The founder of one of London’s loveliest concept stores, Mouki Mou, guides us round London's well-heeled Marylebone neighborhood, sharing her favorite style spots—and where to get a no-fuss cup of coffee.
Margaret Howell on Wigmore Street—for the purity and pared-down minimalism. I just love that world. In fact, I like her aesthetic so much that we’ve used the same architect, William Russell, to create Mouki Mou.
I’ve always loved La Fromagerie. It’s quite rustic, with lots of wood and is filled with produce. You walk in and see vegetables that do not look as exciting anywhere else in London. You could snack all day long, but they do a really good breakfast. You sit at tables in the deli so it’s really casual. I like that approach. And Dinings is a great Japanese. It’s run by two guys who used to be Nobu chefs and it’s a little secret with amazing food. It's quite expensive but they do a set lunch for around £25 ($38).
Gallery Eclectic stocks ceramics by an artist who also worked with Dosa on their prints. It’s tiny, like a little gallery. Also, Another Country does amazing furniture on the other side of Marylebone.
The bar at Chiltern Firehouse has got real atmosphere. It’s kind of inside-outside, so in summertime you’re in a garden and it’s got that '70s vibe with amazing staff. And good drinks (though I just drink vodka—sorry, I’m a purist even in the drinks). Nothing beats it.
Daunt is a real treasure. The décor is kind of Edwardian, with wood paneling, so it feels homey and has more soul than other bookshops—you just want to sit there and leaf through books. The staff are brilliant at recommending books; I like places where you want to go and linger.
There are plenty of places to go; Monocle does great coffee, and I love The Nordic Bakery because it’s so no-fuss.
I love Marylebone because there’s real character to the area still. There’s a shop on Marylebone Lane called Button Queen, which does every kind of button you could think of. And there’s an amazing whisky shop on Chiltern Street called Cadenhead. He has barrels of whisky from Scottish distilleries that are straight from the producer, no filtration and all the labels are handwritten. That’s a great little find.
