Inspo Series: A Guide to Marylebone

As well as working on various projects, I’ve been trying to keep my interior eye sharp by looking out for daily inspiration. When you take time to notice how a space has been designed, it becomes clear what really works. In combination with this hunt for inspiration, I also want to celebrate what is on my doorstep. London is such a vast and vibrant city, each neighbourhood with its own unique identity. So why not highlight such places and all the well-designed restaurants, bars, shops etc. that they have to offer?! Welcome to part I of my London Inspiration Series…

A guide to Marylebone.

Located in the sweet spot between Oxford Circus and Baker Street, affluent Marylebone has a calmer, more serene feel. It is the perfect place to spend a lazy Sunday - ambling along beautiful Georgian streets, grabbing coffee at one of the many cafes, stocking up on high quality food produce, browsing clothing boutiques and settling in for a meal at an up-and-coming restaurant. It is chic, elegant and refined.

Where to drink

I’m obsessed with the thinking behind Shreeji Newsagents (quite literally). As explained in this Dezeen article, the shops on Chiltern Street were originally built to accommodate shopkeepers’ families. Gabriel Chipperfield and his design studio have made use of this ample space, converting the ground floor into a multifunctional space, with magazines and coffee up front and a curated range of homeware out back. In maintaining original features like the fireplace, the team have recreated the atmosphere of the apartment, but with a modern, sleek feel - complete with plywood panelling and high-quality furniture.

Sensationalised on Instagram and TikTok for their round croissants, Boxcar Baker & Deli is another coffeeshop in the area. Although it felt somewhat hectic when I visited on a Sunday morning, the design was certainly cool - trailing plants, exposed lightbulbs and light wood come together for an airy, laid-back feel.

With its black and white striped awning, Monocle Cafe is hard to miss. Whilst you’re there, why not read the latest edition of their magazine - a briefing on global affairs, business culture, design and much more.

Where to eat

St. JOHN serves up nostalgic British dishes like kidneys on toast, cod cheeks and eccles cake. Its fuss-free design complements what is on the plate: brick walls painted white and free of any artwork, large wooden tables with minimal place settings, a blackboard bar menu, pendant lights. Even its typeface is old school. This is simplicity on steroids.

Anywhere with a room dedicated to cheese needs little further explanation. La Fromagerie has a welcoming, higgledy-piggledy, sit where you can feel. It is casual, comfortable and unpretentious, selling a range of high quality produce. I love the fact that you don’t know what is round the next corner - every turn is a surprise!

Next door is The Ginger Pig. Whilst I wouldn’t necessary include it here for its design, the butcher was far too friendly not to mention - ordering sausages for a casual Sunday evening dinner with friends, I was immediately given the recipe for the most delicious gravy. Such enthusiasm is rare to see!

With its characteristic green exterior, Lina Stores has seen quite the expansion. I love the clean and fresh design of its Marylebone arm, brought to life by Studio Itaca. The team aimed to create a friendly feel, much like that of a local neighbourhood eatery - a real feat in such an expansive space. Nevertheless, this was achieved through expert zoning, creating a formal restaurant alongside a kitchen counter, delicatessen and coffee bar. The interiors are complete with cafe curtains, green leather bar stools and mid-century opaline globe pendants, giving that authentic Italian feel. And there’s a real focus on materiality too: rich dark wood, Zellige tiles, marble, terrazzo, the list goes on. I’m in love.

What to see/ do

I’d not heard of MASAJ, but stopped in my tracks when I walked past, captivated by its timber exterior (all the sauna feels) and plaster effect interior. Focused on simplicity and quality, it is a contemporary massage brand that aims to combat the negative effects of city living. I’ll certainly be giving it a try!

Although basic, I honestly think Aesop does no wrong. And despite vowing to never ever use purple of my walls after many childhood years of sugared lilac, this particular branch has changed my mind. Help…

You cannot head this way without popping into nearby Daunt Books, if only to see its famous balcony in person (and to resist buying more coffee table books).

With a similar look and feel to St. JOHN, Paul Rothe and Son serves up sandwiches and salad, as well as selling a range of preserves etc. Opening in 1900, it has been run by the same family since - isn’t that something special.