The Duchess Marylebone

British·
££££
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SquareMeal Review of The Duchess Marylebone

This lively Marylebone boozer takes its name from Rosa Lewis, whose culinary talents earned her the mantle “Queen of Cooks”, and later “The Duchess of Duke Street”. Having received a makeover from Stonegate Pubs, The Duchess now features modern, dark blue walls and plush velvet seating, adding a touch of elegance many pubs lack. The food has had an overhaul too, with Hippo Inns’ Lee McMullen overseeing the menu. Said menu promises “pub classics with a twist”, a concept that often yields mixed results.

One glance at the menu and the promised ‘twists’ are clear and present. A tonkatsu scotch egg in particular catches our eye. Having been split in two, the panko-pork shell unleashes a lava flow of sunset-orange yolk, only to be balanced by the aromatic sauce. It’s a playful idea, and it really works. Elsewhere, a smoked eel creation doesn’t quite stick the landing, let down by the sushi rice podium being a touch undercooked.

Fish and chips in London are almost always disappointing, yet The Duchess once again pulls through. Gloriously brittle batter houses soft, flakey cod and the house tartare sauce is a triumph, bolstered by fresh herbs. The rosemary-salted chips are good, although not quite as crunchy as the triple-cooked billing suggested. The burger, meanwhile, is an indulgent delight, topped with smoked cheddar, burnt onion mayo, an onion ring and house pickles. Washed down with a serviceable New Zealand Riesling, then bookended by a pleasingly light strawberry panna cotta, the meal draws to a close.

While this food is by no means groundbreaking, there are also very few mistakes. And, at around £30 for three courses, The Duchess is excellent value for money, especially considering the location. And who knows? If Rosa Lewis could climb the culinary ranks, maybe her namesake can too.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £30 - £49
Cuisines
British
Ambience
Cosy, Traditional
Food Occasions
Dinner, Lunch, Sunday roast
Special Features
Dog friendly, Vegan options, Vegetarian options
Perfect for
Celebrations, Group dining [8+]
Food Hygiene Rating

About

Centrally located near Marble Arch and Bond Street stations, The Duchess is a traditional British pub serving classic pub favourites with an updated twist, an exciting cocktail list as well as its very own gin that’s infused in-house. After undergoing a major refurbishment in 2022, the pub was renamed after the BBC drama The Duchess of Duke Street, which was loosely based on the life of Rosa Lewis who was the owner of The Cavendish Hotel.  

The interiors have been designed to retain the feel of a traditional pub, with plenty of warm wood used throughout the space, while red velvet-touch seating and a black and white checkerboard floor add a touch of glamour. Large mirrors have been used throughout to give the room a spacious feel, while warm lighting and big windows ensure the room is always well lit.  

The food is where the pub really excels, taking care to only use the freshest seasonal produce while producing familiar dishes everyone knows and loves – but with an elevated twist. On the main menu, for example, you might find bacon and cheddar croquettes with mustard aioli or a Devon crab and crayfish cocktail with grapefruit, Belgian endive and a bloody mary sauce to start. Main courses feature cider-battered cod loin with chunky chips, minted mushy peas and samphire tartare and glazed bacon belly with Cacklebean egg, chunky chips and pineapple chutney. While desserts are retro and comforting – think Valrhona chocolate trifle with layers of shortbread, caramel, brownie, honeycomb and popping candy.  

A roast is available on Sundays, and you can also find kids menus and bar snack menus throughout the week. To drink, take stock of its range of twist-on-a-classic cocktails, signature gin serves, wines, draught beers, spirits and non-alcoholic options.  


FAQs

Are there vegan options on the menu?

Yes, there are a few vegan options available.

Helpful? 1

Does the pub offer a Sunday roast?

Yes, a roast is served on Sundays with duck fat roasties, honey roast carrots, long-stem broccoli, hispi cabbage, red wine gravy and Yorkshire pudding.

Helpful? 0

Location

39 Duke Street, Marylebone, London, W1U 1LP

020 3856 3006 020 3856 3006

Website

Opening Times

All day
Mon 10:00-23:00
Tue 10:00-23:00
Wed 10:00-23:00
Thu 10:00-23:00
Fri 10:00-00:00
Sat 10:00-00:00
Sun 12:00-22:00

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