Some mornings in London just feel a bit more special than others. And then there are those rare ones when you walk through big grand doors, look up at tall palm trees under a huge glass ceiling, hear a piano playing softly in the background, and think: yes, this is exactly why I love this city!
Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON takes you inside one of the most iconic luxury hotels in London for a very special breakfast experience at The Landmark London in Marylebone.
The Landmark London: a Grande Dame with a story to tell
The Landmark London is what the French would call a Grande Dame: a hotel with history and a certain timeless grandeur that very few places can match.
It started with a visionary railway man. In the 1890s, Sir Edward Watkin of the Great Central Railway had ambitious plans to turn Marylebone Station into part of an international rail network that would one day extend through a Channel Tunnel, a dream well ahead of its time.
The hotel he commissioned, originally the Hotel Great Central, opened on 1 July 1899. Designed by Colonel Sir Robert William Edis, it featured an ornate style and a light-filled central courtyard beneath a glass roof. Even then, it was unlike anything else in London.
The decades that followed were eventful.
During the Second World War, the building became a military convalescent home, before later serving as the headquarters of the British Railways Board, earning the nickname “The Kremlin” among staff.
It was restored and reopened as a hotel in 1993, and renamed The Landmark London after being acquired by the Thai-owned Lancaster group in 1995.
Today, the hotel is a Grade II listed landmark with 300 rooms and 51 suites, firmly established as one of London’s leading five-star hotels.
At its centre is the striking eight-storey glass atrium, filled with light and towering palm trees. I was genuinely impressed by it the moment I saw it.
The most special breakfast buffet in London
Now, let’s turn to breakfast, the real highlight of my visit.
Breakfast at The Landmark London is served in the Winter Garden Restaurant, in the centre of the glass atrium.
You sit among palm trees, with natural light streaming in and soft piano music playing...it's one of the most beautiful places in London to start the day!
The breakfast is a generous, well-curated buffet with a lavish continental selection of fresh breads, pastries, fruit, smoothies, cured meats, and smoked fish.
There’s also the option to add hot dishes from an à la carte menu, including classics like Eggs Benedict, pancakes, and a full English.
What makes this breakfast particularly special? Two things.
First, the setting. Eating croissants beneath a Victorian-style glass atrium in a tropical glass conservatory setting, with live piano music, feels rare in London, and it’s hard not to be impressed by it!
Second (and this is the part many people don't know) breakfast at The Landmark is open to non-hotel guests. You don't need to be staying here to experience it.
You simply book a table at the Winter Garden Restaurant and walk in off the street. For a treat, a special occasion, or just because you deserve a magnificent Tuesday morning, it is absolutely worth it!
Breakfast is served Monday to Friday from 7am to 9:30am, and weekends from 7am to 11:30am (note: weekend breakfast is currently residents-only, so do check before booking on the hotel website).
Two more reasons to linger
I'll be honest: I arrived for breakfast and ended up doing a little exploring. Because The Landmark London has a way of making you want to stay just a little longer.
The staircase with atrium views
As you move beyond the Winter Garden, you’ll find a grand staircase leading up to views over the atrium.
From above, you can look down at the palm trees, up towards the glass ceiling, and across the Victorian architecture. One of those moments that quietly reminds you just how much London does grandeur. A must-see (and a must-photograph)!
The Champagne Bar
I also spotted the Champagne Bar. I say "spotted" because sadly, on this visit, it wasn't quite the moment for bubbles at 8am (or was it?).
But visually? It is absolutely stunning.
A sleek, glamorous space where you can enjoy champagne, light bites, and the echoes of live piano. The sort of place that makes any evening feel like a special occasion. It's firmly on my list for next time!
Breakfast at The Landmark London is grand, warm, and utterly unforgettable. The kind of slow, golden London morning you’ll think about long after the last crumb of croissant is gone...
Feeling inspired? If you're looking for a truly luxurious London experience, whether it's a special breakfast, an afternoon tea, or an elegant evening, The Landmark London is one of those iconic places that never disappoints.
I'd love to hear if you visit, share your experience with me on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON!
DISCOVER MORE OF MY LONDON HOTEL & DINING PICKS HERE!
Everything you need to know about The Landmark London:
Address: 222 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 6JQ
Nearest station: Marylebone (the hotel is directly opposite, 30 seconds on foot)
Breakfast: Daily from 7:00am, booking recommended. Open to non-hotel guests on weekdays; check the hotel website for current weekend policy.
Dress code: Smart casual
Website: The Landmark London — Winter Garden Restaurant
The Landmark London • Marylebone • five-star hotel • Victorian • glass atrium • Winter Garden • luxury breakfast • oasis of luxury • iconic London hotel •
