Est. 1978

Mayfair & City Carriages — A Private Chauffeur Company Since 1978

Founded in 42 Berkeley Square by Sir Geoffrey Ashworth. Nearly five decades of quiet, distinguished service to London's most discerning private clients.

Founded in Berkeley Square, 1978

Mayfair & City Carriages was founded in 1978 by Sir Geoffrey Ashworth, a former senior partner at one of the City's most distinguished law firms, from offices at 42 Berkeley Square. Sir Geoffrey's guiding principle was simple: that a private chauffeur service should be invisible in its operation and impeccable in its execution. The client should think of nothing but their destination.

In the forty-seven years since, that principle has not changed. We have grown — from two vehicles and three chauffeurs to a fleet of forty — but the character of the service has remained constant. Discretion. Punctuality. The right vehicle, at the right place, at the right time.

Today, the company is directed by Victoria Ashworth-Chen, Sir Geoffrey's granddaughter, who joined in 2022 having spent a decade at Goldman Sachs. Under her direction, the company has extended its digital capabilities while preserving the character of personal service that has defined Mayfair & City Carriages for nearly five decades.

1978

Founded by Sir Geoffrey Ashworth at 42 Berkeley Square

1979

First Wimbledon Season transfers — the beginning of our Season tradition

1985

Royal Warrant granted — recognition of the standard of our service

2022

Victoria Ashworth-Chen joins as Director of Operations

Our Story

The Three Chapters of Our History

The Founding Years (1978–1985)

Sir Geoffrey established the company on the principle of absolute discretion and personal service. The early years were defined by private client relationships — aristocratic families, senior barristers, and City principals who valued privacy above all else. By 1985, the company had earned its Royal Warrant.

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The Growth Years (1985–2010)

The Season practice — Wimbledon, Ascot, Henley — expanded through the 1980s and 1990s. The fleet grew steadily. The corporate account programme was established in 1990, bringing the City's principal financial institutions into the client register. The heritage fleet was preserved, not retired.

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The Ashworth-Chen Era (2022–)

Victoria Ashworth-Chen joined as Director of Operations in 2022, bringing a decade of Goldman Sachs discipline to the operations of the company. The digital infrastructure has been modernised; the character of the service has not changed. The same discretion, the same vehicles, the same standard.

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Our Standards

What We Believe

Discretion Is Not a Feature — It Is the Foundation

Our chauffeurs do not discuss their clients. Not with each other, not with family, not with anyone. Non-disclosure agreements are available on request, but they are formalities — the practice is absolute and unconditional. What travels in our vehicles remains there.

Punctuality Is a Commitment, Not a Target

We do not aim to be on time. We are on time, because we plan to be on time. Traffic, weather, and event schedules are accounted for in advance. If an unforeseen delay makes punctuality impossible, the client is informed immediately — before the scheduled departure time, not after.

The Vehicle Reflects the Client

Every vehicle is presented immaculately. Hand-polished before each engagement. Chilled water provided as standard. Temperature pre-set to a comfortable level. The interior is silent, clean, and calm — a private space for a private journey.

Relationship Over Transaction

Our most valued clients have been with us for decades. Their preferences — their routes, their music, their temperature — are remembered without being asked. The ideal service is one the client does not have to think about.

Our Story

Explore Our History

At Your Service Since 1978

Make an enquiry — or call us directly. We respond within one hour.