Marylebone
Area Guide
The Destination
A magical, multicultural metropolis that is steeped in history, immersed in culture, delightfully eccentric and undeniably hip; London never fails to entice.
At its heart you will find the borough of Marylebone. Just north of Oxford Street, the neighbourhood offers calm contrast to the thoroughfare it borders. Rich in culture and period charm, the prosperous enclave is one of the most desirable addresses in the capital.
Picturesque properties, chic boutiques and bustling bistros line its leafy streets. Its enchanting 'village-y' feel has long attracted an affluent bohemian crowd; Charles Dickens, John Lennon and T.S. Elliott are among its back catalogue of famed residents.
Nurtured by The Howard de Walden Estate, Saville Row suits, chauffeur-driven Rolls and designer fashion are de rigueur, but so too are quaint cobbled alleyways where you will find a plethora of hidden treasures, from art houses to antiques.
The dining
Once a gastronomic punchline, London has undergone a culinary revolution in recent decades. Some of the world's most celebrated chefs have holdings here; from Michelin-starred cuisine to on-the-go street food, you will find the finest flavours from across the globe.
Marylebone is a hub for gourmands who flock to the area for its burgeoning food scene. The A-list haunt, Chiltern Firehouse, serves a broadly British menu; Orrery, which opened over two decades ago, offers elegant French cuisine; and Simon Rogan's Roganic delights diners with curious dishes that are tiny in size and huge in flavour.
With so many diverse delicacies, you will be spoiled for choice.
The history
London's colourful history echoes throughout the city; Boudicca, Anne Boleyn, Dickens and Shakespeare are some of the names in the city's beguiling biography, and its imposing landmarks, including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, are just some of its milestones. London's antiquity is everywhere, and Marylebone is no exception.
Marylebone took its name from the Tyburn - the brook that ran through it towards the Thames and continues to flow beneath its streets - and the local church of St Mary. It was under the Earl of Oxford in the 18th century that the area developed into a fashionable housing district; he commissioned the unique grid system layout that prevails today.
It only takes a short meander through the borough to acknowledge the number of bygone eras that have graced the locale. From Georgian squares and Victorian terraces, to Mews houses and mansions, many of the area's building and street names derive from their noble patronage.
The Experience
London truly is a 'tale of two cities'. One is a myriad of world-renowned museums, galleries, stores, eateries and attractions. The other boasts wide open vistas and green spaces where you can flee the crowds and indulge in peaceful panoramas of riverside London.
Best explored on foot, a short stroll along the banks of the Thames will see you pass by some of the most iconic sights in the world and undoubtedly stumble on a few unexpected gems too.
Our Club Home in Marylebone is the perfect base for exploring the city, although with so much on your doorstep, you do not need to venture far.
The borough is bounded by two of London's Royal Parks; Hyde Park to its south and Regent's Park to its north. Amble along Marylebone High Street and you will find Daunt Books; the grand Edwardian flagship is home to row-upon-row of literature. The Conran Shop, founded by Sir Terence Conran and located in an old stable building at the top of the High Street, sells classic and contemporary homewares from some of the world's most distinct designers.
Baker Street, where you'll find The Sherlock Holmes Museum, and Marylebone Road, home to the worldfamous wax museum, Madame Tussauds, are just a stone's throw away. Beyond, the illustrious areas of Mayfair, Soho and Fitzrovia are minutes from your front door.
No matter how long you spend in London, you will struggle to experience all the city has to offer. It is endlessly explorable.
