...village local in Mayfair...
	YE GRAPES	LONDON W1	16 Shepherd Market (Mayfair)
	It is often said that London is a collection of villages bound together in an urban sprawl. Shepherd Market, in the heart of Mayfair, certainly has a village atmosphere. Small exclusive shops and expensive restaurants huddle together in narrow streets and alleyways. One of the village pubs is Ye Grapes. When this solid Victorian pub was built in 1882, Shepherd Market was notorious for prostitution. Nowadays Ye Grapes is very respectable. Its dark painted walls and green glazed tiles contrast well with the honey coloured bricks above. Inside, under a high, dark ceiling, the walls are dotted with period artefacts; stuffed birds, animal horns and porcelain figures. On every available surface, carved bunches of grapes remind customers where they are.	The one large bar area was originally divided into several smaller ones. Today, partitioned seating areas form cosy 'snugs' and it's easy to imagine how things might have been. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable, however this is a popular pub and can get very busy. Ye Grapes prides itself on a good selection of real ales. A recent visit revealed that it no longer serves food, but customers are allowed to bring their own, as long as it isn't too smelly. Edward Shepherd, architect and developer, started building here in 1735, on the site of the May Fair. In 1688, under a grant from James II, the fair became an annual event, but was banned in 1708 because of rowdy behaviour.
			OPEN Mon-Sat 11.00-23.00 Sun 12.00-22.30 TEL Credit Cards: M/Card, Access TUBE Green Park, Hyde Park
			FOOD Bar Mon-Fri 12.30-14.00
			BEER London Pride, 6X, Pedigree, Boddingtons, Flowers IPA & Original.