Once part of the Great Forest of Middlesex, St John’s Wood and Marylebone are now two of the city’s most upmarket residential locations. Close to the picturesque Little Venice, the stunning Regent’s Park and gorgeous Primrose Hill known for it’s spectacular views of central London, they are also an ideal spot for shopping and dining.
Marylebone road is a 20 minute walk from The Danubius Hotel Regents Park, while St John’s Wood High Street is a 10 minute walk away. Both are home to a great mix of both independent boutiques and well known high street names as well as many grocery shops.
Here we have selected a few independent retailers which are well worth a visit.
For the book lovers: Daunt Books
Image credit: Ungry Young Man
Daunt Books is an independent bookstore founded in 1990 by James Daunt in the beautiful Edwardian premises at 83 Marylebone High Street in London, originally built for antiquarian booksellers Francis Edwards in 1910. It specialises in (but not limited to) books for travellers, which are arranged principally by country, whatever the nature of the book.
What sets Daunt Books apart from other bookshops is its beautiful architecture, with elegant three-level back room with oak balconies, viridian-green walls, conservatory ceiling and stained-glass window.
The store now offers a wider selection of children’s books, cookery and arts and regularly hosts talks and special events.
For more info and to shop online, click here.
Location: 83 Marylebone High Street – Nearest underground station: Baker Street
Walking distance from The Danubius Hotel Regents Park: 20 minutes.
For the art collectors: Alfies Antique Market
Image credit: eilidh_wag
This lively and bustling indoor antique market opened its doors in 1976. It features an Egyptian-style art deco façade, a rooftop café and around 75 antique dealers trading in the building, spread over 5 floors.
Here you can find a huge range of antiques as well as retro goods from the 20th century including vintage fashion and accessories, modernist furniture, costume jewellery and 20th century decorative arts.
Location: 13-25 Church Street – Nearest underground station: Marylebone.
For more info and opening times, click here.
For the fashionistas: Larizia, St. John’s Wood
Image credit: Larizia.com
Conveniently located on the charming St. John’s Wood High Street, Larizia is well known for its selection of shoes and handbags from a long list of designers including Gucci, Saint Laurent, Valentino, Lanvin, Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen and more.
You can view their collections here.
Location: 72 St John’s Wood High Street – Nearest underground station: St. John’s Wood
Walking distance from the Danubius Hotel Regents Park: 10 minutes
For the foodies: Panzer’s Deli, St John’s Wood
Image credit: City Foodsters
Panzer’s is a popular family run deli in the heart of St. John’s Wood, established over 50 years ago.
Considered by many the best food shop in the capital, it is packed with groceries from all over the world with a notable range from America, Russia and Eastern Europe. You will find lots of cheeses, breads, chocolates, cakes, drinks, organic and kosher products here. Its green grocery department is regarded as one of the finest in England, with fresh produce bought six nights a week directly from the New Covent Garden Market.
See a selection of their products here.
Location: 13-19 Circus Road – Nearest underground station: St. John’s Wood
Walking distance from the Danubius Hotel Regents Park: 10 minutes
For the meat eaters: Kent and Sons Butchers
Image credit: Kent and Sons
This is probably the finest quality butcher’s in North London, established in 1919. Kent and Sons specialises in free range and organic British beef, lamb, poultry and pork. We love the mouth-watering lamb burgers!
For more info and contact details, click here.
Location: 59 St John’s Wood High Street – Nearest underground station: St. John’s Wood
Walking distance from the hotel: 10 minutes.