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London is packed with iconic spots, but I'm always on the hunt for the city's best hidden gems. So, when the team at Marylebone Village invited me to explore some of their local treasures, I couldn't wait to discover what makes this charming neighbourhood so special for mini-moons. My partner and I embraced a romantic stay, enveloped by Marylebone's timeless charm, cobbled streets, secret corners, and an atmosphere that feels like a dreamy escape.
Nestled in the heart of central London, Marylebone Village is a true urban setting renowned for its diverse and impressive collection of retailers, galleries, bars, pubs and restaurants, all set within a charming grid of Georgian streets. Whether visitors want to shop till they drop, explore exceptional culinary delights, or enjoy unique one-off experiences, Marylebone offers something for everyone.
The atmosphere is both relaxed and vibrant, blending sophistication and style with an unmistakable local community spirit. Everything is within walking distance, which adds to the Village's calm, intimate feel, making it easy to explore without rushing and truly soak in its distinctive charm.
FLAVOURS OF CAVITA
What better way to get our taste buds dancing than with lunch at Cavita? This Mexican restaurant is a vibrant celebration of bold flavours, striking colours, and rich textures, all masterfully crafted by Mexican chef Adriana Cavita and her talented team.
The moment we stepped inside, we were warmly welcomed into a space that perfectly balances rustic charm with modern elegance. Exposed brick walls paired with soft, ambient lighting created an atmosphere both intimate and lively, setting the perfect tone for our meal. After being seated by the friendly staff, we began with a refreshing Cavita Margarita while exploring a menu brimming with tempting dishes. After careful deliberation, I settled on the Brocheta De Hongos - perfectly grilled king oyster mushrooms coated in rich red adobo, topped with vibrant arbol chile and herb sauce.
Next, I chose the Enmoladas Con Pollo, crispy fried tortillas drenched in Cavita’s signature red mole, layered with tender grilled chicken and crumbly feta cheese. This dish was a feast for the senses, expertly prepared and bursting with comforting flavours. Naturally, I couldn’t resist adding the Papitas, Pink Fir potatoes paired with luscious coffee and pasilla chile mayo.
I indulged in the Buñuelo 9 for dessert. A sweet, crispy fritter dusted generously with cinnamon sugar and served alongside Mexican vanilla ice cream, fresh mango, and seasonal fruit cream that brought everything into perfect balance.
All in all, lunch at Cavita was nothing short of perfection. Attentive service ensured every detail was taken care of, the food was flawless, and the inspiring setting made the experience truly unforgettable.
LARRY KING
Life can get busy, so it was a treat to take some time for a little TLC. Just a short two-minute walk from our hotel is Larry King, tucked away on Marylebone Lane. Founded by Larry and Laura, whose love story began more than 20 years ago, the salon brings together expert stylists dedicated to creating dream hair. The interior is warm and welcoming, blending rich wood tones, reclaimed materials, warm neutrals, and brass accents.
My partner was whisked away by Jake, who worked his magic, delivering a cut that felt effortlessly styled and natural. Meanwhile, I had the pleasure of being looked after by Christina, whose years of industry experience and precision technique put me completely at ease.
After a relaxing shampoo and conditioning treatment, I sipped refreshments while sinking into a plush chair as Christina worked. We decided on a classic ‘bouncy blow-dry’, a challenge for fine hair, but Christina nailed it. After blow-drying, she curled my hair, pinned the curls to set, and sealed with light hairspray. Once cooled, she removed the pins and added a final spritz to lock in the shape. The result? Effortless, voluminous hair that made me feel ready to strut through London.
THE MARYLEBONE
I've stayed at some of London's finest hotels, and I can confidently say The Marylebone hotel ranks among the very best. Just a short stroll from Bond Street, this elegant property boasts 257 beautifully designed rooms and suites and exclusive access to Third Space, a premier health and leisure club featuring an 18-metre swimming pool and a luxurious spa offering an extensive range of treatments. From the moment we stepped into the foyer, we were greeted by a stylish interior with contemporary touches as well as the professional team who check us in with ease.
We stayed in a Studio Suite, thoughtfully appointed with upholstered headboards, a supremely comfortable bed dressed in plush linens, a spacious dressing area, a large desk, and a 55" Smart TV. One favourite touch was the bold botanical wallpaper, adding character and vibrancy. The sleek marble bathroom featured both a bathtub and a separate shower, perfect for the best of both worlds, and provided the perfect setting to unwind.
SHOPPING IN MARYLEBONE
Marylebone is renowned for its exceptional shopping scene, where chic boutiques, speciality stores, and iconic British brands line charming streets.
Our first stop was picturesque Marylebone Lane, where we uncovered a delightful mix of independent shops. We admired elegant millinery at VV Rouleaux, explored timeless handmade porcelain at Mud Australia, fell in love with stylish footwear at Tracey Neuls, and swooned over O Pioneers' beautifully crafted Liberty print dresses. From there, we wandered to Marylebone High Street, enchanted by Daunt Books, a stunning Edwardian bookshop filled with literary treasures. Rococo Chocolates was a must-visit; we picked up decadent truffles and their signature honeycomb crunch and sea salt milk chocolate bars. We also browsed standout stores including Derek Rose for luxurious loungewear and Bloobloom for stylish, sustainable eyewear.
108 BRASSERIE
We indulged in a decadent three-course meal at The Marylebone hotel's elegant 108 Brasserie, where modern global cuisine truly shines. The brasserie-style setting features classic charm and contemporary flair with chic red seating, plush textures, and romantic ambience.
Once seated, we eagerly viewed the tempting menu, making the decision deliciously difficult. While deliberating, our waiter brought warm house bread and salted English butter while we sipped Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve Champagne. He was warm, attentive, knowledgeable, offering thoughtful recommendations and passionately describing each dish.
I opted for Crispy Tiger Prawns paired with zesty, spicy cocktail sauce to complement the light crunch and succulent interior. A warming Sri Lankan laksa curry with chicken, bean sprouts, rice noodles, coriander, and lime twist was perfect for my main. It was hearty, aromatic, and satisfying with a kick. Paired with Mirabeau 'One Day' Côtes de Provence Grenache rosé, refreshing and balancing the spice. Eton Mess Strawberry Summer Sundae was for dessert, which was light, fruity, and indulgently sweet. It was the ideal way to finish off the meal. The entire dining experience was relaxed yet refined, with hearty, flavourful, unfussy food.
The following morning, breakfast was served in the stylish, relaxed restaurant. I started with orange juice and fresh fruit for a light start after an indulgent dinner. Of course, I couldn’t resist the pastries, grabbing a warm cinnamon swirl and a pain au chocolat. The morning atmosphere was delightful, with gentle clinking of cutlery and soft chatter adding to the brasserie’s inviting charm.
LUNCH AT ORRERY
After a few hours of shopping and strolling, we’d worked up an appetite and had lunch planned at Orrery, a beloved French restaurant under Chef Patron Igor Tymchyshyn. The converted stable block is inspired by the South of France, creating a bright, airy, elegant, modern space. Our large round table overlooked the gardens of St Marylebone Church, and plush seating made it easy to settle in with a glass of Champagne while browsing a fine-dining menu celebrating fresh, seasonal British ingredients through a refined French lens.
We began with warm bread and butter, followed by an amuse-bouche – a cold soup bursting with rich, refreshing flavour. For starters, I chose Seafood raviolo, a delicate pasta parcel in beautifully flavoured bisque. This paired with Saraja Tarra Noa Vermentino di Gallura DOCG 2024, a bright, textural Vermentino that complemented the dish perfectly. For main, an expertly cooked seabass fillet served with stuffed courgette flower, silky aubergine purée, and fragrant cumin sauce immaculately presented. Paired with elegant Domaine de la Motte Chablis 2023.
No visit to Orrery would be complete without their award-winning cheese trolley. We chose from 13 farmhouse cheeses of blues, washed rinds, soft goats’, and semi-hard varieties served with a beetroot chutney, fresh grapes, and crisp crackers. It was an explosion of flavours and textures. Dessert was seasonal peaches poached gently, paired with tangy yoghurt cream and refreshing peach sorbet for a light, summery ending to a rich meal.
Service was exceptional! The staff were warm, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu and wine pairings. Their passion for food and hospitality was evident. Nothing was too much trouble; we felt completely looked after from start to finish.
WELLNESS AT REBASE
Rebase blends cultural wellness traditions worldwide with cutting-edge sports recovery technology. We visited their new flagship site to experience their holistic approach firsthand. The team offers a range of rejuvenating services tailored to individual needs, including Hyperbaric Oxygen chambers, traditional saunas, contrast classes, lymphatic drainage, and more.
We tried the private Infrared Suite, designed for a wide range of health benefits. Inside featured an infrared sauna maintained at 70–80 degrees Celsius to encourage deep sweat. Its heaters emit far and near infrared waves that penetrate tissues to promote detoxification, better sleep, improved immunity, pain relief, and skin purification. The two ice baths were set at 10 and 5 degrees Celsius to reduce inflammation, boost mood, improve circulation, and enhance focus. The idea is to alternate between the infrared sauna and ice baths, enhancing circulation, reducing inflammation, and accelerating muscle recovery. Inside were thoughtful touches that added to the experience with wellness drinks, electrolytes, face masks, a Bluetooth sound system, plush towels, luxury robes, a comfortable couch, and calming candles.
As someone new to this therapy, it took a little getting used to, but I left feeling like a new person — awake, refreshed, and deeply relaxed. It was the perfect setting to unwind, offering a space that felt completely separate from the hustle and bustle of London.
THE FINAL VERDICT
Overall, Marylebone is the perfect setting to savour magical moments in an intimate, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable atmosphere. I wholeheartedly recommend this location for a mini-moon, as it offers something special for every couple. Our stay was absolutely perfect, everything we hoped for and more. We will definitely be returning to explore and enjoy all the wonderful spots we discovered during our trip.
