The Harley Street BID is made up of an array of fantastic businesses, organisations, and practices. Each month, we spend some time getting to know some of the people who make this place so special.
This month, we’re meeting Nicholas Davies, General Manager of The Marylebone hotel – part of The Doyle Collection, an Irish, family-owned hotel group, with a nod to Irish-friendly hospitality.
What are your main responsibilities, and what’s your favourite part of the role?
My absolute favourite thing about what I do is that no two days are ever the same. Our amazing teams and the guests we meet are what keep our industry moving and filled with so much reward. I oversee the day-to-day running of our wonderful hotel, which is the best in Marylebone.
How would you describe a typical day for you?
I usually start my day around 5 am, and the first thing I do is feed and attend to my beloved cat. I either run or cycle into work as this gives me good time to think ahead for the day. Then, I have my personal training session at our wonderful Third Space Marylebone, which is part of the hotel. After a quick cool-down and sauna, I start my working day at 7:30 am with a thorough walk around the outside of the hotel to make sure everything is in place. I then catch up with the night team and check our arrivals and VIPs in-house. At 9 am, we have our morning briefing with the team, followed by a range of different meetings throughout the day, as well as meetings with guests, checking bedrooms, and by 5:30 pm, I make my way back to the lobby to welcome our guests arriving in the late afternoon. Around 7 pm, I carry out a final walk of the building to ensure everything looks good and tidy before finishing my day at 7:30 pm.
What do you enjoy most about working in the Harley Street area?
I love the amazing streets filled with so much beautiful architecture, and that everything is so close to Marylebone High Street. With its boutique bars and restaurants, and most of all, the most wonderful, friendly people that make up our community hub.
Do you have any hidden gems or favourite spots in the area you’d recommend?
The downstairs bar in Cavita – it’s a secret hideaway from the hustle and bustle, and they do the most amazing tequila cocktails. Another is The Jackalope. It’s truly a hidden gem of a pub and serves a very, very good range of beers, and also has the most amazing restaurant underneath that serves the best spicy noodles, LIU Xiaomian.
In three words, how would you describe the Harley Street / Marylebone Village experience?
Community… Cosmopolitan… Joyful…
Share something interesting about yourself that others might not know.
I almost (almost) became a professional tennis player at the tender age of 16.
