Marylebone, as one of the more refined neighbourhoods of the grand old city of London, has an abundance of choice when it comes to established bars. From continental brasseries on the high street to old-world institutions found in the area's most iconic hotels, the area offers some exceptional venues for the finest wines, curated cocktails, or simply a quiet corner to sip a refreshing pint.
For those who are looking for a good time with friends and wish to frequent only the most prestigious of premises, Marylebone easily accommodates. For the best bars in this part of the city, it is hard to find a more worthy selection than those below. Read on to discover which ones have made the grade.
28-50 Wine Workshop
For wine enthusiasts, the 28-50 Wine Workshop is less about a swift drink or sharing a bottle and more about an evening of education. Renowned for its extensive wine list, carefully curated to include a range of fine and rare vintages, this establishment prides itself on a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that invites both connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike to learn more about the fascinating world of viticulture.
The venue frequently hosts wine-tasting events, where guests can sample carefully curated selections and benefit from the gentle guidance of the in-house sommeliers. The food, specifically designed to complement the wines, features seasonal dishes of European provenance, with the charcuterie being a particularly popular choice among regular patrons of this high-calibre wine bar.
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Fischer’s
Evoking the charm of a turn-of-the-century Viennese café, Fischer’s is a delightful spot that blends old-world European elegance with modern-era aesthetics. Set in an area of Marylebone which features some of the most sought-after property, this establishment offers a relaxed vibe and is primarily known as a brasserie. The bar is notable for its curated selection of drinks that seeks to deliver on its heritage, including Austrian wines and creative cocktails, such as the signature “Schwarzwald Spritz,” a unique blend of Kirsch and sparkling wine.
Fischer’s is ideal for those who prefer a bustling atmosphere. With a wide selection of bar snacks, as well as plenty of dinner options such as the classic Austrian staples of Veal Schnitzel and Käsespätzle (delicious, fried gnocchi-like morsels coated in cheese and crispy fried onion), guests will feel as though they have been transported to a bygone era of the Austro-Hungarian empire.
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Artesian
The Langham, London hotel boasts two exemplary establishments to enjoy a beverage, one of which is Artesian, a bar which seeks to redefine the cocktail experience with a menu that is as much a piece of art as it is a drinks list. The establishment has often been frequented by playwrights, politicians, and royalty over the course of the last two centuries and is still as popular as ever today.
The innovative use of molecular techniques and high-quality ingredients ensures that every cocktail tells a story. Appropriately dubbed “Alter-Ego,” this boundary-pushing cocktail menu boasts ingredients that are designed to stand the test of time, with audacious flavour combinations. Artesian’s location, commitment to innovation, and authentic experience make it a firm no-brainer when looking for a place to enjoy a drink in Marylebone.
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The Wigmore
The other notable offering from The Langham, this bar can best be described as Artesian’s more laid-back younger sibling. The Wigmore carries a distinctly British gastropub appeal and comes well recommended for its universal charm and inviting menu options. With signature options including the "Savoury Pina Colada" – a surprising twist on the tropical classic – the bar also presents a range of inviting bar snacks, particularly the highly celebrated Masala-spiced scotch egg.
The Wigmore’s relaxed setting within one of London’s landmark hotels makes it a great choice for after-work drinks or casual evenings with friends. The establishment’s sophisticated terrace, known as The Hatch, is a popular pick for those warm summer afternoons and evenings, offering a delightful view of the surrounding London rooftops.
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The Mirror Bar
Within the grandeur of the Landmark London hotel, the establishment's signature bar is a haven away from the busy streets of Marylebone. Ideal for those looking for a more casual drink, the bar’s cocktail menu showcases an impressive selection of classic concoctions, as well as a few novel twists from the imaginative mixologists behind the counter. The signature martinis are a highlight, crafted to perfection with the patron’s choice of either gin or vodka.
The Landmark likes to keep with tradition and often curates spectacular events, such as its ever-present Champagne Afternoon Tea. A highly sophisticated affair, it allows for a little overindulgence, such as the delicious bubbly or the tasty selection of finger sandwiches on offer. From the marble-topped bar to the accommodating lounge, the Mirror Bar certainly knows how to treat its patrons.
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The Perseverance
Despite what its name may imply, visitors to this excellent jazz bar won’t struggle to enjoy themselves. Located close to Marylebone station, the atmosphere at The Perseverance is at its best when live music is reverberating through the space, with a rotating slot of Jazz musicians performing weekly. The cocktail menu is not to be missed, and guests can watch on as mixologists blend some of the most daring ingredients.
Combining the classics with some rather inventive flavours and techniques, eye-catching entries to the menu include the “Mezcal Penicillin” (which thankfully does not taste like actual penicillin) and the “Kentucky Butter,” made with butter-washed Buffalo Trace bourbon – both of which are firm favourites among regulars.
Should any of the bar’s discerning guests feel peckish, a fantastic charcuterie and cheese board selection will more than satisfy. Additionally, diligent bar staff are on hand to offer expert guidance on which drinks pair best with all of the menu’s offerings.
The best bars in Marylebone are so prominent within the city that some of them rank among the finest London has to offer – a key selling point for some who are looking at penthouses for sale in Marylebone, as well as flats and townhouses in the neighbourhood. Marylebone also represents a strong rental market, ideal for those who are not looking to make this refined district their permanent base.
A trip to the area promises a fantastic outing in grand yet fashionable settings, with an exceptional selection of beverages to be enjoyed either with great company or quietly appreciated alone in a moment of private reflection.
