Opening its doors less than a month ago, Daylesford’s new café in Marylebone has already become a regular hotspot, and it’s no wonder why.
As you approach the café, hidden on Blandford Street just off Marylebone High Street, you can instantly feel the relaxed yet sophisticated vibe from the crowds of well-dressed couples sitting on the charmingly arranged outside terrace.
Famed as one of the most sustainable farms in Britain, Daylesford Organic was set up in the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, and has been farming organic produce for the past 35 years. The brand has grown in popularity and size and now holds a cookery school, three cafes in London, an outpost in Japan, a number of hotels and guest cottages on the farm as well as selling its produce at Selfridges and Ocado.com.
It was hard to choose whether to visit Daylesford for brunch or dinner, yet as a favourite of ours is their sister restaurant in Notting Hill, we decided to see if the Marylebone outpost matched. We had high expectations.
Although it was a beautiful day to bask in the sun on the street tables, we decided to sit indoors – the appeal of the white tables, open glass windows and farmhouse aesthetics drew us in. As you walk inside you feel as though you have been transported to the Daylesford Farm itself. Market style boxes of fresh fruit and vegetables alongside the open refrigerators and counters of deli food, create the organic atmosphere that suits the Daylesford brand so well. The seating area is surrounded by Cotswold stone and the open kitchen has you salivating before you’ve even opened up the menu. However it is the stunning log wall, formed from a fallen tree direct from their own farm, which is the real eye catcher.
We start with a batch of their cold pressed juices, and we opt for their seasonal juice: b seasonal 6. A refreshing crimson coloured mixture of in-season ingredients, we particularly loved the incorporation of British rhubarb alongside the tender flavours of turmeric.
We both couldn’t help but order their infamous toasted nut granola, especially after spotting it on their open shelves. Served with raw pressed almond milk and accompanied with a side of British stewed fruits, it can only be described as virtuous bliss. The natural un-refined sweetness of the granola was uplifted by the crisp flavour of the chilled almond milk. We found ourself wanting to drink out of the bowl!
Our second course was a selection of their fresh salads, grilled salmon fillet and baked breads. We sampled four different salads, each fragrant and delicious in their own unique way. My personal favourite was the raw slaw which featured a ginger and soy dressing that was to die for. The salmon came perfectly grilled, and oozed flavour and texture, whilst the still-warm breads were perfect for soaking up left over dressing.
We were eager to try the desserts, in particular the raw chocolate and orange pot with cashew cream, however the fare at Daylesford is well proportioned and wholesome, and it leaves you full after just one course. We are happy to have an excuse to return to sample not only the desserts, but also their very appealing dinner menu.
We couldn’t resist leaving without exploring the open counters, and treated ourselves to some take away snacks from their new ‘Eat to be Healthy’ range including kale chips, roasted seeds and energy bombs. Oh, plus a large back of their granola was a must! And if you needed another reason to visit the café, the in-store shop also stocks a few of their homeware items including crockery and candles. I was pleased to see they had their Vine Tomato candle, a favourite home fragrance of mine.
Serving breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea and supper, Daylesford have provided the missing gap in Marylebone’s plethora of eateries: an all-day dining concept appealing to all. Those looking for virtuous and free-from options, organically reared perfectly cooked meats, wholesome British cooking and fresh summer flavours can all rest assured that Daylesford’s Marylebone café will cater for them all.
Daylesford Marylebone, 6-10A Blandford Street, London W1U 4AU