Marylebone has a long history of public houses dating back to its development from village to affluent, inner city neighbourhood. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the area developed into a fashionable district, highly desired by London’s societal luminaries, as it started to become absorbed into the city of London. The arrival of the railways, thanks to the Industrial Revolution, meant that the area experienced an influx of people from differing social classes, which led to great diversity in the kinds of pubs present in the neighbourhood.
Sadly, some of those older public houses have succumbed to the passage of time (and gentrification); however, the area still boasts a wide range of both modern and traditional establishments, which have a lot to offer. Read on to discover the best pubs in Marylebone today.
The Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle is a mainstay of the pub scene in Marylebone and has, thankfully, withstood the unyielding march towards redevelopment. It represents a proper, unpretentious English 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 a gold decal above the bar depicting an eagle – the namesake of the pub.
This family-run establishment – located on the corner of Marylebone Lane and Bulstrode Street – has been around for thirty years, making it one of the more modern pubs operating in the area. Despite its small layout, with only a few seats available, this delightful Marylebone tavern more than outdoes itself through atmosphere. The piano sing-alongs are some of the best in town, while this charming local pub does not concern itself with modern pretensions such as Sky Sports or other distractions – the patrons are a chatty bunch. This only adds to its vintage atmosphere, and the pub remains an essential visit if you are in the area.
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The Jackalope
Real ale and craft beers are a big part of this neighbourhood pub, situated in Weymouth Mews. A true hidden gem, this “backstreet boozer” was built in 1777 and retains much of its old-school charm through its dark-panelled bar and its tucked-away location.
For would-be patrons who are wondering if this timeless establishment offers food, they need not worry. The Jackalope is now home to a delicious noodle restaurant, LIU Xiaomian, in addition to the outstanding beers it serves, provided by local independent breweries around London. With an expansive ale menu which includes a smooth Irish Stout, a remarkable Yorkshire Bitter and a delicious Hefeweissbier Wheat Beer, this is the perfect spot to grab some outstanding Asian fare and wash it down with a craft beer. The pub also takes bookings, so you can secure your place well in advance.
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The Barley Mow
Another traditional English pub, The Barley Mow was established in 1791 and is perfectly placed on the corner of Kenrick Place and Dorset Street – where farmers of yesteryear would meet to trade their goods.
The cosy wooden snugs that still line the walls of this elegant pub are almost certainly where British forefathers met to discuss their deals and potential business partnerships, which adds a touch of heritage and history to the establishment.
The tavern features an exquisite display of outdoor plants framing a cosy, traditional interior with wooden floors and traditional bar stools. There is also a captivating range of lagers, ales and bottled beers on offer, while the wide range of pies is not to be missed if you are looking for a proper English pub meal. Outside, patrons can watch the world go by on one of the pub’s benches, ideal for those long British summer evenings when the sun can stay out until 10 pm.
The pub also functions as a community meeting point for the neighbourhood’s residents, and offers a range of themed nights, whether it be the popular Tuesday quiz night, or the ‘Seafood and Stout Sessions’ on a Sunday.
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The Coach Makers Arms
On the corner of Marylebone Lane and Bentinck Street sits the beautiful old pub, The Coach Makers Arms. With striking stained glass windows, a magnificent candelabra, and an authentic nineteenth-century bar, this pub serves as the beating heart of the community.
Located upstairs is the chop house style dining room with beautifully panelled walls and views over the street below, as well as good, hearty London fare. The a la carte menu boasts staples such as the Battered Haddock and Hand Cut Chips, while there is also an extensive grill section.
The ground floor is a bustling pub which serves a wide range of lagers, ales and craft beers, spirits, wines and cocktails, while downstairs in the basement is a secret speakeasy bar serving cocktails. With three worlds in one, this pub is a must-visit on the Marylebone pub circuit.
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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 charming old Marylebone landmark has been mentioned in the Michelin Guide and is known for its excellent food. And with a commitment to using the best of British seasonal produce, there is a homely feel traversing this fine old establishment.
A family-owned pub, the venue is located on the charming Marylebone intersection where Crawford Place meets Shouldham Street, and has plenty of outdoor seating for those balmy summer months.
The pub can also be hired out for private parties in the Gallery Room, but this place is arguably best enjoyed with the locals in the main bar area, where you can get a real feel for English pub culture.
When people think of London pubs, they think of traditional ale, cosy nooks, roaring laughter, and conversation. In the list above, you will find a combination of all these things. While some Marylebone pubs are embracing the changing demographic of not just the area, but of London in general, some of these selections stand as a tribute to a bygone age. Those who are drawn to the Marylebone property market are often brought here by the allure of these fine old establishments. So whether you’re looking for a traditional flat, a sophisticated penthouse or are even interested in some of the area’s fine selection of rental properties, it is worth doing your homework to find out which traditional English pubs the area offers.
It doesn’t particularly matter if you're a beer enthusiast wanting to try the best tipple in town, or you're looking for the relaxing ambience of a quaint historic pub; this list will be of great help in discovering the best pubs in Marylebone.
