London Hidden Villages Part 1 - Marylebone

Part 1 of my London Hidden Villages blogs. The capital of the UK is always basking in the limelight of its many tourist attractions - Big Ben, the London Eye, Piccadilly Circus and the amazing shows of the West End. But there are many beautiful, hidden places tucked away from the central hustle and bustle that are also well worth a visit to see how the locals really live! Each location is broken up into 4 sections: where to shop, where to eat, property and transport.

First of all is Marylebone. Just 5 minutes North of Oxford Street and 5 minutes South of Regent's Park, this little village makes you feel you could be miles away! The main highstreet is full of great boutiques, restaurants and local produce shops including a butchers and fromargerie. 80% of property here is owned by the Howard De Walden Family Estate, including the local shops - so you know you have the best of the best as the estate decides which shops can and can't become part of Marylebone Village. 

Where to shop

There are many great shops on the highstreet including French brand Sandro, one of my favourites selling sophisticated and chic fashions.
Sandro, 6 Marylebone Highstreet http://us.sandro-paris.com/

Matches, 87 Marylebone Highstreet - where you have many designers under one roof. http://www.matchesfashion.com/

Moxon street just off the highstreet is home to many local produce shops including the Ginger Pig butchers at number 8-10 where you will always find a queue at lunchtime! http://www.thegingerpig.co.uk/

And of course Le Fromargerie at 2-6 Moxon Street selling the best cheeses! Moxon street is also where you will find the popular Sunday farmers markets. For groceries there is a Little Waitrose as well as a Tesco Express. http://www.lafromagerie.co.uk/

There are also many other great high street shops including The White Company, Zadig and Voltaire, The Kooples and LK Bennett.

Where to eat

There are plenty of great spots in Marylebone including celeb favourites: The Chiltern Firehouse at 1  Chiltern Street. Make sure you book early as there is currently about a 2 month waiting list! http://www.chilternfirehouse.com/

Relais De Venise L'Entrecôte, 120 Marylebone Lane -  A great steak restaurant, no need to book as they don't take reservations,  just turn up! http://www.relaisdevenise.com/marylebone/

Patty and Bun, 54 James Street - it's in the name! If you like burgers this is the place for you! http://pattyandbun.co.uk/

The Natural Kitchen, 77-78 Marylebone Highstreet - located on the northern end of the high street, this place is great for lunch and also organic shopping. It has a fantastic selections of salads and smoothies! http://www.thenaturalkitchen.com/

Other great restaurant options include Carluccios on Paddington Street and Aubaine on Moxon Street which is great for an evening meal or an afternoon selection of cakes!

Property

Marylebone is a very expensive area for property with the most popular market being for 1 and 2 bedroom properties. The majority of these will be in period conversions. There are also larger 3 and 4 bed properties but they aren't as popular as it isn't a massive family orientated area - perfect for single professionals and couples. Mews houses are also popular in the Marylebone area as there are a few cute mews streets around including Marylebone Mews, Weymouth Mews, Bridford Mews and Devonshire Mews to name just a few! For property enquiries head to Druce at 61 Weymouth Street - http://www.druce.com/lettings/?location=marylebone_mayfair

Transport

Just a 5/7 minute walk up to Baker Street or an equal amount of time down to Bond Street on the central and jubilee lines.