I have called Marylebone home for six years. I live in an apartment in a Victorian terraced townhouse and I’ve designed it with a modern style and primary colours.
I love how central and beautifully maintained Marylebone is, without being flashy. It’s a cosmopolitan village in central London. I also enjoy how diverse, international and varied the community is. It keeps things interesting.
As a mother to a pup, I have made friends from all walks of life when out with my dog, from a retired entertainment lawyer to an ex-FBI agent and a TikTok influencer.
I also chose the neighbourhood as the HQ for my business By Rotation. It’s very central which makes it a great meeting point for our team and external appointments.
Best places to eat and drink
There are plenty of restaurants and bars to visit, even if you are a last-minute booker like myself. The Italians on Devonshire Street has a great ambience, well-curated wine list and delicious deli food.
Il Blandford’s is a classic neighbourhood favourite with a female founder and chef. Jikoni has incredible food and the atmosphere to match. It is perfect for the well-travelled.
Il Baretto is a fun place for a meal with friends. Chiltern Firehouse is the place for people-watching, dressing up and drinking cocktails. Head to The Jackalope on Weymouth Mews if you love beers and Chinese noodles. Or for an excellent wine list and perfect date night it’s Le Vieux Comptoir on Moxon Street.
Where I work out
Pure Gym because it’s so fuss-free. I tend to go during off-peak hours; that’s one benefit of being your own boss. I also really rate all the Barrecore classes in Cavendish Square. If you need quick results, go consistently and you’ll see them in no time.
For a culture fix
The Wallace Collection is a beautiful house with art and objects. They serve nice cocktails in the restaurant too.
Daunt Books on Marylebone High Street has a very good schedule of talks from authors such as Nassim Nicholas Taleb.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is a wonderful place to watch the classic Shakespeare plays. Shreeji News on Chiltern Street has an exhaustive selection of independent magazines and coffee table books alongside beautiful interiors.
To commune with nature
I go to Regent’s Park at least three times a week to walk with my dog, Saffron. The sunsets are beautiful and when I have more time, we walk over to Primrose Hill which I also adore.
I especially love the sculpture garden when it pops up in Regent’s Park. It feels like the quintessentially English garden you would dream of. It’s what I expected from this country, growing up in Singapore. There are also quite a few secret spots in the park which are ideal for a quiet picnic.
Grocery shopping
Waitrose is on Marylebone High Street but I really like the farmers’ market on Sundays. It’s the best spot for fruit and vegetables and it’s so nice to eat fresh produce. I enjoy getting to know the people behind the produce too, it’s good to know where your food is coming from. Once in a while I also treat myself to a Daylesford shop.
Getting around
I walk everywhere, it’s a village after all. There is no need to spend money on transport when everything is so close.
Dream street
Montagu Mews West is a wonderful little street with beautiful houses. One of them has an incredibly well-maintained flower wall which blooms in spring and summer. It’s the dream city home.
Chiltern Street is such a beautiful yet quaint street; every establishment has been curated to add something unique.
Something you only see in Marylebone
Potentially the highest number of blue plaque houses considering the size of the neighbourhood.
What’s the catch?
You’ll never leave W1.
In three words
Beautiful. Cultured. Low-key.
Visit byrotation.com.
Schools
Hampden Gurney CofE Primary School and Christ Church Bentinck CofE Primary School are rated outstanding by Ofsted. King Solomon Academy is deemed outstanding for both primary and secondary education whilst Regent High School is rated good. Francis Holland School is an independent option for girls.
What it costs
Buying in Marylebone
- Average property price: £1,500,930
Renting in Marylebone
- Average one-bedroom flat: £2,860 pcm
- Average two-bedroom flat: £3,770 pcm
