Marylebone Area Guide

A brief history

The name Marylebone originates from St Mary’s church, located at the top of Marylebone High Street. Once known as Tybourne church just off of Oxford Street, in the 1400’s the building was relocated and the area soon became known as St Mary’s on the Bourne, then St Mary-la-Bourne and finally Marylebone.

Many years later in 1715, Edward Harley, Earl of Oxford, and Lady Henrietta Cavendish Holles commissioned plans to develop the then rural land into sophisticated town houses and elegant, tree lined streets with Cavendish Square at its heart. Building continued on what was known as the Portland Estate, and today’s tall Georgian houses began to emerge along the wide roads of Harley Street, Portland Place and Wimpole Street.

Attractions

There are a number of well-known attractions in Marylebone, including the world famous waxwork museum, Madame Tussauds, located just a short walk from Marylebone train station and Baker Street tube station. And for those with an interest in interior design, you can enjoy a visit to the Wallace Collection with grand rooms containing historical furnishings, porcelain and paintings – or if you’re looking for a more contemporary exploration of design and human heritage, the SoShiro Gallery is also nearby on Welbeck Street.

Continue your stroll through the neighbourhood and a short distance from Fischer’s you’ll reach Wigmore Hall, one of the world’s most important recital venues with over 400 events a year. Also in the area is the Sherlock Holmes Museum dedicated to the life and times of Sherlock Holmes, featuring an interior exactly as described in Conan Doyle’s fantastic stories. While those with an interest in the latest scientific advances may find a visit to the Wellcome Collection a welcome way to spend a few hours.

Worth a browse

Marylebone and its High Street include a number of shops and markets worth perusing. Just moments away from Fischer’s you can wander into Daunt Books, an elegant Edwardian independent book store. Then, make your way through a plethora of stores such as Anthropologie, Diptyque, Le Creuset, Farrow and Ball, Space NK, J Crew, The Conran Shop, Maje and more, as well as many independent boutiques.

On Sundays, from 10am – 2pm, Marylebone Farmer’s Market is open with stalls selling the very best local seasonal produce.

Parks

Regent’s Park, one of London’s Royal parks, is located within minutes from Marylebone High Street. Spanning 410 acres, the immaculate park contains over 300,000 roses in its gardens, the largest outdoor sports area in the city, and London Zoo – the world’s oldest scientific zoo, housing over 600 species of animals.

And each summer, it plays host to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre which has an extensive programme from May to September, followed by Frieze London in October, one of the world’s most prestigious art fairs featuring 160 of the world’s leading galleries.

Why not plan your perfect day in Marylebone and pop in to see us at Fischer’s before or after, for lunch or dinner – or maybe even a slice of Sachertorte…