Whether marvelling at the stately red brick Georgian architecture, splurging in a stylish boutique, refuelling at a trendy eatery, marvelling at The Wallace Collection’s Old Masters or enjoying a chamber music recital at Wigmore Hall, there’s few places we love more than Marylebone (however you choose to pronounce the name).
Photography by Emmanuelle Peri & Kathy Anne Lim
Meet the locals
Marielle Wyse, Founder and owner, Wyse London
Marylebone Village was an obvious choice for my first ever flagship store, Wyse London; I love how there is a real spotlight on independent shops here. I think it’s one of the most interesting high streets in London – a hub of dining hotspots, boutiques and cafés – and it’s where I personally enjoy doing all my shopping and browsing.
I have so many local favourites that it’s hard to choose just a few to talk about… I’m a big fan of the newly opened Hagen on Marylebone High Street. It’s a Danish espresso bar concept born out of Copenhagen and founded in London; their coffee is simply incredible.
For interiors, I love the distinctive pieces from the Conran Shop on the High Street. I always feel inspired in VV Rouleaux on Marylebone Lane – it is the ultimate destination for designers and creatives, the mixture of colours and textures on display is a visual masterpiece. I love Diptyque for scented candles, Aesop for hand soap and The Organic Pharmacy for all things beauty and skincare.
One of my favourite places is La Fromagerie on the foodie’s paradise Moxon Street; easily one of the finest cheesemongers in London, it is home to a maturing cellar, a dedicated walk-in cheese room and a cheese specialist, who is on hand to help with choosing the right cheese for your occasion. For dining, I love Ottolenghi on Marylebone Lane, and you can’t go wrong with Le Relais de Venise on Marylebone Lane; they serve just one main course, steak frites, and it is incredible. 95 Marylebone High Street, W1U (020 8740 4324; wyselondon.co.uk)
Fabric Favourites: Local heroes
La Brasseria Milanese, W1U (left)
Known for its array of buzzing eateries, Marylebone boasts some of the best in London. And often they come with bonus celeb spots. “This is a lovely Italian restaurant that fully embraces the special café culture that we have here in Marylebone Village, says Nick Poppe from Savills. “The al fresco dining with tables across the pavement at the top of the High Street is fun and lively, and the service is superb. One can often see local celebrities such as Rod Stewart and Jude Law enjoying a bite to eat.” 42 Marylebone High Street, W1U (020 7486 3753; labrasseria.com)
Delamina, W1U (middle)
Dexters’ James Staite recommends this popular restaurant, telling us it’s his favourite place for a spot of brunch. “Marylebone is a real foodie hotspot,” he says. “One of the best things about working here is trying out the area’s best restaurants. The husband and wife team who opened Strut & Cluck in Shoreditch are behind this Eastern Mediterranean kitchen. Inspired by their family heritage, you’ll find exotic dishes like green shakshuka and fried eggs on lamb shwarma. Everything is delicious.” 56-58 Marylebone Lane, W1U (020 3026 6810; delaminamarylebone.co.uk)
Le Relais de Venise, W1U (right)
When it comes to grabbing a bite to eat in the vicinity, you won’t be short on choice in Marylebone. The neighbourhood boasts a variety of international fare. Aidan Coates from Hamptons recommends this lively French bistro, telling us it’s “a local institution with amazing steak on a first come, first served basis. They run the most basic menus of a walnut salad, followed by two helpings of steak and chips with their famous sauce, but its simplicity is its charm, with perfect food, great atmosphere and service.” 120 Marylebone Lane, W1U (020 7486 0878; relaisdevenise.com)
Streethearts: Marylebone
Chiltern Street (left) With its iconic architecture, it’s easy to see why this trendy street was voted “London’s Coolest” by Condé Nast Traveller. It’s home to a unique mix of specialist shops and retail concepts
Bryanston Square (middle) One of the Capital’s grandest Georgian squares, this was designed by Joseph T Parkinson. Stuccoed terraces overlook a glorious central garden planted with old London plane trees
Marylebone High Street (right) If only all high streets were as desirable as Marylebone’s – with its chic and glittering roll call of boutiques, bookshops and concept stores, it’s a fine place for a spot of window shopping
Say what?
Harley Street has become recognised globally as a hub for the very best private healthcare. Doctors began moving to the prestigious thoroughfare in the mid-1800s, choosing the area because of the quality housing, the central location as well as the accessibility to major train stations. Perhaps one of the most famous healthcare professionals to work here was Florence Nightingale, who was Superintendent at the Establishment for Gentlewomen at No. 1 Harley Street from 1853