The Steamy History of Sex in Mayfair... Including Now
Picture this: Mayfair, London, where champagne flows, designer heels click against cobblestones, and the air hums with old-money elegance. But darling, there’s a deliciously naughty secret lurking beneath those pristine facades. Mayfair isn’t just about wealth and sophistication, it’s got a past dripping with scandal, desire, and forbidden thrills.
We’re talking red-light districts, clandestine trysts, and private clubs where the elite let their hair (and inhibitions) down. Ready to dive into the steamy history of sex in Mayfair? Buckle up, because this is one wild ride through London’s poshest postcode—and yes, we’ve got a luxe twist waiting at the end.
Shepherd Market: Mayfair Red Light District
Let’s start with Shepherd Market, Mayfair’s sultry little secret. Back in the 18th century, this tucked-away nook transformed from a quiet corner into the beating heart of London’s sex trade. Picture “walk-up” flats with calling cards fluttering in the windows—discreet invitations for the city’s well-heeled gents to indulge in some illicit fun. It was *the* spot for Mayfair sex, where aristocrats slipped away from their grand townhouses for a taste of the taboo.
Enter Catherine Walters, aka “Skittles,” the courtesan who ruled the scene from her South Street pad between 1872 and 1920. With lovers like the Duke of Devonshire, she was the It Girl of her day, proof that sex in Mayfair came with a side of glamour.
Fast forward to the ‘80s, and Shepherd Market was back in the headlines, thanks to Jeffrey Archer’s headline-grabbing rendezvous with a prostitute. Scandal? Oh, honey, it’s practically Mayfair’s middle name.
And the literary crowd couldn’t resist either. Edith Templeton’s 'Gordon' paints post-war Shepherd Market as a playground for dark, sadistic romance—freedom and desire tangled up in its shadowy streets. Even Olivia Manning, who lived there, couldn’t help but spill tea about the “fascinating” working girls she spotted. Naughty and nice, all in one chic package.
The Ritz Hotel: Sex in Mayfair with a Side of Gossip
Next stop: The Ritz Hotel. Since swinging open its gilded doors in 1906, this Mayfair icon has been serving up luxury and a hefty dose of intrigue. During World War I, it was the go-to for politicians and military bigwigs like David Lloyd George, plotting war moves over martinis. But those plush suites? They weren’t just for strategy sessions.
Whispers of secret affairs floated through the halls like champagne bubbles.
By World War II, the Ritz’s basement bar turned into a sizzling hotspot for gay and lesbian guests, think of it as Mayfair’s own underground LGBTQ club, dubbed “notoriously queer.”
Upstairs, the straight crowd sipped tea; downstairs, the vibe was pure liberation. Evan Morgan and Harold Nicolson were regulars, adding a dash of aristocratic spice to the mix. But it wasn’t all glitter, tragedy struck too, with Peter Beatty’s 1949 suicide and Baron Pierre de Laitre’s 1953 murder-suicide, proving that sex in Mayfair could be as dramatic as it was decadent.
Annabel’s: The VIP Den of Discretion
Now, let’s sneak into Annabel’s, the private members’ club that’s been Mayfair’s beating heart of exclusivity since 1963. Founded by Mark Birley and named for his wife, this Berkeley Square gem was where Princess Diana, The Rolling Stones, and the jet-set elite came to play. No paparazzi, no rules—just pure, unfiltered fabulousness. While the scandal sheets stayed quiet, Annabel’s whispered reputation for discreet encounters made it a haven for Mayfair sex with a VIP twist.
The Times once purred that Annabel’s “still smells of sex and exclusivity”and who are we to argue? After a 2018 glow-up, it’s still the place where luxury meets mystery, with dimly lit corners perfect for a stolen glance or a secret rendezvous. It’s Mayfair at its most seductive, if you can afford the membership!
The Literary Lowdown: Mayfair’s Sexy Muse
Mayfair’s spicy past has seduced writers for decades. Take Edith Templeton’s 1966 novel 'Gordon', a steamy dive into post-war sexual freedom with Shepherd Market as its kinky backdrop. Then there’s 'Naked in Mayfair' by The Secret Socialite (2023) think a newly divorced banker named Ava rediscovering her mojo amid Mayfair’s glitz and grit. It’s 'Sex and the City', Mayfair-style.
And don’t sleep on 'Mayfair Magazine', the cheeky men’s rag that ran from 1966 to 2005. Packed with nudes and saucy Q&As, it turned Mayfair sex into a cultural touchstone. Whether it’s highbrow lit or glossy spreads, this neighborhood’s sensual side has always been ink-worthy. Even today The Blushing Book Club holds regular women-only get togethers with steamy books for filthy minds!
From Scandal to Seduction: Mayfair Sex Today
So, here we are: Mayfair, where red-light romps, wartime flings, and private club whispers weave a tapestry of elegance and edge. The history of sex in Mayfair isn’t just a juicy tale—it’s a vibe that’s still alive and kicking. Marquis de Mayfair launched in a secret underground location between Bond St and Saville Row before moving to its current showroom on Piccadilly where you can arrange a private shopping experience.
Or if you’re feeling inspired right now to channel that adventurous spirit, Marquis de Mayfair has you covered online with their drool-worthy Black Label collection. Think top-tier BDSM gear that’s as luxurious as a night at the Ritz and as daring as a Shepherd Market tryst.
Want more of London’s scandal-soaked secrets? Check out our other sizzling reads, like The Sordid History of London’s Most Exclusive Luxury Sex Club or The BDSM Connoisseur’s Guide to 12 Must-Try Positions. Mayfair’s Sex past may be steamy, but its present has come Luxury BDSM thanks to the Marquis himself!