London experts: how is "Marylebone" pronounced?
 

As a NYer I hate it when visitors pronounce Houston St. like the city in Texas....so in planning a quick trip to London, staying in Marylebone I want to make sure to say it correctly.

Thanks

If you think of the christmas carol there was a guy called "Marley"

then "Bone"

still if you want to amuse try Mary le bone

It's pronounced Fan-shaw

Now, now, Grayson.

Just clench your teeth and mumble after the "Ma" bit, that should do it - more like Mar'l'b'n.

And for afters, try to find someone Dutch to explain how to pronounce Groningen.....

Patrick - that is how I pronounce it, too.

And as a follow-up question, is Marylebone a fun neighborhood?

I'm going to London for a weekend by myself and was looking for a cute boutique hotel, thinking of staying here: http://www.mandeville.co.uk/

I've been to London several times before so I don't need to do the usual touristy stuff.

Thanks for your advice.

Care to define what you mean by "Fun"

fun---not stodgy, not overly touristy, a good selection of hipper bars/restaurants, a nice selection of stores, etc.
...someplace interesting for a 30-something gal to spend the weekend strolling around.

I'd say it has a slightly staid reputation - the Mandeville's own website is pushing its proximity to Sotheby's, Christie's and Harley St clinics, which suggests their target clientele is not so much hip as hip replacement.

That said, I was surprised to see at least some rather quirky design shops up and down Marylebone Lane, and St Christopher's Place has plenty of nice-looking cafés and restaurants.

Maybe someone who knows the area better could advise better.

Marylebone would probably fit your concept of fun place. Interesting boutiques (though you also find multiple chain stores increasingly). I personally think most restaurants on Marylebone High St tends to be over-rated, though two of my favourite places are on the bottom end (closer to Wigmore): The Golden Hind for fish & chips, and Woodlands for southern Indian.

BTW, Marylebone train station is not near Marylebone High St. It's about 10-15min walk. Closest tube stations are either Baker St or Bond St. I also recommend Wallace Collection.

There are some quite trendy shops along the high street - eg Conran, Aveda, Skandium, Space NK, various places selling retro furniture, plus a few nice cafes/patesseries. The end of the High St furthest from Baker St tube starts to get a bit seedy, in a dingy but fairly harmless kind of way.

I got followed/accosted by a horrible bloke hanging around outside the tube once so don't think of it that fondly!