Smythson Of Bond Street Sale Now On

If you want a Mayfair bargain but can't face braving the sales yourself (or maybe you don't have the required elbow pads to hand), why not pop over to the Smythson of Bond Street website where the sale is in full swing.

To see all items in the sale, just visit the dedicated page for the Smythson Of Bond Street Sale. Some of the popular items are already going out of stock, so act fast if you see a bargain.

Bond Street Sees Double Digit Increase in Boxing Day Bargain Hunters

According to a report in the Guardian, Boxing Day shoppers were out in full force in search of a bargain, with visitors being up 13.3% in Bond Street as compared to last year. The figure for the West End as a whole was up 7.8%.

Shoppers Flock To High Street

Russia Raises Hopes That Exhibition Can Go Ahead

News agency AFP has reported on comments by Russia's culture minister stating his optimism that once new laws are passed by the British Government, the postponed exhibition of Russian masterpieces which was due to take place at the RA will be able to proceed.

The great works are currently in Dusseldorf and it is hoped they can be transported to London once the controvery has been settled.

A Very Merry Mayfair Christmas

South Molton Street


Bond Street Illuminations


Stella McCartney shop on Bruton Street


A thought provoking installation at the Gagosian Gallery in Davies Street

Merry Christmas from AboutMayfair.co.uk

Anglo-Russian Tensions Threaten Exhibition at Royal Academy of Arts

Continuing diplomatic tensions between the UK and Russia could prevent the Royal Academy of Art's much anticipated exhibition, From Russia: French and Russian Master Paintings 1870-1925, from going ahead with all the masterpieces it had expected.

The Russian Federal Agency for Culture and Cinematography has not yet issued export licences requires to move the works out of the country, for fear that there could be legal challenges to their ownership once in the UK.

No changes to the exhibition have yet been announced by the Royal Academy of Arts, and a decision by the Russian Federal Agency is expected imminently. The 13 week exhibition is due to open at the Royal Academy, based in Burlington House, in January 2008, with the opening being attended by Gordon Brown and President Putin.

More info: Royal Academy show in doubt as Russia withdraws artworks

Motorcycle Robbers Apprehended?

One of the recurring Mayfair stories this year has been the thefts from designer stores, carried out by sledge-hammer wielding gangs on motorbikes. The Islington Tribune has reported that arrests have been made following attempts to sell the stolen goods on eBay. Seven men between the ages of 19 and 43 were arrested and questioned at a central London police station.

Read the full story...

Mayfair Public Realm Improvements Proposed

Westminster Council and Grosvenor have proposed improvements to two sites in Mayfair - Mount Street and Brown Hart Gardens. The package of changes is worth £10million, and will also include improvements to Elizabeth Street, near Victoria.

It is intended that the changes to Mount Street will improve the streetscape and enhance its reputation as a shopping destination. Brown Yard Gardens will be revamped and opened up for the first time in 20 years. Works will be funded initially by Westminster Council and then be paid for in full by Grosvenor once the work are complete.

The plans, which are subject to public consultation, have been drawn up Grosvenor with its project consultants - BDP and Gehl Architects.



How a revamped Brown Hart Gardens may look

It's A Wonderful Life In Mayfair

"It's A Wonderful Life" - recently voted as the greatest Christmas move of all time in an HMV poll - can be seen on the big screen this holiday season at the Curzon Cinema in Mayfair.

The James Stewart classic, in which he wishes he had never been born and then is shown by angel what life would have been like if he hadn't, starts screenings on Friday 14th December.

Visit Curzon Mayfair Website

Mayfair Lady's Extraordinary Will Upheld

Mayfair Millionairesss Golda Bechal, who died in 2004, has had her controversial final will upheld in High Court ruling, gifting her £10million estate to the proprietors of a Chinese restaurant with which she had become friendly. Kim Sing Man and his wife, Bee Lian Man set up the Chinese restaurant in commercial premises owned by Bechal.

Mrs Bechal lived into Grosvenor Square, and her will has been the subject of a challenge by her family who claimed they should inherit the estate owing to Bechal suffering from dementia and not being aware of what she was doing.

The court heard that Bechal had formed a friendship with the Mans over two decades, and Mr Man would regularly deliver Cantonese Pickled Leeks to her home. They also shared family holidays together.

Judge Sir Donald Rattee QC said: "In my judgment, on the balance of probabilities, Mrs Bechal had testamentary capacity. The will executed by Mrs Bechal in August 1994 was valid.".

Mark Preston to become new Chief Executive of Grosvenor

Grosvenor - the international property development company, and major Mayfair land owner - has announced that Mark Preston will take over as Chief Executive from Jeremy Newsum on 30th June 2008. Preston is currently Grosvenor's Chief Executive of Grosvenor Britain & Ireland and will be succeeded in that role by Peter Vernon.

The Duke of Westminster, Chairman of the Grosvenor Trustees, the shareholders of
Grosvenor, said: “Jeremy is handing over an internationally renowned business that has a scope and scale very different to that which existed 20 years ago. He has continued the evolution of the business while maintaining the character and culture that make
Grosvenor such a special company.”

Related Link:
Grosvenor

Bond Street Goes Car Free Today

Bond Street, along with Oxford Street and Regent Street, is a car free zone today. Shop West End VIP Day sees these major thoroughfares closed to traffic from noon onwards, putting pedestrians first and allowing shoppers to freely move around.

Human rickshaws and West End Butlers will be on hand to help overloaded shoppers.

The Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, said: "The West End is one of the world's greatest shopping destinations and Shop West End VIP Day provides another valuable opportunity for retailers to boost sales ahead of Christmas trading and showcase London to visitors. I am sure that like last year, the traffic-free streets will be full of tourists and shoppers moving at their leisure, visiting our famous department stores and enjoying the cafes and restaurants that adorn the West End.”