The best shopping on Mayfair's Mount Street

Known as “the paradise of pink terracotta”, Mount Street is a destination for the discerning. One of the oldest streets in Mayfair, it was once the preserve of art galleries and antiques dealerships, but it has undergone something of a modern revival over the past decade to become one of London’s leading luxury destinations.

With its elegant Queen Anne revival-style architecture and pristine brick-fronted shops, Mount Street combines old-world charm with super-high fashion for sophisticated shopping. The street is home to a plethora of high-end boutiques and designer labels, from Lanvin to Parmigiani. Although pleasingly European in feel with its wide pavements and restaurants with al fresco terraces — as well as many international brands — Mount Street is undeniably British in character, with its magnificent architecture and the presence of quaint shops and galleries. 

It is only fitting to start the day by visiting family-owned perfume house Creed. Passed down from father to son since 1760, Creed has blended fragrances for everyone from Queen Victoria to David Beckham and is popular with film stars and musicians alike. Showcasing its heady products, the minimalist but well-perfumed shop is stocked with high quality fragrances — a little goes a long way. For a sensual and spicy autumn fragrance, try Creed’s original Santal fragrance, warm with notes of sandalwood, cinnamon and juniper. 

For more wintery wares, nip into heritage brand Pringle of Scotland for cosy cashmere knitwear or a sweater featuring its signature Argyle pattern, named after the small town in Scotland where it is produced. Or for artful footwear, meander over to Nicholas Kirkwood’s flagship store for fabulously sculptural heels. Pick up a pair of gravity defying Mira Pearl heels, or opt for black suede Casati Pearl ankle boots, inlaid with iridescent grey-black pearls for a laidback take on his signature embellishment. 

All this shopping will work up an appetite, so nip into Mount Street Deli for a cup of Darjeeling tea and a slice of carrot cake before succumbing to the chic, jewel-hued dresses at Parisian boutique Paule Ka. A short walk away is Valextra, the place to go for elegant Italian leather bags. The Iside medium bag, which comes with a handle and an cross-body strap, is as pretty as it is versatile and comes in an array of well-chosen colours. 

Close by is modern silversmith Georg Jensen, which stocks gleaming, curved steel pitchers, undulating candle sticks and reassuringly solid picture frames. The Halo collection of delicate gold and diamond jewellery created in collaboration with Sophie Braille is reason enough to visit the boutique. For more exquisite metalwork, head to Parmigiani Fleurier and admire the elegant lines of the brand’s tonneau-shaped Kalapa chronograph in gleaming rose gold or sparkling with a deep aventurine dial.

Or, if it’s sporty watches you are after, make a beeline for Richard Mille. Created to withstand the impact of ball sports — polo, in particular — its latest, astonishingly robust watch, the RM 53-01, is complete with a cable-suspended movement. 

If that is not enough to slate your spending, nip into the Porsche showroom to round off your trip. Running from Hyde Park to Berkeley Square, Mount Street is as perfect a place for a test drive as it is a for a spot of retail therapy.