Marylebone. A calm, tranquil oasis juxtaposed behind the manic Oxford Street, Marylebone is truly a refreshing breath of fresh air. The side roads are serene spaces for coffee strolls, and excellent routes for less busy shortcuts between Selfridges, Regent’s Park and Fitzrovia. Well-trodden by Avocado Jo Jo 😉
Here’s a selection of some of my favourite coffees and a couple of brunch spots. Did I mention one of my favourite coffees is a true hidden Marylebone gem?! The high street is also home to many restaurants which will take you on a culinary tour of the globe- and I’m yet to fully experience.
As always, let me know which coffee shop I should try next! My train to my home town pulls into Marylebone and I’m always walking Marylebone to Selfridges, so I *NEED* new recs. Oh, also, does anyone r/e/a/l/l/y know how to pronounce Marylebone – Marry-Le-Bone; Mar-le-Bone….
So, without further waffle, here are my coffee picks!
Lots of love, Jo xoxo
SHREEJI NEWS
One of (or The?) best coffees in London, this is truly a hidden gem! A newsagents from the outside but a really coffee haven, Shreeji is a beautiful surprise for those who discover it!
BOX CAR
A relaxed, Scandi vibe runs throughout this minimalistic, tranquil cafe. Light wooden chairs and tables fill the Nordic space, whilst potted plants hang from shelves, together acting to transport you to a Scandinavian wonderland.
Make sure to check out Boxcar’s sisters Percy & founders in Fitzrovia and The Lighterman in King’s Cross.
CHILTERN FIREHOUSE
A Landmark in the heart of Marylebone, Chiltern Firehouse is one of my favourite brunch spots. Executive Chef Richard Foster & Chef Patron Nuno Mendes have created a delightful menu with a strong emphasis on classics with bold new flavours! Pictured is a fluffy flat white with oat milk – a brunch necessity.
MONOCLE
There is nothing more iconic than the Monocle cafe on Chiltern Street. The black and cream canopy is a flagship icon. Pop by round the corner to their Monocle shop for print, stationery and accessories. Monocle magazine was founded in Feb 2007 and Monocle cafe opened its doors to Marylebone residents in April 2013. The cafe fuses Japanese and French culture, to create a sophisticated, zen oasis…and the perfect place to people watch.
OPSO
Alexa, define “Opso”. Opso is a Greek delicacy. Situated on Paddington St, Opso is Marylebone’s sparkling Greek dream. A communal marble table takes centre stage, inviting you to drink, eat & celebrate with friends in true Greek fashion. Opso’s brunches are innovative yet refined, creating a sophisticated brunch with a unique explosion of flavours. The Lotus Pancake sounds like a decadent dream – think Lotus cookie crumble, milk chocolate & banana and salted caramel.
A.OK
A.OK is more than okay! Founder Kelly Landesberg has created a new favourite socialite hotspot in the heart of Marylebone. A.OK exudes an air of elegance and class like no other! Set just behind Chiltern Street, the restaurant is the perfect place to brunch on a summer’s day. Their al Fresco dining creates a relaxing atmosphere, whilst the drawn open windows and the indoors airy ambiance add even more freshness & appeal! The purple flowers create a wysteria like feel, making you feel as though you’ve stepped into a magical wonderland.
JOY
A truly immersive green hive, Joy combines coffee and sweet treats with green succulent plants into an immersive garden experience. Enjoy a coffee date whilst submerged in a tranquil green paradise.
SELFRIDGES
Selfridges’ ground floor south-eastern corner is home to an innovative pop up space, and when I visited Prada were showcasing their “On Ice” collection, collaborating with The Mobile Coffee Bean to serve up coffee in beautifully branded cups. At the time of writing, DirTea is serving up delicious and innovative mushroom coffee.
HOW MATCHA
A Matcha made in Heaven. How Matcha is a cute spot to enjoy all kinds of matcha – iced matcha, matcha latte, matcha cake, matcha cookies…. If you are craving a matcha fix, How Matcha is T.H.E. place to go. Pictured is a sweet and refreshing iced matcha with lavender syrup and ashwagandha. “The Glow” has matcha, rose water and collagen for skin boosting benefits. Feeling decadent? Try “The Indulge: – matcha with white chocolate and topped with matcha whipped cream.
GOOD LIFE EATERY
The Good Life Eatery try their very best to source sustainable local ingredients with the lowest food miles. Good for you, good for farmers, good for the environment. It’s the Good Life (Eatery)! They serve delicious, cooling, fresh, fruity juices, for a refreshing post-run cool down drink, using a hydraulic press juicer to extract the vitamins, enzymes and minerals from the fruit, to create a pulp-less sweet liquid.
WULF & LAMB
A plant based paradise, serving innovative vegan dishes which are great for brunch, lunch & dinner. Pictured is the Chargrilled Cauliflower Steak. Chargrilled cauliflower takes centre stage, and is teams with chimichurri, saffron coconut yoghurt and herb salad. A lemon dressing adds an extra zesty kick to give this warm, homely dish an added punch!
CHILTERN STREET DELI
Founded in 2019 and located in the heart of Marylebone, Chiltern Street Deli is a lovely place to grab a coffee when shopping on the nearby Marylebone High Street. As well as coffee, Chiltern Street Deli have a carefully curated selection of fine wines, sweet treats and delicatessen. Feeling peckish? Opt for a yummy and filling toasty- choose from ham, tuna, and a cucumber/pepper veggie combo.
SAINT ESPRESSO
On the edge of Regent’s Park, Saint Espresso is a great place to grab a coffee to accompany your summer park stroll. Saint Espresso’s story began in Camden, in 2011. The cafe was then name Leyas, and served locals coffee and veggie, vegan and gluten free options.
SOULI
Craving an authentic Italian coffee? But you’re in the middle of London? No fear! Either (A) Take the plane to Rome & get your coffee in about 6 hours or (B) Walk to Souli in the heart of Marylebone, just moments away from the bustling Oxford Street. Souli’s coffee is imported from Rome’s famous coffee shop Sant’Eustachio II Caffè. Experience a true taste of Rome in the heart of London.
On my Marylebone bucket list
- Hagen Project – I love the Hagen in Piccadilly (if you’re ever close by, make sure to say hi to iconic blue-hair Debbie!) and I can’t wait to try this new addition on Marylebone High St
- Arro Coffee
