Marylebone Village’s Daunt Books. Credit: Gabrielle Sander
Nestled between Regents Park, Bond Street, Harley Street and Oxford Street, Marylebone Village is an affluent London neighborhood that ticks all the boxes in terms of shopping, dining and luxury accommodations, while maintaining a more laid-back village vibe compared to the rest of the city center.
Whether blanketed in blue skies or decked out in festive decorations for the holidays, it’s a pretty place to enjoy the British capital all year long. Start at the top of Marylebone High Street, where it meets Marylebone Road (nearest tube station: Baker Street), and work your way down, branching off to explore the side streets as you go.
Here are some of the highlights to look out for along the way.
Eat
Whether it’s a casual brunch, a white-tablecloth-and-wine affair or afternoon cake at a chic sidewalk café, this area of town offers plenty of excellent places to dine. The newest kid on the block is Roganic from acclaimed local chef Simon Rogan. Originally a pop-up concept, the highly anticipated restaurant opened its doors in January. Here you’ll find elegant 10- to 16-course tasting menus of intricately plated, seasonal bites such as dry-aged duck and smoked juniper fudge.
A village veteran and popular local go-to is Orrery, which celebrates its 21st anniversary this year. Fresh from a refurbishment, this French restaurant is a lovely sunny spot for a lingering lunch. Dishes such as fillet steak tartare and partridge with celeriac grace the à la carte and tasting menus of which there’s also a vegetarian option.
La Fromagerie. Credit: Gabrielle Sander
The room of cheese at La Fromagerie is a cave of dairy deliciousness, with experts on hand to help you navigate the vast selection. Pick a few wedges, a loaf of sourdough and other bites from the adjacent deli and head to Regents Park for a grand picnic. Or simply stay for lunch to enjoy seasonal tarts or tuck into an oozing raclette for two.
For traditional pub grub and Sunday roasts with a side of local ale, visit family-friendly The Prince Regent on Marylebone High Street. Or, if fresh juice and a vegan burger are more your style, try Natural Kitchen just a few doors down.
Drink
Aside from the aforementioned Prince Regent, where you’ll be able to satiate your appetite for craft beer, sample the local Marylebone Gin at the place it was distilled with a Lady Marylebone cocktail at Bar 108.
For creative tipples in quirky surroundings, take up one of the cozy candlelit tables at Seymour’s Parlour. The menu features classic cocktails with inventive twists inspired by the life of fictional character Wicked Uncle Seymour, such as the Carob Old Fashioned made with cocoa butter rum. With special events and parties planned all year long (Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day are particularly rambunctious), this eccentric bar is worth booking ahead to secure a spot.
Often hailed as one of the world’s top bars, Artesian wows with cutting-edge cocktails like a gimlet served in a block of ice. Come here to sip something out of the ordinary.
The Conran Shop. Credit: Gabrielle Sander
Shop
With a host of independent, high street and designer boutiques, Marylebone makes for some superb shopping no matter what you’re in the market for. The Conran Shop is a joy to browse, with three floors dedicated to houseplants, jewelry, scented candles, coffee table books, kitchen accessories and furniture; it’s a perfect gift-shopping destination for the person who has everything.
British pottery in fun designs can also be found at Emma Bridgewater. For children’s wear, both Bonpoint and Petit Bateau have lovely collections. Scottish cashmere is Brora’s forte, while fans of the silver screen should nip into At The Movies on Thayer Street. What this shop lacks in size, it makes up for with its extensive selection of rare, original movie posters. Daunt Books is a Hogwarts-esque warren of new and second-hand literature, uniquely split by country. You have to see it to appreciate how much of a gem this Edwardian book shop is.
For more traditional retail therapy, Aspinal of London, Paul Smith and French Sole are a small sample of the fashion brands with boutiques in Marylebone village.
The Charles Dickens Frieze. Credit: Gabrielle Sander
Do
You could easily dedicate a day to shopping, complete with pit stops for eats and drinks, but for a real culture fix we suggest browsing The Wallace Collection of fine and decorative 15th- to 19th-century arts at Hertford House. Or see the frieze sculpted into the wall of 1 Devonshire Terrace, which marks the former home of one of the world’s literary greats, Charles Dickens. A Christmas Carol is among the classics he penned while living here.
Fitness enthusiasts should book one of the yoga or Pilates classes at Total Chi on Baker Street. Or shop like a local at the Cabbages & Frocks market on Saturdays (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) for vintage clothing, accessories and foodie souvenirs in the courtyard behind St Marylebone Parish Church.
The Langham, London. Credit: Langham Hotels International Limited
Stay
After a day of traversing the village, rest your head at one of the plush hotels that calls Marylebone home.
At the top end of the scale, there’s Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star The Langham, London, which offers spacious suites, excellent city views and, hidden within its Victorian walls, the Four-Star Chuan Spa, the fine-dining Roux at the Landau restaurant and Artesian bar.
Another option is The Zetter Townhouse, a 24-bedroom Georgian property decked out in colorful interiors and antique curiosities. The 495-square-foot Lear’s Loft apartment, with its roof terrace and alfresco freestanding copper bathtub, is particularly special. The downstairs lounge is also home to the aforementioned Seymour’s Parlour.
