One of the best things about London is that there is so much more to it than meets the eye. For what might seem like a bustling metropolis of chain restaurants, suits and impersonality can be disproved in an instant, if only you care to peel back the layers. And once you do, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at just what comes tumbling out. We recently headed to Marylebone Village to see what’s below the surface, witnessing just how beautiful the city can be when instead of viewing it as a whole, you break it down into little bite-size chunks.
Marylebone is a chic residential area in the centre of the city. It has an enviable amount of transport links and a location that’s near enough to the main touristy things such as Madame Tussauds that you can tick these off if you wish, but you can also forget you’re in London at all. It’s a beautiful pocket with so much to offer. Take your time to wander the streets, meeting with independent traders – some of the shops have been there for generations – sipping a cup of freshly-brewed coffee and just taking in the atmosphere. You can peruse independent labels or shop for more established brands. Turn a corner and you can stumble across a beautiful independent eatery, foliage decorating the doorway, black and white tiles underfoot, the smell of freshly baked bread lingering in the air. No matter what you’re looking to make from your trip to Marylebone Village, you’re sure to find it and so much more. Take the time to stop, appreciate your surroundings and make the most of your trip. Here we’ve put together a guide on how to spend an unforgettable 24 hours in Marylebone village…
10am – Check into The Marylebone Hotel
When traveling from further afield (or if you want a staycation in the city), there’s nowhere better to mark as your base than the Marylebone Hotel. A luxury four-star hotel situated in the heart of Marylebone, it’s vibrant, chic and cosy. Perfectly located and with the service and ambience to match, it’s somewhere that you can relax after a long day of walking around and know you’re going to be taken care of.
11am – Head for some retail therapy
When looking to shop, Marylebone is the ideal destination. It has a wide plethora of shops to browse, each with its own unique offerings. Visit contemporary British womenswear brand Isabel Manns for innovative, reversible designs, Kastur Jewels for some beautiful Indian inspired jewellery and Agnes B for a look at their stunning designs that are crafted with care and made to last. If shoes are your thing, be sure to visit Cheaney & Sons, a family-owned business that dates back to 1986. Having made fine shoes for five generations, they are committed to producing the finest footwear entirely made in England. Make a final stop at Monica Vinader, a British jewellery brand that produces and retails necklaces, pendants, earrings, rings and friendship bracelets. It’s the ideal spot to purchase a keepsake from your trip.
1pm – Stop for a languid lunch at Blandford Comptoir
Blandford Comptoir is located in the heart of Marylebone and serves up the best Italian-inspired dishes alongside a 300-bottle wine list. We recommend sitting in the window seats where you can enjoy a sun-drenched afternoon sipping a glass of crisp wine and feasting on some of the most delicious food you’ll find in London. Their menu features a selection of meat, seafood, snacks and homemade pasta designed to either enjoy as a 3-course menu or to share with a companion.
2:30pm – Take some time to explore Daunt Books
If you are into your books, Daunt Books is one of the most stunning bookstores you will ever stumble upon. It boasts long, beautiful oak galleries, stunning skylights and rows of incredible books. You can spend a lot of time here perusing the many titles and taking the sights, smells and ambience. Even if you aren’t a book-lover, it’s hard not to be enthralled here.
3:30pm Head to Hagen for a coffee
With a new book (or two) in tow, take yourself to Copenhagen espresso bar concept Hagen for a coffee. Serving premium quality speciality coffee with a dash of Danish hygge, it’s a cosy spot to spend some time relaxing and enjoying a premium tasting drink. With Scandi-inspired interiors and a fantastic location right on the high street, it has everything you could need.
4:30pm – Relax at the hotel
As the afternoon begins to melt into the evening, take yourself back to the Marylebone Hotel where you can rejuvenate and relax and the hotel pool. Swim some lengths or just chill poolside with a glass of lemon water or a smoothie. When you are ready head up to your room where you can sink into a hot bubble bath and get ready for the evening ahead.
7pm – Head to The Italians for dinner
The Italians are a small community of people passionate about fine Italian produce and top quality wines and this passion is evident as soon as you step through the front door. Step in and let the smells of freshly baked bread wash over you, the sounds of Merlot splashing into glasses and take in the merry chatter of a restaurant where you know you’re in for a treat. Tuck into a range of authentic dishes in a relaxed atmosphere that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Italian dining. We recommend ordering from their range of bruschetta and choosing a number of different small plates to share alongside carefully selected wines.
9pm – Round off your evening with cocktails at Brasserie 108 Bar
Feeling contentedly full from your meal at The Italians, make your way back to The Marylebone Hotel where you can enjoy a cocktail from their on-site Brasserie 108 Bar. A chic drinking and dining area that’s inspired by ancient Greek storytelling, it features an extensive cocktail menu that ticks all the boxes. We recommend the Manzana Martini which is a blend of Sauvelle Vodka, Manzana Verde Liqueur, Lemon Juice and Lemongrass, or the Little Dove which is Calle 23 Tequila, Almond-Vanilla Syrup, Green Chartreuse and Lime Juice. These are both on their signature menu, but they also have a host of classic cocktails as well as wines by the glass and bottle, beers and spirits.
9am – Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel
There’s nothing like a hotel breakfast to get you going in the morning and The Marylebone Hotel is a fine example. Sip on freshly brewed coffee and tuck into an array of pastries and continental offerings alongside hot dishes such as a full-English or pancakes.
10:30am – Head to Fresh for a facial
After (reluctantly) checking out of the hotel, make your way to Fresh where you can enjoy a bespoke facial. Fresh combines natural ingredients, ancient rituals and modern science to create beauty products that transform the skin. They will speak with you to find out any concerns you have with your skin and tailor the treatment to your personal requirements. A beautifully relaxing experience, you will leave feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and smelling divine! Don’t leave without browsing their in-store products so you can carry on your beauty regime at home.
Have you been to Marylebone before? Or looking to plan a trip? Let us know! Check out marylebonevillage.com for further inspiration and ideas on where to visit.
