The Ultimate Guide to West London, Mayfair and Marylebone
For those who like the finer things in life, from great dining experiences, to shopping and the latest ‘must have’ wellbeing treatments, West London is jam packed with incredible experiences to discover and uncover. We’ve given you a helping hand with our top picks below.
Have an Alfresco Lunch at The Cavendish
The Cavendish is an absolutely stunning pub in the heart of Marylebone. With an enviable street corner location, ideal for people watching, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a sun-drenched alfresco lunch. Similarly in the winter time, the interior is a super cosy spot to enjoy a delicious Sunday roast. The menu offers up a range of seasonal classics, and when we visited towards the end of summer we really enjoyed the House-Cured Duck Salad, alongside the Seared Tuna Salad. Both were so beautifully presented, they almost looked too good to eat – almost! The freshness of both dishes outlined the quality of the ingredients and the friendliness of the team would have us running back in a heartbeat.
www.35newcavendish.co.uk / @thecavendishpub
Get ‘Glass Skin’ at Geneviv Clinic
Geneviv Clinic is the premier luxury destination for regenerative medicine, biohacking and genetics, offering personalised treatments designed to enhance longevity and vitality. Here, the world’s leading doctors provide exceptional care, combining cutting-edge therapies with innovative science to deliver a transformative, regenerative, and empowering experience. The lovely Vivianna is an absolute expert in her field, making you feel special and comfortable from the minute you take a seat. She’s incredibly knowledgable and believes in first assessing your skin to ensure you have the most personalised treatment possible. I enjoyed a Preime Derma Facial, using the world’s most advanced aesthetics device. The procedure brings together five state-of-the-art technologies to provide an unparalleled dermal facial rejuvenation experience. I left with completely flawless and poreless skin that really stood the test of time too.
www.genevivclinic.com / @genevivclinic
London’s Best Fish and Chips at Mayfair Chippy
Everyone knows about Mayfair Chippy, right? An inviting neighbourhood restaurant that offers award-winning fish and chips alongside an extensive fish menu featuring oysters, crab and mussels. Since opening in 2015, the restaurant has been awarded a 1 AA Rosette Rating from The Michelin Guide, showcasing the quality and taste of the food itself, as well as the fantastic service. When visiting you have to enjoy one of its classic fish and chip dishes, but even the battered sausage is an absolute winner. They serve up a full range of wines, canned cocktails and spirits, but you simply must not leave without trying the restaurant’s home recipe curry sauce – it’s quite simply, phenomenal. Word on the street is they are expanding too, with their first Knightsbridge location set to open in November.
www.mayfairchippy.com / @mayfairchippie
Feast on Fine French Fare at Orrery
Not only a stunning venue that is reminiscent of a calming sanctuary, Orrery are serving up some of the best French food in West London. With an award-winning wine list and outstanding service, you can expect to enjoy classic and indulgent dishes such as Lamb Wellington with pomme purée and rosemary jus, as well as Beef Medallion with pomme purée and sauce Périgourdine. The menu is thought up by Head Chef Igor Tymchyschyn who is from Michelin-starred pedigree – something that really shines through each dish. A great place to spend a lazy Sunday after some hours of retail therapy in nearby Marylebone Village. Fine dining at its absolute finest!
www.orrery-restaurant.co.uk / @The_Orrery
New Nails at Townhouse Mayfair
Looking for London’s best manicure? Look no further. Townhouse is renowned on the London circuit for doing the best claws in the business.The Mayfair location is quaint and cute, a lovely spot to shut off from the world for the best part of a couple of hours whilst you’re preened. The full range of Townhouse services are available here including Biab Manicures and luxury Pedicures. The team are swift and friendly, but professional in all areas – and the nail art they can achieve is incredible. Be sure to pay them a visit next time you’re in the area, and take home some of their amazing products whilst you’re at it.
www.townhouse.co.uk / @townhouse
The Brow Lamination of Dreams at Blink Brow Bar
Nestled in the bustling beauty section of Selfridges you will find the lovely ladies at Blink Brow Bar. Here you can indulge in a full range of eyebrow services. From a simple threading session, all the way to a full brow lamination and tint. I went for the latter and was blown away by the care, consideration and attention to detail. I left with fluffy, yet defined, brows that lasted a whole four weeks post-treatment. Very happy, and will be back again! It’s super easy to squeeze this into your lunch break too, and then you can visit Selfridges Food Hall – a win all around!
www.bbb-london.com / @blinkbrowbar
Undisputed Elegance at Quaglino’s
Quaglino’s has got to be one of London’s most impressive restaurants. On entry, you are wowed by the dark and sensual interiors, as well as the statement bar situated in the centre of the venue. With regular live music, and a delicious A La Carte menu of classics, this is the perfect date spot, situated in the heart of St James and a stone’s throw from Mayfair. Head Chef, Jack Smith creates exciting, vibrant dishes and a fresh, ever-updated menu using incredible seasonal ingredients. This venue is not to be missed. An absolute must order was the Whole Barbecued 1kg Monkfish Tail (designed to share), served with smoked cherry tomatoes, grapefruit beurre blanc and palourde clams. I also hear they throw a pretty sensational New Year’s Eve Party, so don your sparkles and get your tickets before it’s too late! www.quaglinos-restaurant.co.uk / @quaglinos
Feel Total Relaxation at MɅSSɅGE by Marta Suchanska
If you’re feeling stiff and like you need a little bit of TLC, you must visit Marta on Harley Street. Her pretty and calming treatment room is the ultimate Oasis of Calm in the craziness that is central London. She covers a full range of treatments, from pregnancy to deep tissue massages. I had a fully personalised experience for 90 minutes which was the ultimate treat and left me feeling like I was walking on air for the rest of the day. As well as general wear and tear, Marta also works with people suffering from conditions like sciatica, fibromyalgia, those experiencing headaches and struggling with low back, neck pain. There’s a treatment for everyone and I can’t recommend her enough – a total professional and very friendly and welcoming at the same time.
www.massagetherapy.london / @massagetherapy.london
Experience Michelin-level Japanese Dining at UMU
UMU is a cornerstone to fine dining. Having been open and thriving for over 20 years, the restaurant is influenced by the traditions and delicate cuisine of Kyoto, where the philosophy of kaiseki is preserved and celebrated. What blew me away most was the freshness and seasonality of the ingredients used. These ingredients are of irreproachable quality and their natural flavours are always brought to the fore. Some dishes on the menu are simple; others presented with a flourish at the table – but all are prepared with considerable care and respect. There are a wide range of traditional dishes and set offerings to discover, and our highlights were definitely the beautifully fresh and vibrant Chef’s Selection of Sashimi, as well as the A5 Wagyu Beef. A dip into the cocktail list is definitely recommended too. Make your booking this week and support one of London’s most iconic restaurants.
www.umurestaurant.com / @umurestaurant
Cosy Pub Vibes with a Killer Menu at Punch Bowl
Did you know this Mayfair pub used to be head up by Madonna and Guy Richie? Wild. Now, food is at the heart of what they do. This stunning location, which is just like a cosy country pub, prides itself on using the best seasonal British ingredients and combining them with minimal fuss and interference, allowing the natural flavours to shine. Behind the bar, it’s all about craft beer and cask ale, fine wines and spirits, and classic cocktails. I personally loved the Chalk Stream Trout with Crème Fraîche, Caviar and Buttered Rye – super fresh! They also mix up a mean Old Fashioned which you might find yourself tempted by on the way out past the bar – I certainly was! Any excuse to stay in this cosy pub for a little longer…
www.butcombe.com/the-punchbowl-pub-mayfair / @thepunchbowlpub
Revitalise your Face at Faydra Skin
Faydra Skin is an absolute diamond of a wellness spot in West London. Head up by the lovely and friendly Fatima, she is an exceptional facialist with many years of industry expertise, a true master in the art of skincare. With immense passion for helping others feel good about themselves and a deep understanding of skin health, she brings a wealth of knowledge and meticulous approach to every client’s unique skin needs. I had a fully personalised treatment designed to rejuvenate, sculpt and enhance the skin using a combination of advanced skin care techniques and luxury products. It begins with consultation and double cleansing to prep the skin, followed by exfoliation to refine the texture and clean the pores. This facial includes a sculpting facial massage to lift and contour, improving circulation and reducing puffiness. A customised mask is then applied to address specific skin concerns, and potent serums are infused to target deeper skin concerns. Magical!
www.faydra-skin.com / @faydraskin
Get Sparkling White Teeth at Marylebone Smile Clinic
It’s rare I visit a private dentist and feel fully at ease right away. But the approach, welcome and treatment I received at Marylebone Smile Clinic was exceptional in every sense of the word! Once comfortable (I can get quite nervous at the dentist), I was talked through the various teeth whitening treatments and immediately felt at ease, as it was clear each dentist here knew the best approach for treatment. After a thorough check up, I was fit for my teeth trays, and picked them up within 48 hours. We decided on more of an intensive treatment whereby you place the trays in at night and sleep with them. Despite the fast results, I was comfortable the whole way through, received so many compliments and didn’t suffer with sensitivity at all – it was the perfect experience and I would highly recommend dental treatments here.
www.marylebonesmileclinic.co.uk / @marylebonesmileclinicuk
Discover London’s Most Beautiful Courtyard at The Chesterfield
The Chesterfield Mayfair is a stunning and luxurious hotel with, in my opinion, one of London’s best kept secrets. A beautiful, tranquil and peaceful courtyard which immediately makes you feel like you’re dining in the quaint streets of Paris, rather than the middle of bustling Mayfair. For me, the menu highlights were the super fresh seafood dishes. I indulged in a super tasty Native Lobster and Crayfish Cocktail followed by a stunningly de-boned Dover Sole. Butlers Restaurant itself is warm and intimate, showcasing elegant dining matched by first-class service. A cosy spot for the winter months. But as soon as the sun is back out again, run, don’t walk, to that courtyard!
www.chesterfieldmayfair.com / @chesterfieldmayfair
Authentic Japanese in the Heart of Marylebone at Junsei
If you’re looking for one of London’s most authentic Japanese restaurants in the heart of Marylebone, Junsei is for you. A Yakitori style setting, the menu itself offers most parts of the chicken by skewer, alongside grilled vegetables, sides and donburi bowls for a larger dish. There is also a fantastic Chef Seasonal Selection menu which you can enjoy alongside a carefully selected drinks pairing, or a sake and shochu pairing if preferred. Junsei is the debut restaurant of Chef Aman Lakhiani & Chef Zach Farr. Chef Aman Lakhiani’s journey to Japan was perhaps the awakening of something vital in his soul. Something buried deep within, through lineage, taste and culture – and something that is reflected in each dish and bite.
www.junsei.co.uk / @junsei_uk
Rest your Head in Absolute Luxury at Prince Akatoki
Prince Akatoki is a hotel with a real point of difference, situated in the heart of Marylebone. Inspired by the fundamental principles of Japanese hospitality, the team here go above and beyond to make your stay absolutely second to none. My favourite part of the hotel is probably the restaurant Tokii. A truly standout space, there are a number of dining experiences you can enjoy here – from an Omakase experience, all the way to an intricately designed afternoon tea. This is hand’s down one of the most luxury stays you can have in central London and it should not be missed.
www.theprinceakatokilondon.com / @theprinceakatokilondon
Classy Italian Dining at The Italian Greyhound
Looking for an elegant and refined dining experience in Marylebone for lunch or dinner, look no further than The Italian Greyhound. Walk ins are allowed at this restaurant and the dining room itself is fairly large so it’s a great option for a last minute bite. The Dining Room is a canvas for innovative and familiar modern Italian cooking, championing sustainable and quality producers and growers. The space itself has been reimagined with calm neutral tones, oak tables and comfy seating. Menu-wise, it’s succinct and to the point, offering a range of pasta, pizza, main dishes and starters. I would highly recommend the Cornish Crab Spaghetti with Chilli and Garlic, which was simple, but oh-so-moreish!
www.theitaliangreyhound.co.uk / @greyhoundmarylebone
Vibey Nights at Boxcar Bar & Grill
I really loved this restaurant. Sometimes, when you go out mid-week it can be a little disappointing, quiet and can fall flat. Not at Boxcar Bar & Grill, however. I went on a Tuesday evening and it was packed, creating a buzzy and fun environment and the perfect setting to enjoy really good food. Here the menu is short and to the point, offering luxurious versions of pub classics. To start, we enjoyed Citrus Cured Salmon with house pickles, horseradish and dill, alongside Pork Cheek Croquettes with apple, pickled kohlrabi and crispy sage. There’s a range of delicious steak options, or why not make the most of the darkening cosy evenings and opt for their Lamb Shank Shepherd’s Pie with red wine jus – utter perfection. The cocktails here are great too. Creative and innovative twists on classics – I’d go back in a heartbeat!
www.boxcar.co.uk / @boxcarlondon
Buy a Stunning Cashmere Piece from Valentina Karellas
When shopping, there’s nothing we love more than shopping local! Valentina Karellas is a lovely lady who has an independent knitwear brand, focused on a sustainable, zero waste making process. You can find her beautiful pieces, from cashmere beanies to mittens priced at just £65.00, at the new luxury multi product store, Platform Store Hq. The store is at 49 Marylebone Lane, in front of The Ivy. Since the weather has turned chilly, I have lived in my new cashmere beanie!
www.valentinakarellas.com / @vkarellas
Riviera is That Place to Impress People at
Riviera is one of those venues that just takes your breath away from entrance. The playful and flirty interiors are quirky and the menu features a range of French classics. The concept celebrates a vibrant Mediterranean experience where creative and fresh flavours are mixed with a uniquely curated wine selection in an artistic dining room. Menu highlights include Snails in Garlic Butter, Lobster Brioche as well as a range of fresh fish dishes, including Grilled Octopus with chimichurri and cauliflower puree. The cocktail menu is fabulous and there are a wide range of fine wines, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic options. Downstairs is a beautiful bar which is the ideal spot to grab a post-meal tipple, away from the other diners.
www.riviera-london.co.uk / @rivieralondon
