Marylebone is perhaps best known for being the fictional stomping ground of Sherlock Holmes, but it’s also renowned for its wealth of elegant Georgian architecture housing a range of upmarket eateries, independent boutiques and Residential Land properties.
The area has a sense of being tucked away from London’s hustle and bustle, too, providing a convenient escape from the throngs of Oxford Street, so you can disappear into the quiet, winding streets to discover Marylebone’s lesser-known treasures…
1. Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop & Tasting Room
Cadenhead is Scotland’s oldest independent whisky bottler, and it recently opened a full-time tasting room on Chiltern Street to help customers appreciate the water of life in all of its glorious complexity. A vast catalogue of whisky has been crammed into this compact shop, and Cadenhead prides itself in having created the most diverse range of tasting sessions the city has to offer. Whether it’s the beginners’ Whisky Tasting Experience, the more advanced A Trip Around Scotland, or taking things to the next level with a private tasting affair, Cadenhead’s has something for everyone.
26 Chiltern St, Marylebone, London W1U 7QF
2. Personalised shopping at No.23
Tired of hustling through crowds to find the perfect clothes? Why not make an appointment at Matches Fashion’s private Georgian townhouse – otherwise known as No.23 – for a luxury, personalised shopping experience. From shopping consultations to personalised trunk shows spread across four exclusive shopping suites, this is a truly unique retail therapy experience. Attended by a team of experts including on-site stylists and tailors, you will be swathed in the finest garments from the likes of Gucci, Saint Laurent and Vetements until you’re paired with your perfect outfit.
No. 23 by Matches Fashion, 23 Welbeck Street, London, W1
3. Austrian elegance at Fischer’s
Step back in time to 1920s Vienna with this immaculately styled – but nevertheless informal – neighbourhood konditorei. Exquisitely turned out with darkly gleaming wood and polished brass, you’d be forgiven for thinking Fischer’s is a genuine hangover from the early 20th century – instead, it is a masterpiece of evocative interior design as warmly welcoming for breakfast as it is for a late night feast. And with celebrity fans that count Gordon Ramsay among their number, you can be assured that the veal schnitzel is something to write home about…
50 Marylebone High St, London W1U 5HN
4. The beautiful bookstore for travellers
Well-known to locals but frequently missed by visitors, Daunt Books is an Edwardian-styled independent bookstore that has been a Marylebone mainstay for almost 30 years. Founded by James Daunt, the intention of the store was to organise books principally by country – regardless of genre – and create a unique browsing experience geared towards travellers as well as casual readers. Daunt Books will have any bookworm in awe; with oak balconies and stained glass windows, you’ll want to visit just to get a snapshot of the galleried main room.
83-84 Marylebone High St, London W1U 4QW
5. Find your zen with Weekend Yoga
Start your weekend in the right physical, mental and spiritual state with a visit to the Marylebone Rooms for an hour-long yoga class – followed by an organic breakfast selection of acai bowls, avocado on toast and juices from the Juicery. Whether you’re a first timer or a well-seasoned yogi, Kirsty Gallagher is a London-based yoga teacher who will be leading classes across several Saturday mornings throughout this month and November. Don’t worry if you miss out this time though; the Marylebone Hotel hosts a series of classes throughout the year.
The Marylebone Rooms, 47 Welbeck Street, The Marylebone hotel, W1G 8DN
(Tickets)
6. Turophile heaven
Forget afternoon tea – why not visit Marylebone’s very own cheese-maturing cellars and walk-in cheese rooms at La Fromagerie. Known to offer some of the best cheese boards in the City, you need to be quick to grab a seat in the cafe. For devoted cheese lovers, an affineur is on hand to help you find the perfect cheese, and provide insight into which wine from the cafe’s considerable selection might constitute the ideal pairing.
2-6 Moxon St, Marylebone, London W1U 4EW
7. A literary wonderland at Daisy Green
UK street artist, Shuby, has brought Alice in Wonderland to life by designing the downstairs and outdoors of Daisy Green to replicate the Mad Hatter’s tea party. Relish in bottomless brunches, unbeatable artisan coffee and sweet treats all seven days of the week. Alternatively, delve into their breakfast bar and healthy lunch options, ideal for whether you’re eating in or on the move.
20 Seymour St, Marylebone, London W1H 7HX
