What’s happening in Marylebone Village
Head on over to Marylebone Village to discover a mix of independent stores and restaurants, a short walk away from Bond Street. This beautiful village is home to some unique and exciting fashion and beauty boutiques, lifestyle brands and eateries. We caught up with five of the store and restaurant owners to find out more about their business.
Next week we shall bring you the interviews of another five exciting business owners.
Katie Caldesi – Co owner of Caldesi
Caldesi
TELL US ABOUT CALDESI?
We operate a restaurant and cookery school in Marylebone Lane. Caldesi in Marylebone is a traditional Italian restaurant which specialises in producing authentic Italian dishes that you seldom find outside of Italy and our cookery school La Cucina Caldesi specialises in Italian cookery covering all aspects from pasta making through to butchery and high end cooking skills. We call our space in Marylebone ‘Our little corner of Italy in Marylebone’ . During lockdown we also opened an Italian Food Emporium in Marylebone High Street but this will close (possibly to be relocated) in September. It was a store for all things Italian food wise.
WHAT MAKES CALDESI SPECIAL?
Authenticity – We want people to feel like they’re in Italy when dining with us. It’s a family run business and Giancarlo and Katie are experts on Italian regional food having written 10 books on the subject.
WE WOULD LOVE TO KNOW YOUR FAVOURITE DISH IN CALDESI?
In our pop-up deli my favourite item is Bomba! A spicy chilli paste. In our restaurant Giancarlo’s favourite dish is the Calves Liver with Butter and Sage.
IS THERE ANYTHING NEW WE SHOULD LOOK FORWARD TO?
We have moved into making pizza and our chef Antonio keeps experimenting with the oven and trying different breads, pizza, pizette, panini bread. It’s delicious and we love trying his creations!
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT MARYLEBONE VILLAGE?
We have had businesses here for over 20 years so we really feel a part of it. Also every time we walk along the streets we bump into people we know.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY IN MARYLEBONE VILLAGE?
Opening our restaurant Caldesi in Marylebone 18 years ago. It had been a huge build but was so exciting when we served the first customers.
WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT?
Apart from Antonio’s pizza (!) I love to treat myself to the Mezze at Fairuz.
Website: www.caldesi.com/caldesi-in-marylebone
Amir Chen Owner of Delamina
Delamina
TELL US ABOUT DELAMINA?
Delamina was opened by my wife, Limor, and I following a journey that began with a residency at Shoreditch House and then the opening of our first restaurant, Delamina EAST, in Shoreditch. Limor is the driving force behind the menu, drawing on her eclectic heritage — she was born in Tel Aviv to a family of middle eastern and European origin — and inspired by her father, a passionate cook who exposed her to the flavours, herbs and spices of the region. Limor’s recipes are influenced by her interest in healthy eating – grilling, roasting and using herbs and spices to celebrate the raw ingredients, including many vegetarian dishes. Her self-taught and intuitive approach results in dishes that are wholesome, healthy and with a unique flavour combination. The food is accompanied by a drinks list that includes exciting and innovative wines from the Middle East, alongside house cocktails that incorporate the same aromatic herbs and spices used in the kitchen.
WHAT MAKES DELAMINA SPECIAL?
Delamina is a labour of love, an expression of Limor and my love of our food heritage, and our design aesthetic. The restaurant is an extension of our home and our team has become part of our family. The way we serve food, the portions, value proposition and service are a reflection of the way we enjoy eating out.
WE WOULD LOVE TO KNOW YOUR FAVOURITE DISH IN DELAMINA?
The shawarma dish has become one of our signature menu items. It reflects what Israeli cuisine is about – the mixing of traditional and innovative cooking with boundless creativity, using the local herbs and spices and produce.
IS THERE ANYTHING NEW WE SHOULD LOOK FORWARD TO?
In mid-June, before re-opening fully, we launched our “Pita Bar & Cocktails on the Lane”. This was really successful and lots of customers are asking us to bring it back, so we’re thinking of ways to do so while we’re open for normal service. In the meantime we’re focused on making dining at Delamina a great experience despite the various restrictions and safety measures we’ve put in place. We’re already providing much more outside seating and also excited about Marylebone Lane becoming pedestrianised during the summer.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT MARYLEBONE VILLAGE?
It feels like a village, yet very cosmopolitan, full of quirky retailers as well as some respected known names. Like the price point, affordable luxury.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY IN MARYLEBONE VILLAGE?
Hearing the sounds of voice training for opera singers on Marylebone Lane and discovering The Conran Store’s first floor terrace area.
WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT?
When we’re after comfort food that’s very different to ours we head to Fischer’s. We love their chicken schnitzel and bread.
Website: www.delaminamarylebone.co.uk
Catie Miller – Founder/Owner of Xtend Barre London
Xtend Barre London
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND XTEND BARRE?
My name is Catie Miller, I am a former professional dancer and performer and the founder and owner of Xtend Barre in London. After testing and trying many methods in and around the globe I knew I wanted to bring something special to the Marylebone community. Unlike other barre workouts that solely focus on pulsing and micro movements, our method includes a larger emphasis on dance while still incorporating fundamentals of Pilates and isometric exercises. The result is a lengthening of the muscles, not just a chiselling. The toning is paired with stretches and Pilates techniques that elongate the muscles to help you stand taller, achieving a dancer’s grace.
WHAT MAKES XTEND BARRE SPECIAL?
Our community is our biggest pride and joy! They are a collective of like-minded individuals all seeking joy through connection and movement. In addition, our classes challenge bodies of any age, gender or fitness background, exercises can be modified for beginners, prenatal clients or clients with injuries. Xtend Barre is truly for everyBODY!
IS THERE ANYTHING NEW WE SHOULD LOOK FORWARD TO?
Our physical location is currently closed until the end of the summer however, you can join us online in our virtual studio 7 days a week! Since lockdown we have managed to stay connected with our community as well as welcome new clients globally. Stay up to date with our happenings by signing up to our newsletter or follow us on Instagram @xtendbarrelondon.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT MARYLEBONE VILLAGE?
The Marylebone Village has been the home to our studio for the past 4 years. We have seen the community grow over time and flourish with like-minded businesses and business owners. The independent/boutique feel truly makes Marylebone shine and creates an aspirational set-up. We are grateful to be a part of this beautiful village.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY IN MARYLEBONE VILLAGE?
My favourite memories in Marylebone Village are the Summer and Winter Fayres. The amount of effort that goes into these events gives the community and my family so much joy!
WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT?
My favourite restaurant is Delamina. The mix of Middle Eastern and European flavours always leaves me coming back for more! And their customer service is kind and always on point.
Website: www.xtendbarre.com/studio/xtend-barre-london
Manish Vara Owner OF Pentons Marylebone
PENTONS
TELL US ABOUT PENTONS?
David pentons was established in 1841, making it the oldest store in Marylebone.
Originally opened as a leather merchant, it specialised in shoe repairs. Over the next 100 years it gradually turned into an ironmonger/general hardware store, not too dissimilar to what it is today.
My brother and I bought the store 18 years ago with an aim of making it the best hardware store in London.
We started keeping higher quality products and utilised the precious space better, making Pentons the one stop shop it is now. Our customers are now a mix of Trade, residents and local businesses with the odd celebrity coming in too. We also attract tourists who are drawn into the shop by its amazing window display. We often hear comments about Pentons being the best DIY store in London and so I suppose our mission has been accomplished!
None of this would have been possible without our wonderful staff who saw the vision.
WHAT MAKES PENTONS SPECIAL?
Hardware stores aren’t as common as they once were mainly due to the internet and big DIY stores. However we’ve stuck to our guns and not compromised on 2 things that I believe makes us stand out and keeps customers returning; quality and service.
For each product we sell, we aim to keep the best of what is available on the market, as well as a less expensive alternative. We’ve built up a reputation for selling things that will last, something that doesn’t always happen with internet purchases! All the staff here have been in the industry for a long time and know that one of the most important roles is to make customers feel comfortable and confident in the job they’re undertaking. Good advice or a simple tip is priceless.
WE WOULD LOVE TO KNOW YOUR FAVOURITE ITEM IN STORE IS?
It’s very satisfying to use a well made item for a mundane task. I believe it can turn a chore into a pleasure. Out of the many brushes we sell that have a specific function, I have 2 favourites. One is our “dustmans” broom for sweeping outside. It’s made in England and flicks leaves and rubbish so easily you’ll never want to use another type of broom again. We also have a soft indoor broom made by a 5th generation brush maker which is a joy to use on hard floors.
IS THERE ANYTHING NEW WE SHOULD LOOK FORWARD TO?
We are always looking for new products and out recent quest has been to concentrate on goods that are made in the UK. We will soon be stocking a range of scissors made in Sheffield and will be increasing a range of beautiful Ironmongery that’s handmade on the South Coast of England.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT MARYLEBONE VILLAGE?
There is a real close community feel to it and the diversity of the people who live and work in the area make it very interesting. I love talking to customers about their projects and am always surprised at how much is going on in the area. Also the location is perfect. I often travel in by bus and love the journey, especially as I get closer to Marylebone.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY IN MARYLEBONE VILLAGE?
I’ve had so many fun evenings and days out but one surreal moment that still makes me smile was when I was showing some Australian friends the area.
Walking along Marylebone Lane on a beautiful spring day, we could hear haunting opera singing coming from the music studios. Our friends had just seen Noel Gallagher walk out of Pentons carrying a watering can, when to top the moment off, David Beckham steps out of a nearby car and casually goes into a nearby shop! I think it was the highlight of my friends trip.
WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT?
There are so many places I could list both on the high street and on the side streets. But my go to place has to be Paul Rothe on Marylebone Lane for lunch. Still family run, it’s fresh sandwiches and soups constantly change and are made with lots of love. I normally let them choose what I’m having and it always spot on.
Website: www.pentonshardware.co.uk
Photo: Matthew Whiting – Assistant store manager
Answers: Katie Basford – Marketing Manager at Cheaney
Cheaney and Sons
TELL ME ABOUT CHEANEY AND SONS?
Joseph Cheaney & Sons have been making fine, handcrafted English shoes in the same Northamptonshire factory for over 130 years. We specialize in Goodyear welted footwear, crafted using traditional construction methods and stock both contemporary and classic designs for men and women.
WHAT MAKES CHEANEY AND SONS SPECIAL?
We are a slow fashion brand, advocating the use of premium raw materials, sustainable construction techniques and champion product longevity. We are firm believers in buying well and buying once and take this holistic approach to manufacturing our footwear. All our Goodyear Welted footwear can be fully refurbished at our Desborough factory and this unique service allows the shoes to be resplendently restored, providing durability and comfort for many years to come.
WE WOULD LOVE TO KNOW YOUR FAVOURITE SHOE OR BOOT IS INSTORE?
A firm favourite of mine are the Trudie Capped Derby Boot in Black Calf Leather. They’re an industrial-esque boot who’s heavy-duty aesthetic masks the fact that they are surprisingly lightweight on the foot due to the Vi-Lite Vibram sole. I pair mine with tea dresses to juxtapose the ruggedness of the boot with the femininity of the dress.
IS THERE ANYTHING NEW WE SHOULD LOOK FORWARD TO?
We have an amazing capsule collection coming out in early AW20 that was designed by model and Creative Director, Richard Biedul. The collaboration focused on an evergreen trio of shoes that could be worn throughout the year, resulting in a classic Derby, Gurkha sandal and traditional loafer.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT MARYLEBONE VILLAGE?
There’s really no other place like it in London. Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of the city but still readily accessible, Marylebone has a much slower pace and community shopping experience than other districts of London. The architecture is impressive and British Brands are a prominent feature down the tranquil streets of this chic area.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY IN MARYLEBONE VILLAGE?
I had 5 meetings in one day in Marylebone Village and met everyone from social media influencers to an award winning Director of Photography. Meeting each of these people in a different lunch spot in the village and hearing their amazing stories was one of my favourite memories of the area.
WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT?
The Ivy Café Marylebone is the perfect place to brunch – it has an incredible menu, a relaxed atmosphere and the Art Deco interior is divine.
Website: www.cheaney.co.uk
Marylebone Village: www.marylebonevillage.com
