Marylebone has a long history of refreshment establishments dating back to its development from village to affluent inner city suburb. Marylebone started life as a rural village in the mediaeval period, named for the church of St. Mary by the Tyburn (which later shifted to become Marylebone, as we now know it). By the time the seventeenth century rolled around, Marylebone was becoming popular as a place for Londoners to visit. It featured public garden areas and entertainment, which were catered to by a range of nearby inns and taverns.
In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Marylebone developed into a fashionable and desirable residential area as it started to be absorbed into the city of London. The arrival of the railways and the industrial revolution meant that the area had an influx of people from different social classes, which led to great diversity in the kinds of pubs present in the neighbourhood.
Sadly, in the twentieth century, many of Marylebone's pubs closed, due to changes in social habits and drinking laws. Pubs like The Beehive, open since 1848, The Harcourt Arms (1869), The Victory (1829), The Duke of York (1827), and the Tudor Rose (1841)no longer exist or have been redeveloped in keeping with the increasing luxury of the area. Despite these sad losses, Marylebone still has a lot to offer on the pub front. Below we list some of the best places to drink (and eat) in the neighbourhood.
The Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle is a mainstay of the pub scene in Marylebone and has withstood the tides of gentrification. It is a proper, unpretentious pub serving a variety of ales and spirits. The pub's distinctive red exterior leads you into its dark wood panelled interior, replete with mirrors, stained glass, and gold decal above the bar depicting an eagle – the namesake of the pub. This family-run pub has been around for thirty years, making it one of the oldest operating pubs in the area. It is small inside, however, with only a few seats available, some of which are against the bar. This only adds to its charming cosy atmosphere, though, and the pub remains an essential visit if you are in the area.
The Jackalope
Situated in Weymouth Mews, this backstreet pub is truly a hidden gem. Built in 1777, the pub retains much of its old-school charm, with its dark panelled bar and its tucked away location. It is now home to a delicious noodle restaurant, LIU Xiaomian, as well as beers provided by local independent breweries around London. This is the perfect spot to grab something wonderful to eat and wash it down with a craft beer. The pub takes bookings, so you can secure your place well in advance.
The Barley Mow
Another old pub, The Barley Mow was established in 1791, perfectly placed on a corner where farmers would meet to trade and pawn their goods. The cosy wooden snugs that still line the wall of this lovely pub are rumoured to have been where these farmers discussed their deals and potential business partnerships. The pub features an exquisite display of plants outside framing a cosy, traditional interior with wooden floors, bar stools, and a wonderful range of lagers, ales, bottled beers, and Pieminster pies – for a proper London-style meal.
The Coach Makers Arms
This pub is among the most beautiful in Marylebone, with striking stained glass windows, a magnificent candelabra, and an authentic nineteenth-century bar. Upstairs is a chop house style dining room with beautifully panelled walls and views over the street below – as well as good, hearty London food. The ground floor is a bustling pub, while downstairs in the basement is a secret, speakeasy bar serving cocktails. With three worlds in one, this pub is a must-visit.
The Larrik
For those looking for something a little more upmarket and slick – and a little heavier on the gastro side of things – look no further than The Larrik. This pub has been mentioned in the Michelin Guide and is known for its excellent food. A family-owned pub, the venue is tucked on a charming street corner and has plenty of outdoor seating for those sweltering summer months. The menu features locally sourced produce, and on Sundays, they offer a roast dinner. The pub can also be booked as a wedding venue, as it is lovely inside and has plenty of space to boot.
When people think of London pubs, they think of warm ale, cosy nooks, roaring laughter, and conversation. In the list above you will find a combination of old-school pubs and those embracing the changing demographic and desires of the area, blending history with the contemporary. Whether you're a beer enthusiast and want to try the best tipple in town, or you're looking for the relaxing ambiance of a quaint historic pub, this list will be a great help in discovering the best of what Marylebone has to offer.
