The Portman Estate Secures £11.4m Government Funding for Pioneering Marble Arch Energy Network 

New low-carbon energy network will provide sustainable heating and cooling to homes, businesses and hotels across Marble Arch and Marylebone

Today, The Portman Estate announced it has secured £11.4 million from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Green Heat Network Fund to support the development of the Marble Arch Energy Network [MAEN], a pioneering low-carbon energy system for central London. 

The network will provide sustainable heating and cooling to landmark retail spaces, offices, hotels and homes across the Marble Arch and Marylebone area, helping to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy resilience and support the long-term sustainability of the neighbourhood. 

The network is expected to provide heating and cooling to at least 34 major properties initially with plans to expand further over time. Once operational, it is expected to deliver 39 GWh of heating and 25 GWh of cooling each year – that is enough low-carbon heat to meet the annual heating needs of around 3,000 average UK homes. 

As a B Corp Certified company, this ambitious programme of work is part of The Portman Estate’s commitment to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) across its value chain by 2045. The network is designed to supply The Portman Estate’s highest energy buildings with most of their heating and cooling needs by using local and renewable energy sources. The network will help buildings prepare for the new statutory regulation of heat networks by Ofgem and the introduction of heat-network zoning in England, while enabling them to share surplus heating and cooling, reduce energy waste and cut carbon emissions. 

How does it work?  

The proposed network will harness renewable energy from London’s natural chalk aquifer beneath the city. The ground water within the aquifer remains at a stable temperature throughout the year. Water will be drawn from the aquifer and used with heat-pump technology to provide heating and cooling, before being safely returned back to the aquifer. 

By connecting multiple buildings to a shared energy network, surplus heat or cooling can be used more efficiently, reducing energy waste, lowering utility costs and cutting carbon emissions. 

“Graphic taken from “Marble Arch Energy Network: Exploring a 5th Generation District Heating and Cooling network in the Marylebone area”, a film produced by Chocolate Films (2026)  for The Portman Estate.” 

The Benefits  

MAEN is expected to reduce carbon emissions from connected buildings by up to 98%. It will also strengthen local energy security in an area where individual building decarbonisation can be challenging due to the historic nature of many buildings, limited space for plant equipment and pressure on the electricity grid. 

The funding will enable The Portman Estate to move the project into its next phase, including securing a long-term delivery partner to finance, design, build and operate the network. The project is also expected to support nearly 200 jobs, apprenticeships, and training opportunities both locally and nationally. 

Over time, the network could expand beyond the initial phase to provide clean, reliable energy to a wider area of the West End. 

Simon Loomes, Strategic Projects Director at The Portman Estate, said: “We are delighted to receive support from the Green Heat Network Fund for this transformative project. The Marble Arch Energy Network represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to modernise essential infrastructure within one of London’s most important mixed-use districts. The project will help create a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable energy system for businesses, residents, hotels and retailers, while supporting the long-term competitiveness of the West End. By unlocking investment in shared energy infrastructure, MAEN demonstrates how historic urban neighbourhoods can adapt successfully to future environmental, economic, and energy challenges. It forms a central part of The Portman Estate’s long-term stewardship strategy and our commitment to ensuring a thriving district for future generations.” 

Charlotte Large, Director of Clean Energy and Heat Networks, Westminster City Council said: “Westminster City Council welcomes the Green Heat Network Fund’s support for the Marble Arch Energy Network. Decarbonising existing buildings in central London is one of the greatest challenges facing cities on the path to net zero. MAEN has the potential to make a significant contribution to reducing Westminster’s carbon emissions while improving local energy resilience and supporting sustainable growth. The Council looks forward to continuing its collaboration with The Portman Estate and project partners as the scheme progresses.” 

The full film detailing how the MAEN will work can be found HERE  

University of Westminster Students launch a new ‘Hidden Marylebone’ Installation showcasing the Stories Beneath the Surface of One of London’s Most Historic Neighbourhoods 

London, UK – A new creative installation across Marylebone is bringing the area’s hidden stories to life, shining a light on the lesser-known elements that shape the neighbourhood’s unique identity – from forgotten waterways and architectural details to the rich narratives woven through its streets. 

Hidden Marylebone is the result of a collaborative design challenge delivered by The Portman Estate and Baker Street Quarter Partnership, in partnership with University of Westminster. 

12 students were set the challenge to reimagine a series of temporary window spaces along Blandford Street and create a new design that was inspired by the hidden character, history, architecture and cultural heritage of Marylebone.  

THE WINNING DESIGNS  

The winning concept, was created by Angela Cammarota, 21 and Souki Faulkner, 22. Both study at the University of Westminster and  have spent time getting to really understand the area. The installation was unveiled earlier this month in a ‘ribbon cutting’ ceremony hosted by Cllr Karen Scarborough, Lord Mayor of Westminster, alongside representatives from the University, The Portman Estate and Baker Street Quarter Partnership.  

Angela, from Spain and British student Souki are both in their third year studying Fashion Design at the University of Westminster and are currently in their Placement Year. 

At the heart of their design is the story of the River Tyburn, the historic river that once flowed through the area and continues to run beneath Marylebone’s streets today. The hidden waterway serves as a powerful metaphor for the neighbourhood’s unseen layers, inspiring a visual language shaped by movement, flow and discovery. 

Angelia and Souki also looked to Marylebone’s distinctive architecture, cultural richness and urban character, translating familiar local details into a contemporary graphic identity that celebrates both the area’s heritage and its evolving story. 

Rebecca Eckles, Director of Marketing and Communications: ‘This project has been a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the rich history and unique character of Marylebone through the eyes of the next generation. The students have brought creativity, insight and a fresh perspective to the stories that have shaped this neighbourhood over centuries. Their work not only highlights the area’s hidden heritage, but also demonstrates the value of engaging young talent in conversations about place, culture and community. We are delighted to see these designs brought to life and to share Marylebone’s story in such an engaging and accessible way.’” 

Angela Cammarota and Souki Faulkner, Fashion Design students at the University of Westminster: “We loved having the chance to explore Marylebone through the eyes of fashion design students and to discover so many patterns, details and stories hidden in plain sight. From decorative coal holes and ribbons on buildings to the River Tyburn beneath our feet, there was inspiration everywhere. Seeing those ideas come to life in Hidden Marylebone has been incredibly exciting, and we hope the installation encourages other people to look a little closer at the area too.” 

The installation is now on display on Blandford Street, New Quebec Street and Seymour Place. Visitors can explore Marylebone through a new lens and discover what lies beneath the surface of one of London’s most distinctive districts.

Find out more at https://www.marylebone-marblearch.art/hidden-marylebone-project

On Friday 25 September, 29 team members from The Portman Estate will embark on the Estate’s latest charity challenge; the Surrey Three Peaks.

Raising money and awareness for Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, the Surrey Three Peaks is approximately a 28km walk, taking in Leith Hill, Holmbury Hill and Box Hill.  

About our corporate charity partner

• Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity provide specialist nurses and support for children (and their families) living with complex, lifelong conditions.  

• There are now over 250 specialist nurses embedded in NHS Trusts across the UK, supporting more than 50,000 children.  

• Their care reduces A&E visits, hospital admissions, and consultant appointments. Nurses are a vital life-line to the whole family, coordinating care, and providing access to high quality emotional (and other) support.  

• This is the third and final year of our partnership with Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity.  

• Find out more HERE 

The Pachamama Group to launch its largest-ever London restaurant and a new street food concept within Loxton Walk, enhancing Marylebone’s dynamic dining scene. 

Monday 20 April 2026 – The Portman Estate has today announced the signing of two new culinary openings from the acclaimed Pachamama Group, set to elevate the neighbourhood’s vibrant food and lifestyle offering in 2026. Launching at 96 George Street and 8 Loxton Walk, both restaurants will form part of Loxton Walk – a new retail, wellness and dining destination for Marylebone developed in collaboration between The Portman Estate and Derwent London.

At 96 George Street, a prominent corner flagship with dual frontages onto George Street and Loxton Walk, the group will introduce a 6,000 sq. ft all-day dining venue, its largest restaurant venture in London to date. Accommodating 190 covers across a main dining room, private dining spaces and alfresco seating, the venue will be home to Soraya, a Persian-inspired restaurant first conceived in Abu Dhabi, centred around gathering at the table, sharing plates and a contemporary interpretation of Persian cooking, in a format that moves easily from day into evening. Soraya Marylebone will trade from breakfast through to dinner.

Next door, at 8 Loxton Walk, the group will venture into the world of street food dining with a new concept set within a bijou 1,200 sq. ft restaurant. Further brand and cuisine details are yet to be revealed.

The Pachamama Group has become one of London’s most talked about restaurant collectives, known for creating vibrant, design-led dining rooms across the capital. Their portfolio spans the effortlessly glamorous Nina in Marylebone, the refined and romantic Bottarga in Chelsea, the laidback Zephyr in Notting Hill and the widely praised Lagana in Shoreditch. The team’s most recent opening marks Zephyr’s arrival on the Riviera, in Mareterra, Monaco.

Loxton Walk is now open to the public between 9am – 8pm during a soft launch period, with Atis, Supply 91, Potato Pottery and DL/Service being the first to open within the space. The Pachamama Group will join the thoughtfully curated line-up of new F&B and wellness brands at Loxton Walk also set to open in the coming months, including X-Club and X-Club Nourish, Le Choux, Iris Avenue and Matchado.

Puja Dowlani, Retail Associate Director at The Portman Estate, commented: “The Pachamama Group is a welcome addition to Loxton Walk bringing not one, but two new signature concepts to our new destination. Their reputation for creating warm and beautifully executed dining experiences aligns perfectly with the kind of independent, innovative, stand-out F&B operators we champion across our neighbourhood.”

Tom Knight, Portfolio Director at The Portman Estate, added:
“Loxton Walk, our newest addition to the Portman Marylebone portfolio, was designed to attract distinctive, best-in-class brands, and Pachamama Group embodies that ambition. Their largest London restaurant to date, paired with a new street food concept, will anchor the development with a compelling blend of creativity and scale. We’re proud to support operators who contribute to Marylebone’s evolving food culture, and these new additions will play a key role in shaping Loxton Walk as a standout destination within the Estate.”

Pachamama Group says: “It’s a new chapter for the group – one we wanted to start somewhere that mattered. Marylebone has long been part of our story, and this next step allows us to grow while staying true to how we think about food, design and its atmosphere. The larger all-day restaurant is shaped by experiences and influences that began beyond London, now being thoughtfully reinterpreted closer to home, while the other allows us to explore something more immediate, playful and neighbourhood-led”

At The Portman Estate, we are guided by our commitment to people, places and the planet. In 2022 we became the first London Estate to achieve B Corp certification, joining a global community of businesses using their influence to make a positive difference. Today we’re proud to share that we have been successfully re-certified as a B Corp.

B Corp represents high standards of social and environmental performance. Our latest assessment gives us an improved score of 87.8, reflecting our ongoing work to support a thriving, sustainable community in Marylebone, Marble Arch and Edgware Road. Our people are extremely important to us and we are committed to being a great place to work. B Corp recognises our focus on employee wellbeing, career development and creating an inclusive workplace.

Over the past three years we have advanced our sustainability action plan, launched our Supplier Charter and continued our pledge to reduce our environmental impact. In April 2025, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validated our climate targets and commitment to net zero carbon across all scopes by 2045.

Every improvement we make is driven by our responsibility as long-term custodians of this unique part of London. B Corp recertification reinforces our belief that successful places are built through collaboration, care and transparency.

We are proud to continue our B Corp journey and to help shape a more sustainable, resilient and connected Estate for generations to come.

To find out more about our recertification, visit the B Corp website here.

To read our latest Impact Report click on the image below.

The Portman Estate has announced today the appointment of Emma Huepfl as a Non-Executive Director. Emma is an experienced leader with a 30-year career in the real estate debt markets.  She currently chairs the Bank of England’s Commercial Property Forum, which meets quarterly with the Financial Stability team to give a nuanced view of the real estate sector and is a Senior Adviser to Redevco’s Real Estate Debt Platform, a Non-Executive Director of April Mortgages Ltd, and a Senior Adviser to CREFi, a platform providing data and analytics on European commercial real estate debt. 

Earlier in her career, Emma co-founded and managed two real estate lending businesses, each spanning a decade, which generated >£10bn of lending before Laxfield Capital was acquired by CBRE Investment Management, where she subsequently served as co-head of EMEA Credit until 2023. Her industry service also includes ten years on the Board of CREFC, the trade body for the real estate finance industry, which she chaired from 2019-2021. 

The Portman Estate welcomes latest business to One Great Cumberland Place, as this flagship West End office development approaches full occupancy  

• Sustainable Development Capital LLP (SDCL) arrives on the sixth floor.
• The final office floor is also now under offer. Full occupancy should be achieved shortly.

Photo credit: Dirk Lindler

The Portman Estate today announces the arrival of Sustainable Development Capital LLP (SDCL) to One Great Cumberland Place, its flagship development in the heart of the West End. With the fifth floor also under offer, the building will soon reach full occupancy; a milestone for one of central London’s most sought-after office schemes.

Adjacent to Marble Arch and Hyde Park, One Great Cumberland Place exemplifies The Portman Estate’s forward-thinking approach to placemaking, sustainability and hybrid working.

Chris Dunlop, Director – Head of Commercial Property at The Portman Estate, comments: “We’re very happy to welcome SDCL to the sixth floor of One Great Cumberland Place. Having relocated our own headquarters onto the fourth floor earlier this year, SDCL joining us in the building further showcases the continued demand for offices that prioritise sustainability, flexibility and wellbeing.”

Founded in 2007, SDCL is a specialist energy efficiency developer and investor that has pioneered the financing, development, construction and management of energy efficiency, on-site generation and energy infrastructure projects across various sectors. Jonathan Maxwell, CEO of SDCL, said: “We’re excited to move into a building in the heart of Marylebone, which is a great place for us to continue our growth as experts in the energy sector. We look forward to welcoming our clients into this new space.”

SDCL joins a curated mix of occupiers including Adams Street Partners and Moco Museum London, which recently celebrated its first year in London and houses a unique collection of over 100 modern, contemporary, digital and immersive works at 1 Marble Arch.  x+why manage the day-to-day running of flexible workspaces on the second and third floors, the reception lobby and the eighth floor, a unique members’ clubspace known as The Orchard.

Designed by AHMM, One Great Cumberland Place spans 59,331 sq ft and features green roofs, heat recovery systems and photovoltaic panels, all behind a retained Art Deco facade. The building is certified BREEAM ‘Excellent’, placing sustainability at its core.

The Portman Estate relocated its headquarters to the 1920s building earlier this year, occupying 8,400 sq ft of bespoke office space, designed in collaboration with Gort Scott.  The Estate’s office fit-out was shaped by employee consultation and the layout preserves expansive views of Hyde Park through careful placement of new rooms and the use of curved corners.  Sustainable materials and planting were central to the design, with a cafe–style workspace at the heart of the floor, featuring generous greenery and a focal tree.

The Portman Estate’s 110-acre portfolio continues to evolve with developments like One Great Cumberland Place, responding to changing occupier demands and supporting a thriving mixed-use community in Marylebone.

We are thrilled to be a sponsor for the inaugural NSPCC ProperTrek London which takes place on Friday 12 September.

A team of five from The Portman Estate will be taking part in the epic one-day urban trek through the heart of London. Covering a tough 30km route in a single day, this challenge will take them from Battersea through iconic London landmarks, beautiful Royal Parks, vibrant neighbourhoods, and newly completed commercial schemes, ending in Canary Wharf.

We’ll be opening up the doors to One Great Cumberland Place as one of the check points and for some well-earned refuelling over lunchtime with x+why, before the trekkers continue their journey, passing by Loxton Walk on their way through Marylebone and up towards Regents Park.

As well as a fun and challenging day, it’s all for a cause that couldn’t be more important – walking to support the NSPCC, a charity that fights tirelessly to protect children and build safer communities.

Find out more about the challenge and get involved.

We’re proud to announce that our near-term and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Our commitment
We have committed to a near-term and long-term target to reduce 90% of our GHG emissions across all three scopes by 2045. You can learn more about our targets and sustainability initiatives here.

We are proud to be amongst 7000 companies setting validated science-based targets, bringing us one step closer to limiting global warming and protecting our planet’s future.

This important milestone has been achieved through collaboration across the entire organisation as well as with our sustainability consultants Bioregional.

Thank you to our entire team for making this happen.

THE PORTMAN ESTATE CONFIRMS A SERIES OF NEW BRANDS AND WELCOMES A CULTURAL POP TO SUPPORT RETAIL ON EDGWARE ROAD WITH THE ARRIVAL OF BLACK SHEEP COFFEE, COSTA COFFEE, ALDI AND SHUBBAK CORNER

Three major global retail and F&B brands join Edgware Road as The Portman Estate boosts the neighbourhood’s amenities.  Prominent openings on Edgware Road aim to enhance the ongoing wider regeneration of the area, developing a resilient retail and leisure mix to support the continued growth of the West End.

Edgware Road will welcome a new supermarket when Aldi opens a 17,000 sq ft Aldi Local store at 90-100 Edgware Road. Aldi operates in 11 countries worldwide and is Britain’s fourth-largest supermarket with more than 1,050 stores and more than 45,000 colleagues across the UK. This new opening forms part of Aldi’s long-term target to have 1,500 UK stores to ensure everyone has access to high-quality food at unbeatable prices, with an investment of £650 million this year alone. In alignment with the Estate’s sustainability credentials, Aldi is committed to working for society and the environment, creating a greener, healthier and fairer everyday through a wide range of initiatives including responsible sourcing policies, food waste reduction initiatives and supporting communities.

Speciality British coffeehouse brand Black Sheep Coffee, opened its 3,000 sq ft café at 124 Edgware Road late last year, within the Regent House development. With almost 100 UK stores, two US locations, units in France and the United Arab Emirates, Black Sheep Coffee brings its globally recognised barista-prepared premium coffee to Marylebone as a new hospitality offering.

Costa Coffee is also boosting to the area’s selection of coffee options at 108 – 110 Edgware Road, with a new 2,000 sq ft café. With over 50 years’ experience in providing quality coffee, Costa is the UK’s largest and most popular branded coffee shop. Bringing its signature blend to Marylebone, Costa will provide choice for residents, workers and visitors to the Estate.

Aldi, Black Sheep Coffee and Costa Coffee join a dynamic and evolving mix on Edgware Road, home to FRAMELESS Immersive Art Experience, Wagamama, FEYA Café, Townhouse Nail Salon and Amorino among others.

Until 15 June 22 – 23 Nutford Place is home to Shubbak Corner, sponsored by The Portman Estate and part of the Shubbak Festival – the UK’s largest biennial festival of contemporary Arab culture, bringing new and unexpected voices alongside established artists to London. On Thursday 12 June, Shubbak Corner will be home to a co-designed event with The Portman Estate – Edgware Road: A Street of Recipes and Resistance – an evening celebrating the food, memory and diversity of Edgware Road.

Rooted in the spirit of Arabic hospitality, Shubbak Corner offers a platform for experimentation and conversation. Programming at the space features a three-week Maqam residency blending books, art, and play. Maqam Mu’aqqat (translated as “temporary place”) transforming Shubbak Corner into a welcoming gathering space to read, rest, browse, and connect open Monday to Friday 12pm to 7pm. In the evening the windows of Shubbak Corner are transformed into a video installation by INTERFERENCE featuring the works of 7 Tunisian artists, the projections are intentionally positioned within the rhythm of the urban environment, inviting passersby to pause and engage in thoughtful reflection on our relationship to land, water, and identity in a rapidly shifting world.

The flurry of major introductions to Edgware Road reiterates the Estate’s long-term approach to curating a balanced retail and leisure offering. Blending independent brands with recognised names is integral to the Estate’s approach to the creation of thriving places within its district. Diversifying the Portman Marylebone experience, the new openings will offer useful amenities to attract diverse audiences to the area.

Edgware Road is one of the Estate’s key commercial districts, with this latest wave of new openings underlining efforts to drive growth in the area. Demonstrating the success of this pocket of the West End, the latest openings exemplify how the Estate is curating a high-quality destination that serves residents, workers and visitors to the area.

Puja Dowlani, Retail Associate Director at The Portman Estate, commented: “Adding recognised brands to the neighbourhood is central to The Portman Estate’s vision of curating a place that caters to the needs of all stakeholders. This latest wave of new openings reflects our continued drive to elevate the quality of retail, leisure and hospitality experiences in the area.” 

“For Edgware Road, the addition of new and established occupiers will accelerate the regeneration of the area, to ensure long-term growth and the creation of a vibrant destination. The continued evolution of The Portman Estate will help to drive the commercial resilience of the West End more broadly.”

Save the date!

For the first time this spring, Chiltern Street, one of London’s most iconic and characterful shopping destinations, will see the collection of its independent brands open their doors after hours for a special one night only event. On Thursday 22 May from 5 – 8pm the independent boutiques, specialist stores, and cafés that define the street will stay open late, inviting visitors to explore a programme of in store drinks, exclusive offers, and creative workshops. 

Set against the backdrop of the distinctive red brick architecture, the evening promises a rare opportunity to experience all Chiltern Street has to offer. 

Celebrated for its strong sense of community, craftsmanship and home to some of London’s most respected independent brands, Chiltern Street is where shops feel more like neighbours. Whether you’re browsing menswear, womenswear, fine jewellery, or lifestyle goods, this event is a true reflection of the street’s unique charm and independent spirit. 

Join for the experiences, stay for the discoveries. 

When: Thursday 22 May 2025 
Timings: 5 – 8pm  

For more details follow @portmanmarylebone on Instagram.

To celebrate National Apprenticeship week, we interviewed Olivia who has just completed a 15 month apprenticeship in the corporate team at The Portman Estate.

Olivia was studying towards a BPP Level 3 Business Administration qualification and has since been awarded a distinction.

Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?

I’ve never really fitted in the academic box so I struggled to learn in school and be tested. I know that Ilearn better practically rather than theoretically. For me, learning practically made the theory easier and made a lot more sense which is why I wanted to do an apprenticeship.

Since beginning my apprenticeship I’ve been diagnosed with ADHD. Schools aren’t always neurodivergent friendly and apprenticeships are a lot more tailored to this and felt more suitable to my way of learning. Things now make a lot more sense and I feel validated.

I’m completing my apprenticeship with a Distinction and before this I’d never been tested in a way that has shown my intelligence. I can now display it in a different way because of this style of learning.

What have you learnt during your time here?

I’ve learnt to manage my OCD and ADHD in an office setting which I struggled with initially. Offices are a structured environment and my mind isn’t… I’ve learnt to adapt to make it easier for me – taking concentration breaks and completing tasks in a bitesize way that gives me accomplishments along the way. I’ve also developed more empathy (understanding how different people approach work) and I’ve learnt that people have different styles and all are valid.

How did you find the apprenticeship experience?

It’s difficult to sum up 15 months of everything but it was a really positive one. It was what I thought it would be but much more. As I progressed through the apprenticeship I was given more to do which gave me a varied experience and I’ve been able to action things I never thought possible.

Any advice for young people thinking about an apprenticeship?

I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do but I feel that an apprenticeship was the right thing for me to do. It really is the way to go – it’s an opportunity to be in work but you’re also encouraged to work things out. It gives you opportunity to explore the world of work before entering the workplace in a more traditional setting. I would recommend it to anyone.

What’s next for you?

I’m going to be a HR assistant for a civil engineering company. I mentioned in my interview last year (here) that the apprenticeship gave me a passion for human resources and this new role allows me to focus on that in a concentrated way. I’m also going on to study a HR specific qualification which is CIPD Level 3.  I feel so much more confident doing this now from my apprenticeship as I have learnt so much about my learning style to gain more qualifications.

What have you enjoyed about The Portman Estate?

The people… they are so open to encouraging learning and development and I’ve been pushed in a positive way by them. They are also very open and accepting of new talent as a business, and are starting to identify the benefit of new talent, encouraging young people in the workplace.

What will you miss?

The culture – it’s a smaller company so I have a lot more personal interactions with people and it makes the office environment enjoyable. Senior leadership take interest in all employees – credit is given and spotlight to colleagues is good. In other organisations sometimes people can go under the radar but I feel we are all celebrated here.

Any other thoughts?

I hope The Portman Estate look to more apprenticeships and offer less traditional methods for those who don’t want to do university. This has been a great place to do it. Apprentices can be vulnerable and taken advantage of due their greenness in the workplace but Portman doesn’t do this and makes you very welcome. It would be great to explore more alternative learning paths to get people into the workplace.

Strategic projects director Simon Loomes was recently interviewed for The London Society’s latest podcast, London Explained: Marble Arch.  Simon spoke to Dave Hill about Marble Arch, its current limitations and its enormous potential as a new civic square for our city.  Marble Arch is so important as a gateway to Oxford Street, to Hyde Park, to Edgware Road and critically, to the wider West End’s economy.  Publica and Marble Arch London Business Improvement District also feature in the podcast.

Listen here

We are proud to present our first Impact Report following our B Corp Certification last year. The report highlights our journey to certification and our key achievements over the past 12 months including our first carbon footprint of the Estate, our New Parent’s Leave Policy and our successful Wellbeing Programme. Our score of 86.5 (50.9 being the median score) demonstrates we are meeting high standards of social and environmental performance across our business.  

Looking ahead, there are many exciting projects we’re currently working on that will be delivered over the next year. These include launching our Supplier Charter to set standards for ourselves and the suppliers we work with to make a positive environmental and social impact, supporting new talent through apprenticeships and a student bursary scheme, and progressing initiatives that support our carbon reduction pathway.

To read the report click on the image below.

The Portman Estate is the first estate to become B Corp™ certified, joining the global movement of trailblazing businesses who meet the highest standards of corporate social responsibility and make a positive contribution to people, communities and the environment.

B Corp certification is a reflection of our prestigious 500-year stewardship of Marylebone, which has centered on taking a long-term, forward-looking view for the future benefit of all stakeholders, customers and partners. Through innovation and collaboration with tenants, residents and the broader community, the Estate has developed and diversified to create a destination which is distinctive, varied and vibrant whilst safeguarding the history, architecture and heritage of the area.

To become B Corp certified, the Estate demonstrated excellent levels of social and environmental performance, made a legal commitment to become accountable to all stakeholders and displayed transparency by listing its performance against B Lab™ standards publicly on the B Corp Directory.  

The rigorous standards set by B Corp also commit the Estate to a future of positive social and environmental action. Certified B Corporations are reassessed every three years against evolving standards, meaning the Estate must sustain the highest levels of corporate social responsibility. The Portman Estate now joins over 5000 global B Corps.

Chris Turner, Executive Director of B Corp, says: “We congratulate The Portman Estate on becoming a Certified B Corporation. The certification process is rigorous, with applicants required to reach a benchmark score of over 80 while providing evidence of socially and environmentally responsible practices relating to energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity and corporate transparency.

Being able to welcome The Portman Estate to our global community of over 5,000 B Corps is hugely exciting, boosting a community of leaders working collectively for economic systems change. By committing to continuous improvement, transparency and going through the recertification process every three years, The Portman Estate is actively contributing to a movement creating a more inclusive, equitable and regenerative economy”.

Showcasing the Estate’s role as a conscious and caring landowner, the assessment of ‘Workers’ was an area of the certification where we excelled, scoring exceptionally in indicators that assessed the wellness, career development and satisfaction of its employees, underlining our dedication to empowering people.

Our performance in these categories is exemplified by The One Planet Living framework that prioritises people, from employees to visitors, occupiers and residents. Programmes including the Diversity and Inclusion Working Group and a New Parent’s Leave Policy demonstrate a long-term commitment to investing in employees.

The Estate has made, and is taking steps, to ensure a positive impact on the planet. We have been working with Bioregional since 2019, and earlier this year published a new Sustainability Action Plan which sets out goals and targets for the next three years, aligned to Bioregional’s One Planet Living framework. This includes a commitment to deliver net zero carbon status by 2040.

Katie Balderson, Corporate Director at The Portman Estate, says: “We are proud to be leading the way for London’s great estates. Our journey to achieving B Corp Certification has taken two years and is only the start of a longer journey for us. B Corp represents the next chapter for socially responsible businesses and achieving certification underlines so much of what we stand for and do as an organisation.

People are at the heart of what we do, so we are immensely proud that B Corp certification has recognised our efforts to prioritise our workers and customers. It is fundamental that we provide our employees with an environment to grow both professionally and personally. We plan to use this achievement to demonstrate how property owners can work collaboratively to benefit all of our customers, employees, partners and the local community.”

Marylebone Food Festival returns this spring after a two-year hiatus.

From Tuesday 26 April to Sunday 1 May diners can expect an exciting line-up of in-restaurant events and festival menus celebrating Marylebone’s lively and eclectic dining and drinking scene.

From relaxed casual restaurants and family-run cafes to chic cocktail bars and culinary excellence, our gastronomic pocket of London has it all.

The festival is a collaboration between The Portman Estate and our neighbours The Howard de Walden Estate.

It is supported by Baker Street Quarter Partnership and Marble Arch London, the area’s two Business Improvement Districts.

Tickets to this unmissable foodie festival – including an eight-course launch dinner hosted by Jay Rayner and cooked by the neighbourhood’s best chefs – will be available from midday Friday 18 March.

Get your tickets here.

Follow us on Instagram for all the latest news.

Head to Marylebone Food Festival website for more information.

Join us as we delve into the incredible background of some of the iconic boutiques within Portman Marylebone with our new four-part podcast series in partnership with the HandCut Radio.

In each episode, host of the The HandCut Radio, Aleks Cvetkovic, sits down with a selection of inspiring individuals from co-founders of stylish and cult design store, Labour and Wait and co-owner of the iconic Ivy League style destination, John Simons on Chiltern Street to founder of luxury men’s underwear and loungewear brand, Hamilton and Hare, Olivia Francis and Charlie Casely-Hayford, owner and creative director at esteemed British menswear brand, Casely-Hayford London. Discover the incredible backgrounds of each individual, the highs and lows of their careers and the stories behind each brand in this exclusive podcast series.

In our first episode, Aleks sits down with Rachel Wythe-Moran and Simon Watkins, the co founders of cult design store Labour & Wait. Being the first design store to feature on the HandCut Radio Rachel and Simon discuss their brands core values and the philosophy that binds all the goods together.

Listen here: https://www.handcutradio.com/episodes/8/6/2021/labour-amp-waits-co-founders-on-slow-growth-and-good-design-042

In our second episode, Aleks chats with Paul Simons, co-owner of the iconic Ivy League style destination, John Simons on Chiltern Street in Marylebone. Managing the business day-to-day, this episode delves into the story behind the brand, John’s early years in business, Paul’s experience growing up as an ‘Ivy kid’ and much more!

Listen here: https://www.handcutradio.com/episodes/16/6/2021/paul-simons-on-working-with-his-father-ivy-style-and-modernism-043

In our third episode, Aleks sits down with Olivia Francis, founder & CEO of the stylish men’s underwear and loungewear brand, Hamilton and Hare. Aleks and Olivia discuss her mission to elevate men’s undies, the highs and lows of life as a sole founder, the art of making boxer shorts without compromise and the importance of a men’s underwear drawer.

Listen here: https://www.handcutradio.com/episodes/23/6/2021/olivia-francis-on-the-most-important-garment-in-your-wardrobe-044

In our final episode, Aleks chats with Charlie Casely-Hayford, the owner and creative director at esteemed British menswear brand, Casely-Hayford London. Charlie speaks to Aleks about how the brand continues to be informed ‘by a conversation between father and son’, the brand’s deft blending of high fashion and tailoring craft as well as exploring how Charlie finds inspiration in both high and low culture.

Listen here: https://www.handcutradio.com/episodes/30/6/2021/charlie-casely-hayford-on-modern-craft-and-high-low-culture-045

Planning your next staycation? Then look no further than our wonderful selection of hotels in Portman Marylebone.
This summer, hotel guests staying in the local area can access exclusive experiences from our unique range of restaurants, bars, boutiques and services through our ‘Keys to Marylebone’ package.

Unlock all the area has to offer with a bespoke menu of experiences and offers available only to you to enjoy during your stay.

Unlike any other destination in London, our hotels, brands and businesses in Portman Marylebone have come together to achieve an area wide ambition of sharing their summer with UK and permitted international travellers. When you book a stay at one of the many participating hotels in Marylebone, you will also have access to book a range of experiences of your choice enabling you to plan your visit ahead of checking in and during your stay.
Portman Marylebone is home to some of London’s most loved and treasured hotels, whether staying overnight for a work trip, mixing up your weekend with a London staycation or travelling in from out of town to experience the city life, the vast range of hotels in this central London neighbourhood has every desired stay covered.

Located on Portman Square Garden, why not visit the recently opened Nobu Hotel London Portman Square for the perfect mix of comfort and elegance, or if you’re new to London and looking for some authentic British charm, The Hyatt Regency London offers not only a glamorous stay but also an exclusive insight in to Sir Winston Churchill’s life.
On top of these, visitors can choose from a variety of stays in the wider area with Z at Gloucester Place occupying six beautiful Georgian townhouses offering a home away from home, Prince Akatoki bringing Japanese culture and cuisine to the heart of Marylebone and The Montcalm London Marble Arch mixing the old with the new offering a luxurious staycation in London. With the ability to book the hotel of your choice, and still have access to the full range of experiences, you can elevate your stay through the unique range of offers exclusive to you.

Running across June, July and August, new offers across restaurants, bars, boutiques and services in the area will become available for hotel guests throughout the summer. Known as one of London’s most unique independent jewellers in London, Cox & Power, often amazed by the amount of jewellery people travel with, is offering free jewellery cleaning services, while gentlemen looking for style advice or for the perfectly tailored suit can visit Dashing Tweeds on Dorset Street for all your style needs and a discount in-store.

If it’s a retreat style visit you’re looking for then Chiltern Street beauty therapy experts Bharti Vyas are offering the perfect hydrating facial and lymphatic boots therapy and just down the road Anatome is offering free sleep mapping consultations leading you to discover the best sleep oil to help get a decent night’s sleep.

With many staycation weddings take place over the summer, those visiting Portman Marylebone for a special occasion Mathew Alexander is offering an exclusive discount and treatments in his New Quebec Street Salon and over on Seymour Place, London Grace Marble Arch is offering a true London Manicure while sipping on a British Gin & Prosecco Cocktail ahead of all celebrations.

Hotels which are offering our ‘Keys to Marylebone’ experience include; Nobu Hotel London Portman Square, The Hyatt Regency London -The Churchill, Z at Gloucester Place, Holmes Hotel, Home House, The Montcalm London Marble Arch, The Prince Akatoki, Durrants Hotel, Blandford Hotel, Hark Rock Hotel, Marriot Park Lane and Marriot Marble Arch – head to our ‘Directory’ page to discover more!

This is the first major initiative from The Portman Estate’s newly formed Diversity and Inclusion Working Group.

The Portman Estate’s newly formed Diversity and Inclusion Working Group have announced the launch of a brand new scheme that will support new parents – the New Parents’ Leave Policy. It is part of a number of new initiatives that have been put in place which highlight the Estate’s long term commitment to continue to invest in its employees.

The enhanced New Parents’ Leave Policy offers full pay for 21 weeks to all employees who have become a parent via birth, adoption or surrogacy, and who have completed 18 months’ service at The Portman Estate prior to the expected week of childbirth. This policy will be part of a wider ‘Family Care Policy’ and is only the first step on the Estate’s journey. Many other new initiatives are also being introduced such as reviewing recruitment processes within the business. A two hour break for employees during daylight hours to boost wellbeing in the winter months has recently been introduced which will continue during the cold season.

The Diversity and Inclusion Working Group’s ultimate aim is to embed both inclusion and the wellbeing of the team within the DNA of The Portman Estate.

The requirement for equal access to this policy, regardless of the means by which an employee becomes a parent, is simple and is based on the fundamental rationale that gender is no basis for distinction in the workplace. The property industry in particular has been focusing more on equality and wellbeing, and is aiming to create a level playfield for all employees.

Research shows that 26% of men and 29% of women have considered switching careers to find a job that better accommodates working families. Equal enhanced parental leave entitlement helps to ensure that men have the same opportunities to be a present parent to their children and allows them to co-parent.

Kirsty Arnold, Chair of The Portman Estate Diversity and Inclusion Working Group, says, “The Portman Estate is committed to creating a more inclusive workplace. Co-parenting in the workplace helps to address gender balance within business and our New Parents’ Leave Policy is a great step in the right direction.

One of the Diversity and Inclusion Working Group’s aims is to attract and retain talent, and we hope our New Parents’ Leave Policy will strengthen our loyal and productive workforce.

We are learning every step of the way and are proud of the work the Diversity and Inclusion Working Group is doing. We look forward to delivering more new initiatives in the future.”

The Portman Estate is keen to work with advisers, partners, consultants and businesses within the area to catalyse conversations surrounding diversity and inclusion policies. The Portman Estate strives to be a forward-thinking employer that not only champions, but delivers an inclusive culture.

Research source: https://www.marketingweek.com/brands-gender-neutralising-parental-leave/