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Today I head into Central London through Marylebone. Marylebone is a delightful quiet district, a less ostentatious neighbour to Mayfair. Tucked away on the North side of Oxford Street, it is both historic and contemporary. It consists of chic boutiques, quirky museums, and stylish restaurants as well as quaint independent shops and traditional pubs soaked with history and charm. It is an affluent part of Central London with an urban village feel which boasts lots of character. Consisting of Marylebone High Street, St Christophers Place, Harley Street, and the surrounding streets. Marylebone is also popular due to its proximity to major London streets, such as Oxford Street, Great Portland Street and Regents Street. Marylebone’s upmarket status has drawn many popular organisations across different industries to the area such as Coca Cola, and major media and fashion brands.
Marylebone TUBE STATIONS:
- Marylebone
- Baker Street
- Marble Arch
- Edgware Road
ST CHRISTOPHERS PLACE
St Christophers Place is nestled between Oxford Street and Marylebone High Street. To reach St Christophers Place you must walk down a narrow alleyway, you will be forgiven for mistaking this pedestrianised street for a scene out of Harry Potter. This social hub is very popular for after-work drinks and for London’s fashionable socialites to lunch at. It is home to a wide array of trendy British boutiques such as Mulberry, Penhaligons, Reiss and Whistles whilst being on the corner to Selfridges.
MARYLEBONE HIGH STREET
Marylebone’s elegant high street is home to many boutiques and independent shops selling vintage clothing, handmade goods as well as stylish accessories. Personally, I feel the slight air of Parisian style on Marylebone High Street.
I stop by Maje and Zadig & Voltaire, for their unique fashionable items and Parisian chic. My next go-to store is Joseph across the road, a fashion brand that is famed for its craftsmanship and attention to detail. One more store that I have to mention is Matches Fashion, it has a collection of different designers such as Burberry and Diane Von Furstenberg, and the store is famous for its service levels, this is due to their sales associates having tremendous knowledge of seasonal fashion trends.
For stylish jewellery and accessories, I head to Monica Vinader as I can’t resist the beautiful charms on display. A British brand with truly alluring designs. As a lover of gold jewellery this one is a must! Alas, my retail therapy can’t be complete without purchasing a fragrance or candle from Diptyque, my all-time favourite Diptyque fragrance being Olene.
Marylebone is also home to many staple brands such as Theory and Jaegar. For excellent Belgian chocolate, I recommend Pierre Marcolini on Marylebone High Street.
marylebone for foodies
MARYLEBONE FARMERS’ MARKET
A foodie’s heaven, located between Cramer Street and Aybrook Street, this market takes place on Sundays. Offering ripe produce such as fresh oysters as well as homemade jams, and high-quality raw fermented foods. I love fermented foods, so tasty and at the same time healthy for the digestive system.
LA FROMAGERIE
Located on Moxon Street just off Marylebone High Street and adjacent to the Marylebone Square development. I love this place, La Fromagerie is a very special dining destination. It is known to be amongst the finest cheesemongers in London. The venue comprises of a walk-in cheese room that features shelves and shelves of delicious cheeses from across the world, a maturing cellar and a cheese specialist also known as an affineur. Jams, chutney and biscuits are also produced at the restaurant on-site. La Fromagerie is a paradise for cheese lovers, I come to this venue to meet up with old friends over a cheese board and coffee.
LUNCH in marylebone
In the afternoon, for my lunch, after my dose of retail therapy on the High Street, I’m torn between The Ivy and Opso. Opso serves modern Greek food and tapas, with its produce supplied directly from Greece itself. The Ivy in Marylebone is an offshoot of the popular brand with its chic clientele as well as menu. And with many more excellent dining options at St Christopher’s place, what is a girl to do? Every time I roam through Marylebone I find myself torn between so many exciting options.
ARCHITECTURE AND BEAUTY
Marylebone has beautiful streets with gorgeous colourful buildings to admire. There are many pretty lanes such as Jacob’s Well Mews, Wimpole Mews, and New Quebec Street. Each has its own unique beauty and character. Personally, I love Wigmore Street, for its wider roads and grand historic h on both sides.
HARLEY STREET
Marylebone is home to the UK’s most famous medical destination; Harley Street. The name Harley comes from Edward Harley who was the 2nd Earl of Oxford. Since the 19th century, it has been home to many private specialists for surgery and medicine. In the present day, over 3,000 people are employed at Harley Street. Harley Street is known to be the most prestigious and trusted destination for medical treatments. Many of the medical industries best have a base on Harley Street.
MUSEUMS in marylebone
THE WALLACE COLLECTION
Situated on Manchester Square at a stately home, a collection of art and furniture is known as The Wallace Collection, one of London’s excellent free museums. This collection was put together by Sir Richard Wallace, who was rumoured to be the illegitimate son of the Marquess of Hertford. The collection is famous for its sculptures, armor, furniture and paintings. With beautiful interiors and a wonderful cafe.
THE SHERLOCK HOLMES MUSEUM
The legendary detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has his residence on Baker Street. Visitors come to visit his famous study which overlooks onto Baker Street at 221b Baker Street.
THE BRITISH DENTAL ASSOCIATION MUSEUM
This is a small museum into the history of dentistry. It describes a time in history when it was normal for a blacksmith to remove teeth! The museum also features interactive exhibits where visitors are able to perform teeth extractions.
ANAESTHESIA HERITAGE CENTRE
Committed to all things pain relief and anaesthesia, this is a museum in the basement of the Association of Anaesthetists. It describes the stories of many inspiring people who have worked in the field keeping patients free of pain and in safe hands. There is a collection of over 4,500 objects which encompass the history of the field and its first demonstration in 1846.
NOTABLE RESIDENTS
- Paul McCartney
- Charles Dickens
- John Lennon