If you’re looking for a luxury pharmacy in London—one that stocks premium skincare, rare supplements, and the kind of indulgent wellness items you didn’t know you needed – John Bell & Croyden in Marylebone is your spot. This historic apothecary has been serving Londoners (and royalty) since 1798, and it’s as stylish as it is practical.

Why John Bell & Croyden is a Marylebone institution

Do you ever get that irrepressible urge to browse a French pharmacy – high-end skincare, mysterious herbal teas, the whole “effortlessly chic health” thing – but realise, tragically, you’re not in Paris? You’re in central London, you’ve got an emergency toothpaste situation, and your supply of Mystical Rejuvenation Elderflower Bloom Tea needs topping up. What’s a person to do?

Easy. You make your way to John Bell & Croyden, Marylebone’s most glamorous pharmacy.

Possibly the most glamorous pharmacy in the whole of London, in fact.

An apothecary with royal approval

Did I say pharmacy? Calling John Bell & Croyden a pharmacy is like saying Buckingham Palace is a house. Technically true. But step inside, and you’ll see what I mean: gleaming marble floors (bring your sunglasses), brass shelves lined with beautifully packaged potions, and elegant flower arrangements dotted all around. Also…armchairs. Retail therapy with rest stops? Now that’s true luxury.

£1,000 bathrobes and £1,300 honey? Have a seat

Then again, after seeing some of the prices, you’re going to need to sit down somewhere. If you’ve ever thought, “I wonder how much I could spend on a deodorant” … here’s a £45 one (refillable, and very pretty, but still).

And bathrobes in merino wool from Australian sheep (the best merino wool in the world, or so I was told) tipping £1,000. And a 230g jar of Manuka honey for £1,300. No, I’m not kidding. It’s a “rare harvest”, apparently. And it does come with a wooden honey spoon that will last forever, so there’s that.

John Bell & Croyden has been around since 1798, and for a place that’s clocked over 200 years, it’s looking very sprightly. Queen Elizabeth was a customer, and they’ve had a Royal Warrant since 1958. Well, if it’s good enough for the Royal Family…

What’s where: skincare, supplements & surprise umbrellas

John Bell & Croyden is large, but very well organised. Step through the main entrance, and you’ll find skincare on the right, with health and well-being on the left. The less glamorous departments (medical aids of all sorts, foot care) are discreetly hidden towards the back of the shop.

Let’s talk skincare first: they’ve got all the fancy French stuff – Caudalie, Nuxe, La Roche-Posay. (No homeoplasmine, though, just as a heads-up. But they do stock Mason Pearson hair brushes.)

They’ve got the dependable German stuff, like Weleda and Dr. Hauschka. Yes, you can get some of these in Boots, but does Boots have this lighting? This atmosphere? Armchairs? And does Boots do lymph body tools? I think not.

Then there’s nutrition and well-being. Jars and boxes line the shelves in beautifully neat rows. It’s grouped by theme (“joint health”, “digestion”, etc) but also features some shelves dedicated to the better known brands. Honestly, it’s a bit like a more expensive version of Baldwins.

And they also sell umbrellas. Because this is London, where you never know when you might need one. (Although…psssst…. they’re cheaper in Boots, by the way.)

Still a pharmacy at heart (with travel jabs, too)

Despite the luxe vibe, it’s still very much your friendly neighborhood pharmacy. They’ll fill your prescription, do your travel vaccinations, and sell you paracetamol, a loofah or dental floss. And speaking of dental care? There are entire walls of toothpaste. Honestly, who knew so much toothpaste even existed?

And the staff? Loads of them, and they’re genuinely lovely—no intimidating are-you-rich-enough-for-us vibe here. Accessibility-wise, it’s pretty good. There’s a corner entrance with wide ramps, and the interior is easy to navigate—even with a pram or a wildly overstuffed shopping basket, let alone in a wheelchair. Wide aisles, too.

Is John Bell & Croyden worth visiting?

Absolutely. Even if you’re just browsing, you’re made to feel welcome. It’s a lovely soothing place to wander in if you want to escape the frenzy of nearby Oxford Street. (Did I mention the armchairs?)

And who doesn’t need a little black book of restful spots in central London?”

(Just don’t let some parts of the internet trick you into thinking John Bell & Croyden is in Croydon. It’s not….)

John Bell & Croyden: plan your visit

Address: 50-54 Wigmore St, Marylebone, W1U 2AU

Website: https://johnbellcroyden.co.uk/

John Bell & Croyden on Google Maps

Opening Hours: Open daily. Mon – Sat 9am to 8pm, Sun 12 – 6pm

How to get to John Bell and Croyden: The nearest transport stop in Bond street (Elizabeth line, Central line, Jubilee line), a 3 minutes walk.

Where to go from there?

Check out Baldwins (London’s oldest herbalist) for a wealth of herbal remedies and supplements. They don’t have the fancy French stuff, but they have organic and vegan skincare, and raw materials and equipment for you to make your own.