24 Hours in Portman Marylebone: A guide to the chic London neighbourhood

You have 24 hours to spend in Portman Marylebone. What do you do? This chic London borough is home to an unrivalled selection of independent brands, amenities and experiences with stunning Georgian backdrops. It comprises the independent retail and leisure destinations on The Portman Estate’s 110 acres of Marylebone, including Chiltern Street, New Quebec Street, Seymour Place, Portman Square and more.

So when you find yourself with some time to kill in this London neighbourhood full of character, you could be spoilt for choice. Just a stone’s throw away from the ever popular Oxford Street, this area is neatly tucked in a backdrop of gorgeous Victorian-gothic architecture and features an unrivalled selection of independent boutiques, incredible fine dining and a real sense of community.

So for the fifth instalment of Tempus’s 24 Hours series, we have scoured Portman Marylebone for the most exceptional, interesting and fun things to do the next time you find yourself with a day to spare in one of London’s most chic neighbourhoods. And now that we’re deep into the festive season, Portman Marylebone is all decked up with lights and festive decor.

Join us as we take you through this beautiful London borough, experience exceptional Japanese fine dining, soak up unique history and architecture at every corner and shop in some of the best independent stores the city has to offer. Here’s the best way to spend 24 Hours in Portman Marylebone.Stay: The Prince Akatoki London

Portman Marylebone is home to the highest concentration of hotels than any other area in London. From the celebrity hotspot that is The Chiltern Firehouse to the world class luxury hotel Nobu Portman Square London, there is something for everyone in this neighbourhood. But The Prince Akatoki is a five star hotel that edges everyone out thanks to its close proximity to all of the best parts of the borough and its unmatched hospitality. Bringing Japanese hospitality and culture to Marylebone, The Prince Akatoki provides a calming sanctuary amidst the hustle and bustle of the West End. Here, you can enjoy a five star restaurant alongside some amazing bar and spa facilities. We recommend enjoying a nightcap at the hotel’s Malt Bar for the perfect end to a day of exploring.Dine: Roketsu, Lurra and Jikoni

Portman Marylebone is a borough that has an array of incredible fine dining to offer so we chose to spotlight not one, not two, but three different restaurants from this corner of London. Start with a light brunch at Jikoni, which is a comforting kitchen-style diner that serves a mix of African, British and Asian cuisine. Indulge in traditional comfort foods from all across the world with a cup of coffee or one of their signature cocktails to match. We highly recommend trying the spicy fishcake and the spicy creamed corn — both of which are an absolute delight. Another great coffee spot is Boxcar Baker & Deli for a quick stop on a busy day. Indulge in a selection of their baked goods or savoury sandwiches as you people watch from your perch outside the cafe.

From here, make your way to the Spanish basque grill restaurant Lurra for a hearty lunch of authentic ‘erretegias’ cuisine. This place literally brings you Spain on a plate with beautiful aesthetics to match. Start with the lip smacking gernika peppers and sourdough with salted butter or bone marrow, followed by a course of delicious lamb leg or their famous Galician blond beef steak to share for the table. This is a hidden gem in Portman Marylebone and is absolutely worth a visit anytime you’re in the borough.

Finally, end your night with impeccable Japanese fine dining at Roketsu. Led by chef Daisuke Hayashi, you will go on a journey through Japan by indulging in a ten course Kaiseki extravaganza. Dining here is like experiencing peak Japanese culinary art with seasonality, simplicity, and skilled craftsmanship at the heart of it all. The seasonal menu will take you on a seafood odyssey as you sample delicious lobster, sea urchin, quail and so much more that will leave you wanting more. Each course is somehow even better than the last and pairing that with some delicious sake will make for the perfect meal. We could go on about how this was easily some of the best Japanese food we’ve had in London, but you can read our review of Rokestu here, because this is one culinary experience you simply cannot afford to miss.Shop: Chiltern Street and New Quebec Street

Portman Marylebone is home to brands that are purpose driven at their core, all sharing the commonality of craftsmanship, design, sustainability, and unique offerings. Unlike many other neighbourhoods in London, the people behind the brands are in many cases the people you meet in stores, giving you a unique and authentic shopping experience. From bespoke luxury garments at Suzannah London (their garments have been worn by Shania Twain and Kate Middleton) to hand crafted hats at John Boyd Hats, Portman Marylebone has an unrivalled selection of shopping spots to choose from.

The best part is, all of these brands work with each other on many occasions as well, driving up business not just for themselves but for the other stores around them. If you’re after some high quality mens and womenswear, check out stores like William Crabtree & Sons, Suzannah London, John Boyd Hats and New & Lingwood. For some new jewellery, visit Cox & Power. If you’re looking to spruce up your home with some flowers or new cutlery in time for the festive season, Grandirosa and Sabre Paris are the perfect stores to do that. We would also recommend an intimate whisky tasking at Cadenhead’s and supporting a wonderful independent bookstore called Veranda Books.

Not to mention, the Chiltern Street Christmas Shopping evening returns on 28 November for one night only, where most of the above mentioned stores will be staying open late to host exciting in-store events and exclusive offers for existing and new customers alike. Visitors will be also able to enjoy Christmas carols performed by a roaming gospel choir throughout the evening.Explore: Wallace Collection and MOCO Museum

Portman Marylebone is home to the Wallace Collection, which is an internationally outstanding collection containing paintings, sculpture, furniture, arms and armour and porcelain. Built over the 18th and 19th centuries by the Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, it is one of the finest and most celebrated collections in the world — and a must visit if you’re visiting this borough. 

On the other side is the MOCO Museum, which features a wide range of modern, contemporary, and digital art from icons like Andy Warhol, KAWS, Haring, Yayoi Kusama and many more. A must-visit for art lovers around the world, this museum has it all — Instagram worthy installations, fun and interactive digital art and some amazing artists to check out. And once you’ve checked both these museums out, pamper yourself with a manicure or pedicure at Townhouse for the perfect end to a day of exploring around.

Read more stories from the 24 Hours series here and check out more travel stories with Tempus here.