As the familiar festive refrain goes, it's most definitely Christmas. The spirit of the season was fully embraced during a recent weekend of shopping, exceptional dining, and merrymaking in one of London's most charming enclaves: Marylebone Village.
A Tranquil Yet Central London Base
Chosen for this year's seasonal sojourn, Marylebone offers a uniquely tranquil London experience. While perhaps best known as a property on the Monopoly board, the reality is a world away. The village is defined by its elegant Georgian streets, a thriving independent community, and a palpable festive atmosphere, all while being centrally located just a stone's throw from Oxford Street, Bond Street, and Piccadilly.
The adventure began with lunch at Caldesi on Marylebone Lane, an authentic portal to Italy. We were transported by vibrant Mediterranean flavours, starting with a shared antipasto platter of cured meats, grilled vegetables, and creamy burrata. This was followed by exquisite handmade pasta dishes, including prawn linguine and seabass ravioli, perfectly paired with a regional Italian wine.
Luxury Lodgings and Award-Winning Flavours
Refuelled, we checked into The Welbeck Hotel on Welbeck Street. This Edwardian building, easy to spot with its flags and impressive festive entrance arch, boasts 164 rooms and suites. Our fifth-floor Classic Room provided stunning views over Victorian rooftops and came with all the expected luxury amenities: a queen-size bed, Illy coffee machine, high-speed Wi-Fi, and Templespa toiletries. A particularly welcome perk was the bathroom's heated floor.
The hotel's prime location offers unparalleled access to Marylebone's heart and major attractions like Selfridges. After a restorative power nap, the culinary highlight awaited: a tasting menu at the award-winning French restaurant, Orrery. A complimentary glass of Laurent-Perrier champagne set the tone for a seven-course journey curated by sommelier Julio Sierra. Standout dishes included a chicken and duck parfait with apple chutney, seafood raviolo in lobster bisque, and a beef medallion with pomme puree. It was a fine dining experience that ranks among London's best.
For pre-dinner drinks, The Cavendish Pub on New Cavendish Street offered a quintessentially festive scene. Cosy blankets, outdoor heaters, and twinkling lights created the perfect setting for seasonal cocktails like the Solstice Spritz.
Independent Shopping and Global Brunch
Marylebone's retail scene revolves around the Marylebone High Street, a veritable winter wonderland after dark. By day, it reveals a treasure trove of independent shops. Discover Daunt Books with its famous galleried interior, the fashionable labels of Sezane, and the artisan sweets at Rococo Chocolates.
Moxon Street is a food-lover's paradise, home to the irresistible La Fromagerie. Meanwhile, Marylebone Lane boasts unique concept stores like KOIBIRD (with its own cafe) and the historic Paul Rothe & Son deli.
The final foodie stop was brunch at Delamina, a family-run Eastern Mediterranean restaurant. Inspired by co-owner Limor Chen's childhood in Tel Aviv, we started with 'mazetim' small plates, including a standout sweet roasted almond spread. Mains offered creative twists, such as the 'Benedict Balagan' with charred peppers and paprika hollandaise, and a fried egg on beef shawarma with dates and pine nuts.
As we departed with full stomachs and festive cheer, it was clear December had begun in style. The countdown to Christmas was well and truly on, beautifully launched by a staycation that combined urban style with village charm.
TRAVEL FACTS: Standard rooms at The Welbeck Hotel start from £250 per night, with suites from £400. For more information, visit the hotel's official website.
