Quiet Luxury in the Heart of London: Marylebone & Mayfair

Shopping

• Marylebone High Street: One of London’s most charming shopping stretches full of independent shops, bookstores (Daunt Books), and retail boutiques. Just down the road, Savile Row offers some of the finest custom tailoring in the world, while Regent Street has grand architecture and the kind of flagship and luxury stores you could happily get lost in.

• Selfridges & Fortnum & Mason: Not just department stores—these are London institutions. Selfridges on Oxford Street is bold and fashion-forward, with a rotating lineup of pop-ups and an excellent food hall. Fortnum & Mason in nearby Piccadilly is the place for beautifully packaged teas, biscuits, and gifts.

• Hamleys Toy Store: It’s a bit of a madhouse on weekends, but kids will love the seven floors of toys, games, and demonstrations at this iconic toy store on Regent Street. Go early or midweek if possible.

Parks

• Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens feel like London’s backyard—perfect for a long walk, renting a bike, or grabbing a coffee and watching the world go by. If you’re heading toward the Mall, St. James’s Park offers postcard views of Buckingham Palace and a quieter, elegant charm.

Bond Street Galleries

• Mayfair is dense with contemporary art galleries that are refreshingly easy to pop into.

Breakfast

• The Wolseley: If you want a proper Full English served with silver service in a stunning Art Deco dining room, this is the place.

Brunch

• Granger & Co Aussie brunch vibes, bright and cheerful; the ricotta hotcakes are famous for a reason.

Bakery

• Arôme Bakery: Don’t miss the pistachio chocolate escargots or honey butter toast.

Coffee

• WatchHouse: Contemporary and sleek, known for its single-origin brews and peaceful, design-forward interiors.

High Tea

• Claridge’s: The gold standard for afternoon tea. Impeccable service, dainty pastries, and finger sandwiches in one of London’s most storied hotels.

Pub

• Refined takes on pub classics, thoughtfully sourced ingredients, and pints of English craft beer at Coach Makers Arms (Marylebone), Audley Public House (Mayfair), and The Barley Mow (Mayfair)

Dinner

• Nina: An intimate spot tucked away on a quiet Marylebone lane, offering elegant Italian dishes with the kind of polish and warmth that makes it feel like a secret.

• The Cavendish: A neighborhood favorite with a warm bistro atmosphere, seasonal British–French dishes, and a curated wine and cocktail list when you’re tired of pints. Great for people-watching just off Marylebone High Street.

Indian

• Ambassadors Clubhouse: Gymkhana’s hipper, younger sibling, serving elevated Indian cooking with complex layers of spice in an opulent setting.

• Dishoom has built a mini-empire on the back of its chicken Ruby and black daal.

• For something a little different, try the Sri Lankan set menu at Hoppers which is bold, generous, and brimming with flavor.

Sunday roast

• The George: Classic roast done right in a beautifully restored 18th-century pub. Think Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, but every Sunday.

Vegetarian

• Ottolenghi: Inventive, vibrant vegetable-focused plates with Middle Eastern flair—always seasonal and beautifully presented.

Cocktails

• The Connaught Bar: If you only splurge once on drinks, make it here. Impeccably choreographed martinis, old-world elegance, with the bonafides of being recognized as a top bar in the world.

Wine Bar

• Noble Rot Mayfair: A must for wine lovers. Expertly curated by people who care deeply about what’s in your glass, with a charming, unpretentious vibe.