In case you are not familiar with the British slang word posh, it is a word used to describe a person’s, a place’s or even an accent’s quality of being elegant, stylish, or upper class. This word’s origin has quite a funny story. On ocean voyages between Britain and India, the most desirable cabins, the ones that didn’t get the afternoon heat, but instead the ones on the Port Side out and on the Starboard Side home. Those traveling in these cabins had their tickets stamped with the word acronym POSH.
In this post we have listed the top 5 posh areas and neighborhoods in London. With London being one of the most expensive cities in the world and the city where some of the world’s richest people call home, it is no surprise that London has an abundance of luxurious and classy neighborhoods.
1. Mayfair
Mayfair is an affluent central London neighborhood defined by upmarket hotels, world-class galleries, Michelin restaurants, private member’s clubs, and luxury shopping. Perhaps the poshest area in London, Mayfair was the playground of wealthy aristocrats in the 17th century and today is where London’s socialites go for fancy dinners and cocktails, party at the town’s most exclusive clubs, or spend the day shopping at designers boutiques, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, just to name a few. The area has a beautiful setting, perfect for day and afternoon walks, enhanced by the tree-lined streets, the green parks, the elegant Victorian buildings, the shop windows, and the thematic decorations of the various high-end restaurants. If you don’t mind spending a “few” pennies extra then Mayfair is a top London destination.
Check out our post on: 7 Day London Itinerary
Recommended hotels in Mayfair Area:
The Dorchester, Dorchester Collection
With a world-class spa, Michelin-Starred restaurant and boutique bedrooms, The Dorchester features a landscaped terrace and famous tearooms. This exclusive hotel overlooks Hyde Park, and is situated in prestigious Mayfair. For availability and rates click here.
Claridge’s
Set in the heart of Mayfair, Claridge’s is an art deco icon and a byword for timeless elegance. Since the 1850s, Claridge’s has excelled at the finer things in life: glamorous design, inspiring dining, and impeccable service.
2. Marylebone
The mainly residential area of Marylebone in Central London is amongst the poshest neighborhoods in the city. Full of history, hidden gems, dreamy quiet parks, narrow alleys, world-class restaurants, and cozy artisanal cafes, luxurious shops, and an elegant aura, Marylebone is the most fashionable area at the moment in London. Skip the busy streets of Oxford Street and discover the tucked and much quieter streets of Marylebone where you will find the most picturesque spots. If you are paying a visit at some of London’s most famous attractions located in the area such as Madame Tussauds or the Sherlock Holmes museum, you might want to clear up some space in your schedule to wander in the grounds of the world-famous blossomed Regents Park or walk down Marylebone High Street where you can pick to dine from an abundance of high-class restaurants or shop at some of London’s most exclusive boutiques.
Recommended hotels in the area:
Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill
This elegant, Churchill-inspired, five-star hotel offers a central London location, with convenient access to shopping on Oxford Street, Hyde Park and transport links, as well as a retro, Art Deco-style awarded cocktail bar.
The Landmark London
Experience quintessential London charm in the sumptuous surroundings of this magnificent hotel. Discover a breath-taking oasis of luxury, sophistication and serenity. There is an array of charming spots to dine and unwind include the enchanting Winter Garden Restaurant, in the hotel’s breathtaking central atrium. For availability and rates click here.
3. Knightsbridge
Knightsbridge, a residential and retail district in central London, south of Hyde Park tops the list of the most expensive places to live in London, hence one of the poshest as well. The area is home to the world-famous department store Harrods, known for its designer shops, Seasonal Christmas department, and Food Halls. Highly known for its luxurious boutiques, prestigious hotels, and Michelin restaurants, the area is much more than just a playground for the billionaires of London. Some of London’s best museums and art galleries are located on the grounds of this historical area, such as the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. A visit to Knightsbridge is not complete without a visit to Hyde Park, one of the most famous and beautiful parks in the world.
Recommended hotels in Knightsbridge:
Behind an elegant Victorian facade, lies a refined luxury 5-star hotel infused with the style of the local London neighborhood housed in a 1889 building. The interior design of this exquisite boutique hotel in South Kensington is characterized by five central concepts: botany, music, geometry, ornithology and astronomy. For availability and rates click here.
Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park
London is renowned for its time-honored luxury hotels, and the Edwardian masterpiece that houses Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London is no exception. Situated at the heart of the super-elite Knightsbridge district, bordered by Harrods, Hyde Park, and Buckingham Palace, this one-time Victorian Gentleman’s Club now comprises 181 of the most luxurious rooms and suites in the city, two swishy restaurants, and a lavish spa.
4. Notting Hill
Although distinctive for its quirky backstreets, colorful Victorian-era houses, pretty gardens, high-end boutiques, antique markets and hippie cafes, the neighborhood where William Thacker met Anna Scott while buying a book from his bookstore, is one of the poshest areas in London and also one of the most expensive ones as well. The area of Notting Hill resembles a labyrinth of mews, houses painted in pastel colors-where you should definitely take some cool photos- narrow quiet alleys filled with cozy independent pastry shops and cafes. The Portobello Road Market, the world’s largest vintage market, held every weekend should for sure enter everyone’s “must visit in London” list. Londoner’s favorite thing about this area, apart from the abundance of upcoming restaurants and high-end bars, are the bookstores, where you can find everything from cooking books to rare copies.
Recommended hotels in the area:
The Laslett
Notting Hill is weirdly short of decent hotels, but The Laslett has stepped neatly into the gap, converting five Victorian terrace houses into a luxury hotel, one minute’s walk from Notting Hill Gate. Expect creative ‘westies’ in the bar, and food, artworks and décor supplied largely by local, frequently famous, talent.
Check these activities in Notting Hill:
Discover the real Notting Hill with a local expert guide. Visit the Portobello Road market, explore the best vintage shops, see the famous blue door in Notting Hill movie, music studios, and more.
London: Notting Hill Photography Session
If you are looking for unique photos of yourself with your partner or family you are in the right place. With some of London’s prettiest locations as a backdrop, enjoy a professional photoshoot as a memento of your time in London.
5. Belgravia
Belgravia is a culturally rich sanctuary of serenity and calm in bustling central London. This posh area in London is marked by its Classic Georgian, regency-style mansions, expansive squares, tree-lined streets, meticulous gardens, interesting boutiques, fancy restaurants and cute cafes. During the warm months, the area bustles with outdoor bars and lively terraces, ideal for socializing and people-watching. Visit the Eccleston Yard where you can find the towns’ most promising eateries, wander around Elizabeth Street, the prettiest street in London, which will surprise you with its vast selection of independent shops, and take the most instagrammable pictures at the charming mews in the area, which date back to the 17th century. Don’t miss Peggy Porschen cafe, London’s prettiest and pinkest cake cafe, where you can taste the most delicious cakes and pastries and take the most amazing pictures.
Recommended hotels in the area:
The Berkeley
The Berkeley’s spa sets it apart from other London hotels. Its temple-like swimming pool opens onto a secret rooftop garden where guests can enjoy a range of treatments surrounded by lavender.
COMO The Halkin
A discrete and elegant hotel, The Halkin excels in the art of displaying assured self-confidence in what it does. The hotel features elegant bedrooms, a private gym and contemporary Basque cuisine. It is set on a peaceful street, 10 minutes walk from the shops of Knightsbridge and 800m from Hyde Park.
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