This post is part of my London Neighbourhood Guides series. Fancy visiting another area of London? Check out my other guides here, which all include information regarding the sights, history, charm, food and drinks of the area you’re curious about.
Oh, my beloved Marylebone. After Victor and I moved from South West London to North West London we had the opportunity to rediscover London with fresh, new eyes. Just 15 minutes away from my place is the lovely area of Marylebone. It almost feels like a bustling village inside the city. This charming neighbourhood is green, classic, and full of fun things to see and do. Now let me tell you why Marylebone should be your favourite spot in London.
Shopping
There are endless amounts of boutique shops down Marylebone High Street. From fashionista stores like Paul Smith, Matches, La Portegna, and Eileen Fischer, to design shops like the Conran Shop, the Designers Guild, and Skandium, there is just so much on offer (as long as you got the money to spend!).
There are also a few darling bookshops. The original Daunt Books was founded in 1990 by James Daunt in the beautiful Edwardian premises at 83 Marylebone High Street. However, the original building dates from 1910 when it was used for antiquarian booksellers Francis Edwards in 1910. It is a beautiful bookshop, traditionally specialising in travel literature (a perfect fit, don’t you think?). Daunt Books is also alleged to be the first custom-built bookshop in the world. It truly is a gem.
Museums
One of my favourite museums in all of London is located just off the main street. The Wallace Collection is an art collection housed at the former townhouse of the Seymour family, Marquesses of Hertford. Besides being in a downright gorgeous building, the Museum’s collection is amazing. It is incredible how many stunning works of art you can fit on a single wall.
One of the neighbourhood’s more famous attractions, the Sherlock Holmes Museum is at, you guessed it, 221B Baker Street.
Food & Drink
Marylebone also has its fair share of beautiful pubs and bars. There’s the Prince Regent, a fancy schmancy pub complete with chandeliers and mirrors. Amongst others there is the Kings Head, Inn 1888, and Angel In The Fields. There’s also Coco Momo, an all day bar and cafe.
In terms of nourishment, my favourite place is The Natural Kitchen. Now, you may have heard of their restaurant, but their cafe delis are few and far between. This one, which is actually their flagship location, is absolutely amazing. There’s the deli, the cafe, and the restaurant upstairs.
My favourite tea room in London is in Marylebone as well, Amanzi Tea. Amanzi means water in Shona (it’s okay if you don’t know what language this is—it’s the native language of the Shona people in Zimbabwe). Apart from being the source of life itself, water is the most essential ingredient to a perfect cup of tea. Amanzi Tea is a modern tea room with an adorable cafe setting.
Marylebone is also home to a great Afternoon Tea at 108 Brasserie. They present the perfect mix of sweet and savoury. They also do a gluten free Tea, which I think is just amazing.
And there’s Marylebone for you! Is it not the cutest neighbourhood?
Like my London neighbourhood guides? There’s more to come! If you haven’t already, check out my guides on Fitzrovia and Borough.
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