13 Charming Things To Do in Marylebone Village
Whether you’re an out-of-townie looking to explore the big smoke or a Londoner searching for a stay-cay in your own city, the exact locale is critical. An overnighter in London has to be on point – but where exactly?
Well then, consider a cosy part of the city that feels as welcoming as a country village. Perfectly positioned within London’s West End yet complete with independent boutiques, outstanding restaurants, oldy-worldly pubs, friendly locals and gastronomical grocery stores (just for good measure).
Sound perfect? Then Marylebone Village is the locale for your hit list. Quite literally an urban Narnia hidden between Bond St, Baker St and Oxford St tubes, its location is incomparable and the choice of things to do is endless.
We have road-tested the ultimate mini-break itinerary, so make like a Marylebone-ite and embrace the chicest of local city living for 36 hours. Or more. Because if you’re anything like us, you might not want to leave…
Where to Sleep
The Marylebone
We stayed at The Marylebone Hotel, which firmly tops our bookings list as base camp. Think low-key luxury home-away-from-home vibes, geared to make every single element of your stay feel effortless.
Rooms are a palatable triumph of demure city chic with enormous beds so comfy we almost slept through our alarm. Breakfast is precisely served at 108 Brasserie and offers all the classic dishes including a mean Eggs Benedict. The icing on the cake, however, has to be guest access to the Third Space gym, complete with pool, communal steam and single-sex saunas. Nothing quite like a morning dip to awaken the senses.
47 Welbeck Street, W1G 8DN
Where to Eat
118 Marylebone Lane, W1U 2QF
Delamina
Inspired by Eastern Mediterranean home cooking, this is a great spot for lunch. Dishes are healthy, perfect for sharing and served quickly and without fuss to simple wooden tables. Everything we tried was colourful and delicious, however it would be a crime to leave without sampling the spiced salmon served with cream of smoked aubergine, samphire and purple potatoes. Nom.
The Orrery
Hidden up a staircase beside a deli of the same name resides The Orrery, a magical chink of refined-yet-friendly culinary wonder. A restaurant bathed in natural light thanks to huge arched windows, the room is awash with white table cloths and staff only too willing to stop and chat. The menus are short and to the point, dishes beautifully composed and – best of all – reasonably priced. We tried the seafood ravioli with lobster bisque followed by skate wing, grilled gem and sauce Parisienne and the food was faultless.
55 Marylebone High St, W1U 5RB
Where to Drink
The Cocktail Bar at The Marylebone
Tucked away off the main lobby, The Cocktail Bar is the perfect spot for a late afternoon glass of fizz. Waiters in white attend to your every whim and seating is cleverly arranged to ensure that you are secluded whilst also being part of its elegant scene.
47 Welbeck Street, W1G 8DN
The Coach Makers Arms
A traditional old school pub with a genteel clientele (and thankfully minus the sticky tables). The ground floor is packed to the gunnels with local professionals kicking back after a hard day at the office, but slide upstairs to sweet talk the restaurant team and you can nab a seat at the gorgeous copper topped bar for a quiet aperitif surrounded by scintillating aromas from the kitchen behind.
88 Marylebone Lane, W1U 2PZ
28-50 by Night
The elusive late-nightcap can be found here at 28-50. Licensed until 2am and accompanied by live jazz and blues, we ordered Expresso Martinis and sank back into dark velvet banquettes to soak up the opulent atmosphere.
76 Jason Court, Wigmore Street, W1U 2SJ
Where to Shop
Shopping small is one of the wonders of Marylebone Village – a wealth of independently owned boutiques hidden behind the identikit tourist high streets nearby. Forget Oxford Street – where else can you find shop after shop of unique treasures. As you walk down Marylebone High Street and venture over the cobbles of Marylebone Lane, be sure to take in these spots…
VV Rouleaux
102 Marylebone Lane, W1U 2QD
La Fromagerie
Artisan and farmhouse cheese by the wheel-load, seasonal grocery produce, wines and No.6 Cheese & Wine Bar to boot. If fromage is your thing, make this a priority stop – you’ll be lost in caseiculture.
2 – 4 Moxon Street, London, W1U 4EW
Consigned Sealed Delivered
Love luxury fashion? Have favourite designers? Or simply love buying vintage? CSD is a treasure trove of pieces in all sizes. Expect to be given attentive fashion fuss as the team work to bring you items that work for your shape and style.
70-72 Marylebone Ln, London W1U 2PQ
Tracey Neuls
It’s impossible to miss this eclectic footwear store, with displays literally hanging from shoestrings. Designed and created by Tracey herself, shoes are unusual whilst also being wearable – colour bright, quirky and the antidote to identikit high street fashion trends.
74-78 Marylebone Ln, London W1U 2PW
Daunt Books
If you have never entered a Daunt Books, you really haven’t lived. Let your imagination run free and be inspired by books new and old that you didn’t realised you needed in your life until right now. We defy you to leave empty-handed.
84 Marylebone High St, London W1U 4QW
Other Things To Do
Margaret Dabbs London
If you’ve had your fill of pavement pounding and need to take a load off, there is nowhere better to pamper tired toes than Margaret Dabbs London. Home to the legendary medical pedicure, treatments are pegged as cosmetic podiatry – focusing on all aspects of foot health as well as leaving you with squeaky clean and polished nails. Book ahead though as walk-in appointments are rare.
7 New Cavendish St, London W1G 8UU
The Wallace Collection
Looking to top off your trip with an obligatory dose of culture? Swing by The Wallace Collection to admire painted masterpieces, sculptures, furniture, arms, armour and more. The museum hosts regular exhibitions and has an in house restaurant offering tea and cake in the buildings stunning courtyard.
Hertford House, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN
