Arts entrepreneur Maria Baibakova on her top Mayfair haunts

An arts entrepreneur and activist, Maria Baibakova is based in London. She founded Baibakov Art Projects (BAP) — which supports contemporary art — in 2008 and is the Founding Chair of the Artemis Council for women artists at the New Museum, New York, as well as sitting on the Tate International Council. Baibakova is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Association of Women in the Arts.

Sprüth Magers, 7 Grafton Street, W1S 4EJ

Occupying an entire 18th-century building, this gallery is a real gem. I love the basement space with its tall arches as it’s such an unusual room to exhibit art

Santa Maria Novella, 1 Piccadilly Arcade, 175 Piccadilly, W1J 9EN

This boutique Italian brand sells beautiful candles. My favourite is the scented pomegranate, which I put in my bathroom. 

The Arts Club, 40 Dover Street, W1S 4NP

I tend to go here for a lunch of quinoa salad with green beans and artichoke. Amelie von Wendel does a great job with the curatorial programme here and I enjoy the talks.

Victoria Miro, 14 St George Street, W1S 1FH

I love to visit this expansive gallery, which is located in an ex-Victorian furniture factory. Victoria is one of the female pioneers of the London art world and also introduced fabulous artists such as Yayoi Kusama to the London art scene. 

Brown’s Hotel, Albemarle Street, W1S 4BP

This is a British institution that is a total classic. I particularly enjoy bringing out-of-town guests here for afternoon tea. 

Natasha Zinko, 46 Maddox Street, W1S 1AY

I love fashion and I like to support women-led fashion brands. Natasha Zinko ticks both of these boxes. I like her quirky take on a professional woman’s wardrobe.

Selfridges Foodhall, 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB

As a Russian, I love to drink tea in copious quantities throughout the day. My favourite is Rouge Ruschka — a non-caffeinated rooibos blend — by the Parisian producer, Mariage Frères, which I buy from the Foodhall.