Jeff packs his small hand luggage backpack again and heads off to London to experience Christmas in Marylebone, a theatre tour and a trip to Spitalfields Market. More on the theatre tour and Spitalfields coming soon.
Marylebone is getting ready for Christmas and the lights need switched on. So the timing was perfect to hop on a flight from Belfast to Heathrow and take the Elizabeth Line to Bond Street for the short walk to Marylebone to experience the build up to the switch-on.
A few minutes walk from Oxford Street (behind Selfridges) and Bond Street Underground Station, Marylebone Village is packed full of boutique shops, bars, restaurants and an old London feel about it. If you’ve never been, you should visit it next time you’re in the city.
I checked in to the stunning Marylebone Hotel, part of the Doyle Collection, a short walk from Marylebone High Street and Oxford Street. This is a luxurious 5 star hotel with a spa and pool, a great bar area off the foyer with lots of hidden and cosy spaces to relax, and possibly one of the most comfortable hotel beds I’ve slept in.
Marylebone High Street
The afternoon started by exploring the amazing retail offering on Marylebone High Street; it’s packed full of boutique shops, restaurants and bars.
- Bayley and Sage is a foodies deli dream full of Christmas gift ideas and all the deli and treats you need for a special meal.
- La Brasseria in the centre of the village is where locals meet their neighbours for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Daunt Bookstore is a stunning independent bookseller. It’s a beautiful old bookstore.
- Carlotta have the BEST hot chocolate.
- The Hagen coffee shop is a must visit and popular with locals.
- Naroon is the new kid in town and is a contemporary restaurant serving delicious Persian food.
Christmas lights switch on
The lights were up, the stage was set and the crowds started piling in, Sophie Ellis-Bextor. was backstage and ready to switch on the brand new sustainable Christmas lights made out of recycled bottles.
Marylebone was buzzing and the snow machine was helping everyone feel festive. Choirs entertained us and built up the atmosphere ahead of the main event was exciting.
All the local restaurants and traders had set up market stalls along the High Street (that’s where we tried Carlotta’s Hot Chocolate), funfair rides and a big wheel entertained the kids as thousands of people filled the streets for the launch of Christmas 2023.
On stage we were treated to the Rock Choir singing some Christmas classics and a performance by Glitzy Von Jagger, a Drag Idol finalist, before Sophie Ellis-Bextor arrived for the countdown.
Marylebone was lit for Christmas and everyone was excited as the snow fell on the festive makeover of the neighbourhood. This is a beautiful corner of London and well worth a visit any time of the year to shop in the many boutiques and enjoy a bite to eat in the abundance of locally owned bars, restaurants and foodie spots.
Find out more at https://www.marylebonevillage.com
Thanks to Marylebone Village PR for inviting me over to experience the neighbourhood at Christmas.
