mayfair Awards provides the chance to recognize these unique businesses, from the Best Independent Fashion Boutique to the Best Perfumer, as well as hardworking and talented individuals with the Local Hero and Outstanding Contribution to Mayfair awards.”
Established in 2012, the Mayfair Awards are awarded annually to highlight the multifaceted nature of the area; Mayfair is not only a destination for luxury, but it is also a fantastic place to shop and sample cultural offerings. The awards have grown in prestige in the last five years, and businesses and individuals take great pride in receiving a Mayfair Award – which has come to underline creativity, aesthetic splendor, and strong business acumen, among other qualities. Nominated by a panel of distinguished judges – which includes David Lee (from Pastor Real Estate), David Love (Chairman of The Ritz Club), Lord Bruce Dundas (Chairman of the Bond Street Association), and Jenny Packham (Fashion Designer) – the awards are decided by a public vote.
In order to reflect the prestigious nature of the awards and the sophisticated nature of Mayfair, professionals transformed the already glamorous interior of The Ritz Hotel: scented candles from Roja Dove filled the air with an enchanting fragrance; Paul Thomas – florist to The Ritz – provided beautiful floral arrangements; live classical music from a string quartet resonated from the sumptuously decorated walls; and Bruce Russell, the planner of luxury events, orchestrated the space’s opulent design. Celebrated artist, Ayumi Toyashi, also sketched guests’ portraits as they entered the room, which added a fun, personal touch to the event.
David Lee, Head of Sales at Pastor Real Estate, was invited to sit on the panel of judges and commented on the exceptionally strong pool of nominees:
“With such an incredible selection of entries from which to choose, and the fact that the standards are so high, it is a difficult decision to choose the most deserving for each award, but luckily there are 8 of us on the awards panel to make the decisions together.”
Listed below is the comprehensive list of winners of the Mayfair Awards 2016:
– Best Independent Fashion Boutique: Jenny Packham
– Best Showroom Design: Dior
– Outstanding Contribution to Mayfair: The Residents’ Society of Mayfair and St James’
– Local Hero Award: the street cleaners of Mayfair
– Best Perfumer: Penhaligon’s
– Best Independent Jewellers: Hancocks
– Best Cocktail Bar: Fogg’s
– Best Restaurant Experience: Scott’s
– Best Public Space: Grosvenor Square Gardens
– Best Hotel Suite: The Royal Suite at Claridge’s
– Best Exhibition at an Art Gallery: Hockney
– Best Display of Craftsmanship: Smythson
– Best Local Event: Mount Street Christmas Lights
– Best Charitable Initiative: Emma Willis and Style for Soldiers
– Best Sustainability Initiative: The Browns Hotel and its partnership with CleanConscience
– Best Interiors Boutique: Mayfair Design Studio
– Best New Opening: Manolo Blahnik
