6 Reasons You Need To Visit Marylebone Lane
If you’re looking for a neighbourhood with personality, there’s no denying it- Marylebone Village is one of London’s best spots for a day out. Just five minutes from Bond Street station, the chic destination is known for its quaint, historic charm and boutique shopping, where designer boutiques meet cute cafes, and elegant salons offer plenty of opportunity to get pampered. In the lead-up to A Day On The Lane next month, a one-day-only street event that looks like the perfect way to say goodbye to summer, we’ve taken a deep dive into our team’s favourite spot in the area: Marylebone Lane.
In Partnership With Marylebone Village
From shops selling ribbons and tassels of every colour and artisanal cafes serving nutritious treats, to iconic pubs and bakeries that have stood the test of time, Marylebone Village is one of The Handbook’s favourite parts of London. Here’s why you need to visit:
1. Attend London’s chicest street party
Marylebone Lane will be fully pedestrianised for one day only, so you can really enjoy the best of what the destination has to offer. On 13th September, the street party will see the lane come alive with al fresco dining spots, pop-up bars, street food stalls, creative workshops, live music and more. An event that’s top of our list is the Flowerpot Painting classes, where you can take home your own personalised pot and succulent.
There will be exclusive treats and in-store experiences from brands like KOIBIRD, Larry King and Dinny Hall, and delicious bites served by much-loved restaurants and bars in the area like Ottolenghi, Lina Stores, Cavita, Platform, The Ivy Cafe and more. And for the wellness-focused, there will be free workout classes at Third Space.
2. Shop at boutique & designer stores
The lane is home to independent boutiques, artisan shops, and luxury designers, making it a hotspot for fashion, homeware, and unique gifts. These are some of the team’s favourite spots:
KOIBIRD
Equal parts quirky and cool, KOIBIRD is where to go to shop for fashion and then relax at the cafe. If you want to be transported to a perfectly magical space, pop into the store and check out beautifully curated fashion pieces and seriously cool home decor and accessories. And at KOI 11, the in-store nutrition café, you can enjoy herbal drinks and nutritious sweet treats.
If you want to be transported to a perfectly magical space, pop into KOIBIRD when you’re in Marylebone Village. Plus, KOI 11 has a great selection of drinks. Iced mangosteen matcha anyone?
Elle, Senior Venue Partnerships Manager
VV Rouleaux
Bringing together fashion, interiors, art and craft – VV Rouleaux is the one-stop destination for designers, decorators and anyone looking to get creative with their style. And it’s safe to say that it’s one place our beauty editor, Tamara, cannot resist walking into.
VV Rouleaux in Marylebone Village is my happy place — part haberdashery, part treasure trove, all irresistible. I go in “just for a look” and leave with ribbons, trims, and tassels I didn’t even know I needed. It’s the kind of store that makes you feel wildly creative even if you’re not.
Tamara, Contributing Beauty Editor
O Pioneers
A must-visit if you love your vintage fashion is O Pioneers. From floral Sarah Jessica Parker-approved dresses to gorgeous lace-trimmed linens, the pieces here are made consciously and carefully, from select ateliers, seamstresses and home knitters around the UK. Think British-made dresses with Liberty print florals, Victoriana high-neck collars and puffed sleeves. Dreamy. At A Day On The Lane, visitors get 20% off purchases on the day, and you can check out some lovely craft demonstrations outside the store.
There are countless great boutiques in Marylebone Village, but if you’re after sustainable pieces that feel unique, special, and have a nod to the 1970s, you need to check out O Pioneers.
Astrid, Contributing Fashion & Lifestyle Editor
3. Get a drink at an iconic London establishment
The Coach Makers Arms
A classic Marylebone Village gastropub, The Coach Maker’s Arms is the place to go for a real British pub experience. The ground-floor bar has an all-day bar menu for a hearty lunch, or head to the secret speakeasy for a nightcap and some live music – don’t miss the pop-up bar outside the pub, serving gin and lager for A Day on the Lane.
The ground floor is packed with local professionals kicking back after a hard day at the office, but slide upstairs to the restaurant and you can nab a seat at the gorgeous copper topped bar or comfy dining tables for a quiet meal. Don’t pass up the signature prawn cocktail or twice baked cheese souffle.
Robyn, Managing Director
4. Book a table at these much-loved restaurants
A range of stylish cafés, patisseries, and restaurants line the street, perfect for foodies looking for both casual spots and fine dining.
St. John
Anthony Bourdain once called St. John “the restaurant of his dreams”, so you know this one needs to go on your bucket list. One of London’s most iconic and loved restaurants, the menu changes daily, so every visit is always different. Expect nose-to-tail dining at its finest.
My favourite way to experience St. John is to sit on the little Marylebone Village terrace, sharing small plates, catching up with a friend, and people watching. The menu changes daily, but I still think about a dish that featured a dandelion root salad – it won me over.
Caitlin, Senior Campaign Success Manager
Lina Stores
For days when you want a plate of comforting pasta, Lina Stores never disappoints. The Marylebone Village one has a spacious all-day restaurant with a fully-stocked delicatessen and a downstairs bar, so it can take you from a quick midday snack to a long, hearty lunch. They will also be hosting an aperitivo evening with cocktails and bites from their delicatessen.
I went to Lina Stores last week for a casual birthday dinner and I had a really great time. The service was so warm and friendly – I was served a delicious, creamy tiramisu with a candle in it and I had the pasta with fennel sausage and Grana Padano cheese and Calabrian Chilli – the perfect birthday dinner if you ask me.
Andrea, Contributing Food, Culture & Lifestyle Editor
Cavita
For some of the best Mexican food in London, make a reservation at Cavita. The menu is full of punchy, vibrant Mexican dishes that can take you from tostados to tacos and lots more. Plus, the mezcal and margaritas here will not disappoint.
If you want a restaurant that almost single-handedly rescues London’s reputation for Mexican food, you need to try Cavita. It comes from Chef Adriana Cavita, who has worked in some of the most prestigious kitchens in the world, including Lalo!, Pujol and elBulli. Drawing on flavours from her childhood, it serves some of the most authentic and delicious Mexican food in the city.
Ottolenghi
With dishes rooted in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean traditions, but drawing influences from flavours around the world, Ottolenghi is where to go for colourful, gorgeous salads, messy (but beautiful) shawarmas, and seasonal pastries and cakes that are perfect for an afternoon snack.
Ottolenghi is my go-to for a healthy, Middle Eastern-inspired lunch – eating the colours of the rainbow and getting your five-a-day in style, before undoing it all (happily) with the dreamiest cakes and puddings imaginable.
Kate, Senior Venue Partnerships Manager
5. Get pampered at a chic salon
Larry King
This is the third and most recent salon from British hair stylist Larry King, who is all about crafting effortlessly chic looks. The salon is all about un-intimidating luxury, so you know you’ll be well looked after.
Arriving here is like popping by a friends swanky new pad – the luxe interiors channel industrial opulence whilst the team themselves are a vibrant and talented mix. I book in with Steve Richard Braithwaite for his on point styling and great chat.
Robyn, Managing Director
6. Book a room at this 5-star hotel
The Marylebone Hotel is an ideal location to stay at and soak up the best of Marylebone Village. There are suites with private terraces that offer views across the capital, and you can head to 108 Brasserie for a taste of delicious British cuisine. A stay at the hotel gives you access to the health club Third Space, which has a gorgeous 18m pool and a luxe spa. Plus, for A Day On The Lane, the gym is hosting a complimentary breathwork and soundbath class, after which you can enjoy a complimentary smoothie at The Ivy.
This hotel is nestled quietly away in the heart of Marylebone High Street making it the ultimate base for exploring. Luxe and stylish, the concierge knows the area inside out so ask them for recommendations.
Robyn, Managing Director
