Anyone living in Marylebone couldn't have avoided the Marylebone Summer Fayre this weekend. The Summer events continue this week with Summer in the Square in Portman Square - see previous blog posts for details. 

On 5th July Mount St Gardens in Mayfair will also host their annual summer fair. The gardens are a quiet hidden gem in Mayfair and very close to Mayfair Library - I find it a lovely quiet spot when I am by myself or with the little one. 

After the Connaught Village Summer Festival last Wednesday, the local fair season is kicking in.

Saturday - Cabbages and Frocks weekly Saturday market is running a larger market this weekend. The market is in the churchyard/gardens behind the St Marylebone church/opposite the Conran Shop on Marylebone High St
Also on Saturday is the Pride 2015 parade which starts from Baker Street. Its generally colourful and a friendly atmosphere though you can't join the parade itself. 

Sunday is the Marylebone Village Fayre from 11am on MHSt and the surrounding Streets. There is a kids zone which is in the Aybrook St car park (where the farmers market is normally). Last year it was busy but manageable at the beginning but when we visited later in the day 3/4pm it was very busy and we would have struggled a bit on the main street if we had a pram. 

Next week the Baker St Quarter's Summer in the Square event kicks off with a special 2-day summer festival in Portman Square Garden on 30th June and 1st July. From 11:00 – 15:00 each day the Summer Festival combines the best of BakerStreetQ’s monthly food market with games, live music and places to lounge in the sunshine. As sunset approaches, Sunset Cinema will screen Flash Gordon & Gravity on two consecutive evenings. 

Starting at 11:00, over 25 food stalls will be presenting the best lunchtime treats to satisfy all manner of cravings. From BBQ grills, Ethiopian, Thai, curry, Portuguese, Middle Eastern, ice creams, cakes, waffles and crepes…ditch the boring sandwich lunch, it’s time to get adventurous.  

Make the most out of the usually private garden by grabbing a free picnic blanket or deckchair and relax in the sunshine whilst being entertained by a series of live performers. When you’re ready to burn off the calories consumed you can have a go at the nine-hole crazy golf and ping-pong and even practice your skills at roulette and black jack at Barracuda’s casino spot. For the musical maestro’s there’s even a piano that’s free for you to tinkle the ivories. 

The garden will undergo a quick transformation each evening turning the festival space into a unique outdoor cinema experience. Sunset Cinema will be screening 80’s popular action adventure Flash Gordon on Tuesday 30 June and will be back for a second night on 1 July, showing award-winning Gravity. Enjoy the wonderful setting of the gardens and experience West End cinema like no other. There will be plenty of deckchairs and blankets for your comfort and free wireless headphones will ensure you can enjoy every single sound. Films will begin at 19:30 each evening, giving you plenty of time to find your perfect viewing spot and grab a bite to eat and drink at our pop up stall, hosted by Double Tree By Hilton Marble Arch (Tuesday) and Selfridges (Wednesday).

All events are free to attend and open to all. A maximum capacity limit will be enforced. 

Visit www.bakerstreetq.co.uk for more information on the Summer in the Square series.

A great response to the previous food post! Some more recommendations for food in the area from local mums are:

Cook : http://www.cookfood.net/ 
Ready meals (that taste homemade) frozen and delivered to your door, there is actually a branch in maida vale you can buy from and they also do tasty kiddy meals. 

Basilico : http://www.basilico.co.uk/
Really delicious pizzas freshly made. Located on Crawford Street so delivered very quickly. Lots of interesting choices and toppings. My husband recommends the Roma!

Burgers
Tommi's on Marylebone High Street and Burger Shack on York Street (Royal Oak pub) both do fab burgers. 

Afternoon Tea at 108 Marylebone Lane
We have had some lovely afternoons there. They are very friendly and often quiet at the weekends in the Pantry/lounge area. They also do amazing cakes and a great offer on a hot drink and slice of cake if you don't want to go for a full afternoon tea. 

Coffee Shops
Two new branches of the Costa and Eat chains have opened on the southern end of Baker Street, opposite the Little Waitrose and near Portman Square. 
Both shops are very larges and bright with lots of space for prams/children. They are also not particularly busy compared to the coffee shops further up Baker St. The staff are really friendly at both, and very accommodating to children. The Costa in particular has loads of high chairs! 

Marylebone residents are lucky to live in an area where food options are aplenty - any budget or cuisine is catered for.

As a busy family, we have been users of the fabulous Deliveroo delivery service since it started a couple of years ago. 
Recently we have received a flyer from Foodora who seem to be trying to replicate that with a different list of restaurants. 

There are also some other interesting options for Italian food. I can't wait to try both of them! 

Valentina Italian Home Cooking
Local Mum Valentina is offering home-made dishes for delivery or collection in the area. She offers an extensive menu of dishes and she can send you more information as well as testimonials from existing customers. 
The menu looks delicious!

Timballo di Riso - a gorgeous Risotto finished off in the oven made with sautéed onion, organic carnaroli rice, white wine, parmigiano reggiano, vegetable broth, organic mozzarella and saffron. Can be served with either a rich tomato sauce made with onion, fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil or mushrooms cooked with parsley and garlic. Cost for six portions £25. 

Costolette di maiale piccanti - pork cutlets with pickles. A lovely pork cutlet dish made with white wine, a dash of Worcester sauce and a smattering of pickles, which confer a light piquancy. Six trimmed cutlets, medium sized, come to £30.

Parmigiana - a delicious vegetarian dish made with olive-oil lightly fried aubergines, tomato sauce with basil and finely chopped onion, organic mozzarella and 24-month aged parmigiano reggiano. The cost for six hearty portions is £30.

She can also make classic Lasagne. The recipe includes prosciutto (cured ham), a good glug of red wine (don't worry, the alcohol content evaporates once it is cooked), dried porcini mushrooms, the finest minced beef, tomato passata and soffritto (onions, celery and carrots) and a béchamel sauce. Cost for six portions is £36 and feeds six. 

Pollo in fricassea - a creamy, lemony chicken dish without the cream! The breasts are coated in flour and cooked in vegetable broth, egg yolks, lemon juice, four generous portions comes to £25. Very healthy!

Traditional Italian Meatballs in tomato sauce - with parsley, parmigiano reggiano, breadcrumbs, garlic and egg whites. Eight portions £30. Can use pork, beef or chicken according to preference. 

Pesce all’Isolana – a dish for two! Rosemary infused Sea Bream baked in the oven with finely sliced potatoes and cherry tomatoes. Cost for two portions £15.

Any sides can be cooked according to preference at an additional cost. Greens are steam-cooked and tossed in a little extra virgin olive oil.


Delivery is only to Marylebone, in within walking distance of Gloucester Place, covering the area up to Edgware Rd and down to Portland Place. Delivery is free, but needs to be before 3pm on weekdays (she's a busy mum with a school run to do!) or  people can come and pickup from me at a mutually convenient time. She also is trying to limit the service only to school term-time. 
You can get in touch with Valentina on 07889 406659 (text preferred), or email her at valentina.relton@gmail.com

Salentina Fridge/Freezer Filling Service

Salentina are offering a service that sounds like it would be very helpful for families in the area. All dishes are handcrafted using seasonal ingredients. They are a small business and are flexible and ready to adapt the offering to customer's needs, so do get in touch with them to discuss further. 

Salentina takes inspiration from Southern Italian home-cooking as both the Chef (Enrica) and the Shopkeeper (Barbara) come from Puglia: http://www.salentina.co.uk/the-team.php

Starters, mains, sides, desserts and bread products can be ordered directly from our website prior to 2 days booking on http://www.salentina.co.uk/whats-on-the-menu---shop.php
Booking is essential not only because all products are made from scratch (including breads) but also to ensure freshness of raw ingredients.

They deliver personally and supply a delivery note with storage and reheating instructions to ensure a delicious experience.

Salentina is also available for parties and catering. 

Visit salentina.co.uk for more and feel free to contact them with any question you may have.

A great response to the previous food post! Some more recommendations for food in the area from local mums are:

Cook : http://www.cookfood.net/ 
Ready meals (that taste homemade) frozen and delivered to your door, there is actually a branch in maida vale you can buy from and they also do tasty kiddy meals. 

Basilico : http://www.basilico.co.uk/
Really delicious pizzas freshly made. Located on Crawford Street so delivered very quickly. Lots of interesting choices and toppings. My husband recommends the Roma!

Burgers
Tommi's on Marylebone High Street and Burger Shack on York Street (Royal Oak pub) both do fab burgers. 

Afternoon Tea at 108 Marylebone Lane
We have had some lovely afternoons there. They are very friendly and often quiet at the weekends in the Pantry/lounge area. They also do amazing cakes and a great offer on a hot drink and slice of cake if you don't want to go for a full afternoon tea. 

Coffee Shops
Two new branches of the Costa and Eat chains have opened on the southern end of Baker Street, opposite the Little Waitrose and near Portman Square. 
Both shops are very larges and bright with lots of space for prams/children. They are also not particularly busy compared to the coffee shops further up Baker St. The staff are really friendly at both, and very accommodating to children. The Costa in particular has loads of high chairs! 

Marylebone residents are lucky to live in an area where food options are aplenty - any budget or cuisine is catered for.

As a busy family, we have been users of the fabulous Deliveroo delivery service since it started a couple of years ago. 
Recently we have received a flyer from Foodora who seem to be trying to replicate that with a different list of restaurants. 

There are also some other interesting options for Italian food. I can't wait to try both of them! 

Valentina Italian Home Cooking
Local Mum Valentina is offering home-made dishes for delivery or collection in the area. She offers an extensive menu of dishes and she can send you more information as well as testimonials from existing customers. 
The menu looks delicious!

Timballo di Riso - a gorgeous Risotto finished off in the oven made with sautéed onion, organic carnaroli rice, white wine, parmigiano reggiano, vegetable broth, organic mozzarella and saffron. Can be served with either a rich tomato sauce made with onion, fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil or mushrooms cooked with parsley and garlic. Cost for six portions £25. 

Costolette di maiale piccanti - pork cutlets with pickles. A lovely pork cutlet dish made with white wine, a dash of Worcester sauce and a smattering of pickles, which confer a light piquancy. Six trimmed cutlets, medium sized, come to £30.

Parmigiana - a delicious vegetarian dish made with olive-oil lightly fried aubergines, tomato sauce with basil and finely chopped onion, organic mozzarella and 24-month aged parmigiano reggiano. The cost for six hearty portions is £30.

She can also make classic Lasagne. The recipe includes prosciutto (cured ham), a good glug of red wine (don't worry, the alcohol content evaporates once it is cooked), dried porcini mushrooms, the finest minced beef, tomato passata and soffritto (onions, celery and carrots) and a béchamel sauce. Cost for six portions is £36 and feeds six. 

Pollo in fricassea - a creamy, lemony chicken dish without the cream! The breasts are coated in flour and cooked in vegetable broth, egg yolks, lemon juice, four generous portions comes to £25. Very healthy!

Traditional Italian Meatballs in tomato sauce - with parsley, parmigiano reggiano, breadcrumbs, garlic and egg whites. Eight portions £30. Can use pork, beef or chicken according to preference. 

Pesce all’Isolana – a dish for two! Rosemary infused Sea Bream baked in the oven with finely sliced potatoes and cherry tomatoes. Cost for two portions £15.

Any sides can be cooked according to preference at an additional cost. Greens are steam-cooked and tossed in a little extra virgin olive oil.


Delivery is only to Marylebone, in within walking distance of Gloucester Place, covering the area up to Edgware Rd and down to Portland Place. Delivery is free, but needs to be before 3pm on weekdays (she's a busy mum with a school run to do!) or  people can come and pickup from me at a mutually convenient time. She also is trying to limit the service only to school term-time. 
You can get in touch with Valentina on 07889 406659 (text preferred), or email her at valentina.relton@gmail.com

Salentina Fridge/Freezer Filling Service

Salentina are offering a service that sounds like it would be very helpful for families in the area. All dishes are handcrafted using seasonal ingredients. They are a small business and are flexible and ready to adapt the offering to customer's needs, so do get in touch with them to discuss further. 

Salentina takes inspiration from Southern Italian home-cooking as both the Chef (Enrica) and the Shopkeeper (Barbara) come from Puglia: http://www.salentina.co.uk/the-team.php

Starters, mains, sides, desserts and bread products can be ordered directly from our website prior to 2 days booking on http://www.salentina.co.uk/whats-on-the-menu---shop.php
Booking is essential not only because all products are made from scratch (including breads) but also to ensure freshness of raw ingredients.

They deliver personally and supply a delivery note with storage and reheating instructions to ensure a delicious experience.

Salentina is also available for parties and catering. 

Visit salentina.co.uk for more and feel free to contact them with any question you may have.

Marylebone is filled with cafes and restaurants, many of them great and some very trendy. But once you have a pram or a toddler in tow, life changes a bit. Sometimes it feels you are slightly less welcome. And if there are more than a few of you with prams and/or toddlers, the reception can get even more frosty. Many of the places for a much needed coffee are too small to be able to fit a few prams, and are definitely not big enough for a couple of toddlers who may be a bit squirmy. 

I was disappointed to walk past the newly opened Bill's on Baker Street over the weekend and see prams left in the doorway, practically on the street, showing they have not sufficiently catered for families in the area even though it is a well-known kid-friendly chain.

Costa have opened a massive new branch on Baker Street near Portman Square. Its big and bright, with loads of child seats. Its never too busy unlike the one at 55 Baker St. It could be ideal for a coffee morning. Except to get into the shop there is a gigantic step and a big heavy door. Not the most welcoming entrance. 

The recent budget cuts in Westminster mean that Micky Star is closing its drop-in sessions and becoming a nursery for 2+ year olds. This is of course great for those who get 2 year old funding for nursery, but for mums and carers in the area this is a big loss as it was a great place to take little ones from the early months, meet other mums, good play facilities etc. There are playgroups on certain days each week, some with long waiting lists, but the closing on Micky's is a massive hit as we lose one of the few places that was open every day. 

Anyone who has friends in West London, Kensington etc will have heard the names Maggie and Rose, and Purple Dragon. You will also have heard or visited Gambardo (a slightly different concept). Marylebone NEEDS a family club or family cafe. We need somewhere that is open every day, especially during school holidays. We need somewhere where mums can meet others in a safe, welcoming, child-friendly environment. We need somewhere that could host activities and classes for children at different times of day in a space that is designed with children in mind. 

Marylebone is an affluent area. Families can pay a monthly fee for access. I'd be happy to pay above market prices for a coffee and a piece of cake if my child could be in a safe environment. 

This is a plea to anyone out there who can do this - there is a massively undeserved population in Marylebone. We don't need another trendy cafe, or overpriced juice bar, or bone broth shop or whatever the latest fad is. We need a business that caters to the resident population of families who will be loyal customers. 

(apologies to reader for the ranting nature of this post!)

Saturday - Hampden Gurney School 11am-4pm at Nutford Place W1H 5HA, £1adults/50p children

Sunday - St Mary's Bryanston Square School Summer Fair 12-3pm. There will be cakes, treats, a bouncy slide, arts & crafts, tug of war, BBQ and much, much more. Address: Enford St, Marylebone, W1H 1DL.

The next Marylebone Mums coffee morning will be on Friday 12th June from 10.45am-12.30pm(ish)

Venue is dependant on weather - if it is nice, we will meet at Portman Sq Gardens and if not then at an indoor venue. 

Entry and exit to the square is by key only, so please email me in advance at marylebonemums@gmail.com or PM me through the MaryleboneMums Facebook page so that you have my contact details in case of any changes and so that I can let you into the square.

The Hyde Park Village Nursery in Lancaster Gate is holding a Summer Fair on 20th June which looks like great fun for the little ones. The nursery is run by the same team as the Marylebone Village Nursery on George Street. 

With a petting zoo, bouncy castle and lots of other fun activities for the family, it sounds like it will be a lovely event.