Marylebone is one of central London’s most discreet and elegant neighbourhoods, its historic Georgian streets humming with affluent offices, independent bookshops, charming restaurants - and some of the capital’s best coffee shops. It is just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, yet with a village-like charm and its own pace. Discerning coffee drinkers appreciate this, enjoying cafés that prioritise quality of product - and service - along with calmness and well-designed spaces. The variety of Marylebone coffee shops is compelling: from traditional roasters to more minimalist hideaways, and so much in between, here is our guide to the best.
Boxcar
Upscale and confident, Boxcar has a hugely loyal following in and around Marylebone. Occupying a discreet corner of Wyndham Place, it's much more than just a coffee shop; it's an artisan bakery, deli, and café all at once - and each of these elements is executed with total craft and panache. As for the coffee itself, it’s typically brewed from beans that come from London’s leading small-batch roasters and prepared by passionate baristas who know their subject. The flat white is notably smooth and well-balanced, and often paired with one of the still-warm buttery almond croissants that Boxcar excels in. The interior at Boxcar is wonderfully inviting, bedecked with herringbone wood, fine brass detailing and plenty of plants to add extra life to the sociable hum that fills the café air.
Monocle Cafe
Aesthetically stunning (in its own understated fashion), Monocle Café comes from the global magazine of the same name, perfectly channelling Scandinavian-Japanese minimalism. It’s a small space, but expertly refined and relaxing: filled with mid-century furniture, tasteful art prints, and a well-curated playlist. The coffee (from Allpress) is as you’d expect: prepared with care and precision, reliably good. Nestled into luxurious Chiltern Street, this is a real retreat for those that aren’t in a rush. Many of the clientele like to sit with their latte and study Monocle back issues and Guides, which line the café’s shelves. The ambience can be more like a private members’ lounge at times - but one that boasts excellent coffee, and a small food menu to enhance the experience.
Hagen Espresso Bar
Bringing Copenhagen’s super-sleek coffee culture to Marylebone, Hagen is an enjoyably sharp Scandinavian espresso bar. You won’t spend hours here - it’s small; mostly standing room only - but that puts the focus firmly on the coffee itself, which is always ethically sourced, expertly pulled, and often served black. Their nitro cold brew and cortado are particularly noteworthy for rave reviews. Simplicity of experience is the key too - locals drop in here on their way to Marylebone institutions such as The Wallace Collection or Daunt Books, drawn in by the calming interiors (smooth ash wood and stone counters), and perhaps to feel like they’re nipping to Copenhagen for 10 minutes.
Arro Coffee
Just off Baker Street, in many respects ARRO Coffee is a no-fuss coffee specialist. The emphasis is on quality over pretence, and its status as a consistent favourite among knowledgeable locals confirms that the best seal of approval often comes from ‘the man on the street’. Coffee is king here; its baristas are technical wizards, skilled at drawing out the subtleties of each roast. The café features a rotating selection of single-origin beans, which are sourced globally and expertly chosen for their complexity and nuance.
Daylesford Organic Cafe
An offshoot of the revered Cotswolds-based Daylesford estate, Daylesford Organic Café has evolved into a de facto hub for Marylebone’s wellness-focused crowd. Across this space, whether it be fitness fanatics, health evangelists, in-demand nutritionists, content creators or entrepreneurs, there is an atmosphere of belonging at Daylesford - all centred around an outstanding deli-style eatery. The coffee, however, is no afterthought. Beans are organic, as one would expect; sourced and prepared with care. Gluten-free banana bread is a fine accompaniment to any choice of coffee, while if you are ventured into lunch options, a biodynamic egg tartine from the all-day seasonal menu is a real standout. The café itself, on Blandford Street, blends rustic charm with urban polish.
31 Below
Something of a split personality, 31 Below is a moody cocktail bar by evening; by day, its pleasantly-lit upstairs space is perfect for unhurried meetings over a quiet cappuccino. Regardless of the all velvet banquettes that nod to its party stylings when the sun sets, 31 Below is a relaxed, all-day venue, and perfectly adept at composed café culture, drawing a satisfied crowd of creative professionals, professorial locals, and curious tourists. The coffee is of the standard you can expect as standard in sophisticated Mayfair, while the food menu is excellent too, leaning toward Mediterranean-influenced, health-conscious offerings - seasonal salads, elegant poke bowls, indulgent brunches.
Marylebone’s coffee culture is a stimulating reflection of the neighbourhood itself: discerning, understated, and quietly self-assured. Though distinct in execution, the commonality is to be championed: the cafés here are shot through with thoughtful design, top-quality coffee beans, skilled baristas, and a comforting sense of calm.
