Whenever I walk down Chiltern Street I’m amazed that it isn’t more crowded. When one considers the range of excellent shopping and leisure packed into this unassuming little Marylebone Street, logic would dictate that far more of London’s fashion-conscious citizens would frequent it.
It may not be home to the glut of global names found on Bond Street or Knightsbridge, but what can be found here in abundance is quality, character and style.
The red brick mansions which line either side of the road give it an unusual aesthetic for a retail destination. Shops are generally small boutiques, with a smattering of larger properties for larger brands. This, along with the lifestyle addresses which exist alongside the clothing ones, plus the community atmosphere created by the eclectic range of people who work here, sets Chiltern Street out from the rest. This is somewhere a person who puts a lot of consideration into their wardrobe can come not just to buy things, but to mingle with like-minded individuals.
Here are some of the must-visit spots:
Sunspel
One of the most spacious properties on the street belongs to Sunspel, and happens to be one of the largest stores in the brand’s expansive London address book. The store is filled with natural light, friendly staff and clothes which rank among the finest staple pieces on the market. The Sunspel Plain Tee is arguably the best in the world but there is much more to discover from the brand, and most of it can be found right here.
Tracksmith
US running gear specialist Tracksmith chose Chiltern Street for its first European outpost, and the brand ethos fits in perfectly with the social vibe of the area. Tracksmith focuses on high-end technical wear for runners, using the founders’ own lived experience to design each product with performance more in mind than profit. As well as offering the full range of clothing and equipment, the “Trackhouse” acts as a meet-up spot for community runs, a place to stow gear for people who commute to the area and fancy running the surrounding parks before heading into the office.
New & Lingwood
English heritage outfitter New & Lingwood has a small presence here, mostly concentrating on its loungewear range. Its silk dressing gowns are incredible pieces, and can be picked up off-the-rack or commissioned as custom pieces. There’s also an in-house barber to fix your trim, and personal shopping appointments available – the smaller nature of the store, compared to its locations on Jermyn Street, allow for a more one-to-one feel to the shopping experience.
Trunk Clothiers
There are a healthy crop of independent, multi-label boutiques. Trunk Clothiers are one such option, placing a handful of UK brands, such as Scottish cashmere label Begg & Co, alongside cult global makers like Japan’s Ring Jacket and Italian outerwear mavens Valstar and Trunk’s own line of relaxed tailoring and knits. This was the first store, in 2010, for a business which now has addresses in Zurich as well as online, and is a fine example of the alternatives to mainstream fashion which Chiltern Street offers.
Bryceland’s London
Thanks to the Instagram following of its two Tokyo stores, Bryceland’s made a bit of a stir in the menswear community when it opened shop here. You’ll find tailored jackets paired with exquisite denim, with as much workwear on display as traditional sartorial pieces, and enough inspiration to keep your style evolving for years to come. Just as nothing about this street feels generic, nor does anything about this store, making it the perfect stop for the more daring and creative dresser.
Chiltern Firehouse
Of course, it’s not all about shopping. The most famous address on the street is No. 1, home to luxury hotel and restaurant Chiltern Firehouse, and a legendary (perhaps notorious) fixture on London’s party scene. There was a time when so many famous faces drank here that local residents had to complain to the council about the hordes of paparazzi clogging up their doorways – this aspect has calmed down significantly. Just up the street are Monocle café and Chiltern Street Deli, perfect for refuelling breaks after (or in the middle of) a retail therapy session.
Cadenhead’s
Cadenhead’s is the eldest of Scotland’s many independent whisky bottling houses. Its presence on Chiltern Street is fairly recent, but stepping inside feels like travelling back to the days of the brand’s founding at the end of the 19th century. Wooden shelves are crammed with bottles from the limited, single-cask releases curated by their experts, and samples can be enjoyed in a leather wingback armchair if you need a little help deciding. If you’re really lost for a decision, book a guided whisky tasting to improve your knowledge before committing.
BXR Gym
‘Luxury’ and ‘boxing gym’ don’t always sit together naturally, but that is exactly what BXR has built. It now has locations in the City and at Canary Wharf, but the journey began on Chiltern Street, in a property which is still the flagship. Anyone who’s ever trained boxing before will notice an immediate step up in facilities when entering here. The technology available for both training and recovery is cutting-edge stuff – including terrifyingly cold ice baths and infra-red sauna – while much of the coaching is done by genuine world champions. Don’t let the luxury products in the showers and smart café at the reception fool you, though – this is a place for proper graft.
So head down to Chiltern Street now, before the best whisky and most unusual garments are all snapped up. A detour here could do wonders for your style – and your drinks cabinet – in just one visit.
