AUTHOR – Besma Whayeb – https://www.curiouslyconscious.com/
On a recent day visit to Portman Marylebone, I was delighted to discover the prevailing number of independent businesses in the area. Even more to my delight, I found so many of them working to better support people and planet. In my role as author of CuriouslyConscious.com, a blog documenting kinder ways to live and dress, I decided to document my discoveries and share them with you here. Here’s a few fantastic ways to be more eco-friendly, while shopping local in Marylebone…
Eco Eyewear at MONC
MONC is one of the UK’s leading brands when it comes to sustainable eyewear. Upon my visit, I spoke with Founder Freddie Elborne about his approach. Not only are the glasses made with cutting-edge sustainable materials, but his entire store is too. From the cornstarch foam shelving and ceiling, to the mycelium podiums where their spectacles rest, everything is thought-out and executed in a chic yet understated way.
MONC, 21 Chiltern Street, London, W1U 7PH
Welcome Wellness at anatomē
anatomē is a modern-day apothecary, supporting anyone looking for a natural boost in productivity, nutrition, or sleep. Stepping inside their Chiltern Street store, you’ll instantly feel your shoulders drop from the delightful aromas and calming interior. And the team there are incredibly personable, providing careful guidance and support. My favourite discovery at anatomē? Their personalised bath salts station, where you can have your bath salts mixed and refilled for you from their beautiful glass jars.
anatomē, 16 Chiltern Street, London, W1U 7PZ
Slow Fashion and Friends at Ssone
Ssone is a slow womenswear brand I discovered while compiling my guide to sustainable fashion in 2019, so it was a pleasure to finally step inside their store and discover their timeless pieces for myself. Proclaiming an ‘honest commitment to conscious progress’, their thoughtfully-made garments are designed for everyday wear and longevity. When speaking with Retail Manager Rachel Davidson, I also discovered how they make the most of their space, with events, workshops, and store partners. Currently in-store are their friends extreme cashmere, Dohm Ceramics, and more upcoming.
Ssone, 17 Chiltern Street, London, W1U 7PQ
Organic Groceries & Deli at Seymour Store
Seymour Store is an organic grocers and deli on Seymour Place that many locals adore. Over lunch – a delightfully good roast aubergine, sweet potato salad, and coffee – I spoke with Founder Bahman Rahbari about his store and how they are adapting to the community’s needs, while also hoping to attract more visitors too. Their selection of fresh groceries and artisanal goods is unrivalled, so be sure to check out this hidden gem.
Seymour Store, 5a Seymour Place, London, W1H 5BA
Cruelty-Free & Vegan Beauty at London Grace
While I’m a bit of a nail salon fan, London Grace was a new discovery for me, and one of the best! Their nail bars have been popping up all over London since 2015, with multiple locations including Portman Marylebone. At their Seymour Place store, I spent an hour with Manager Doina chatting about London Grace and their vast range of cruelty-free and vegan polishes, as well as their efforts to reduce their impact by offering waterless treatments, and reusable items. It was a really pleasant visit, and I’d be keen to bring my girlfriends back to London Grace sometime soon!
London Grace, 7 Seymour Place, London W1H 5BA
Heirloom Dressing at Suzannah
Also during my day out in Portman Marylebone, I took a stroll to the Suzannah London boutique, over on pretty New Quebec Street. Suzannah is a British womenswear brand that has been creating garments in a slow, conscious manner for years. Yet, you’ll find that they continue to innovate, with luxurious sustainable yarns, innovative materials such as cactus leather, and a personal invitation to all clients, new and old, to alter and redesign their pieces as and when needed. Inspired by Parisian and American vintage couture, Suzannah’s designs are naturally timeless, too. It was a joy to visit their store and experience their beautiful designs.
Suzannah, 3 New Quebec Street, London, W1H 7RE
Carbon-Neutral Cuisine at Jikoni
Finally, while I didn’t get chance to stop for dinner, I’ve bookmarked the wonderful Jikoni restaurant for my next visit. This mixed heritage restaurant hones in on ‘immigrant cuisine’, defining it as a fusion of South Asian, Middle Eastern, East African and British cooking. This speaks to me in so many ways! To top that, Jikoni was notably the first independent restaurant in the UK to go carbon-neutral. Their understanding of supporting people and planet, while also preparing delicious, seasonal dishes, is unparalleled.
Jikoni, 19-21 Blandford Street, London, W1U 3DH