Class, Centrality and Community – Is Marylebone the New Mayfair
Once seen as the lowly neighbour of Mayfair, Marylebone’s central location, high-class amenities and pleasant village atmosphere have fuelled its rise to fame over recent years. The more affordable rents, agreeable culture and relaxed nature of Marylebone have seen it become a strong rival to the once classic choice for an esteemed lifestyle, Mayfair.
The Classic Choice
Going back to the early 17th Century, Mayfair’s reputation derives from the fortnightly May fair that was once held here. This was the first catalyst that caused residents and proprietors to begin building this prestigious area. Being home to influential names including the Duke of Westminster as well as esteemed establishments such as Claridges and the Ritz Hotel, Mayfair has long been the location for status and grandeur.
Today, not much has changed concerning the standing of Mayfair. Amongst the stately buildings, a vivacious nightlife consists of exclusive clubs and Michelin starred restaurants resided upon by the very rich and famous. Attractions such as Saville Row, Hyde Park and the Royal Academy of Arts sit alongside designer boutiques ensuring an expensive city lifestyle for Mayfair residents.
Rivalry of Marylebone
While the status of Marylebone has been a much slower development, it seems that slow and steady is now winning the race. Bordered by Oxford Street, Marylebone offers a pocket of village life just moments away from the City action. The easy-going sophistication of the area complete with high-class amenities and convenient accessibility has made Marylebone an increasingly attractive option for businesses and residents alike.
Counting eight Michelin starred restaurants and 19 five-star hotels amongst its attractions, Marylebone can certainly hold its own when it comes to luxury, particularly with business clientele. It has its own highly regarded selection of vintage shops and specialised boutiques, is home to Regent’s Park and offers access to plenty of iconic Landmarks including Madame Tussauds and the Sherlock Holmes museum; with all of this, it is not hard to see why Marylebone is becoming a strong rival to Mayfair.
Marylebone as a Business Destination
Londonoffices’ corporate account director, Alex Williamson, has seen Marylebone become an extension of Mayfair for business clients in recent years. He says, “Office space in Marylebone presents a similar grade to Mayfair yet at better value. Clients can opt for characteristic West End buildings or modern developments with both class and convenience. Transport links are also brilliant in this area with Paddington and Euston both suitably close by.”
Marylebone is a unique part of London that is appealing to differing businesses. Home to the high-end private medical district on Harley Street, companies of this profession cannot ignore the status that the area provides their business, something with which Mayfair cannot compete.
Similarly, many professionals of media and art also prefer the nature of Marylebone to Mayfair. The laid-back sophistication of the area is as appealing today as it was to the likes of Lord Byron, Charles Dickens and TS Eliot during their time.
Entertaining clients is another aspect of business life that is more alluring in Marylebone. Offering more variety and individuality, high-class restaurants including the Chiltern Firehouse have of late overtaken Mayfair establishments such as Nobu as ‘the in place to be’. Marylebone is also home to some impressive watering holes. One of London’s first speakeasy-style bars, Purl, offers a unique alternative for visiting clients while Artesian has claimed the title of world’s best bar twice.
Perfectly summing up this Marylebone revolution is a quote from City A.M. journalist Melissa York, “It’s hard not to think about the Monopoly board when considering what the most salubrious areas are in London. Park Lane and Mayfair may be the highest prized, but in reality, they’re being outstripped by a train station.”
Overall, if you want to be a part of the in-crowd today, you need an office space in Marylebone.