Paul Rothe & Son is a long-running family deli in Marylebone that was founded on 2 August 1900 by Paul Rothe as a German delicatessen selling mainly imported goods to the local German community. Over time it evolved into a café-deli known for sandwiches, soups, and grocery provisions, and is now run by the fourth generation of the Rothe family.
The shop at 35 Marylebone Lane has survived both world wars, the changing high street, and the Covid-19 closures. It remains a local institution, widely described as a hidden gem by reviewers and visitors alike.
For anyone looking for a traditional London sandwich shop with a century of history, Paul Rothe & Son offers a rare, unbroken link to the city’s German‑deli past.
Where is Paul Rothe & Son and What Are Its Opening Hours?
Family‑run Delicatessen & Sandwich Shop
1900
35 Marylebone Ln, London W1U 2NN
Sandwiches, Jams, Deli Goods
- Paul Rothe & Son has been operating for over 120 years, surviving world wars and changing high streets.
- The deli is highly rated on Tripadvisor for its artisan sandwiches and old‑world charm.
- Despite being a historic shop, it maintains a strong social media presence, particularly on Instagram.
- The business is still controlled by the same family, now in its fourth generation.
- It is located in Marylebone Village, a short walk from Bond Street tube station.
- Reviews often note the friendly service and the queue that forms at lunchtime.
- The shop is closed on Sundays and has shorter Saturday hours.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Paul Rothe & Son |
| Address | 35 Marylebone Ln, Marylebone, London W1U 2NN |
| Contact | +44 (0)20 7935 6783 |
| Weekday hours | Mon–Fri: 8am–6pm (may vary; some sources list 8:30am–4pm) |
| Saturday hours | Typically 11am–5pm or 11:30am–4pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Founded | 1900 |
| Rating (Tripadvisor) | Excellent |
| Family generation | Fourth |
The most consistent hours come from the official Marylebone Village listing, which states Monday to Friday 8am–6pm and Saturday 11am–5pm. Other directories and reviews display shorter windows, so calling ahead is advisable if you are making a special trip.
What is on the Menu at Paul Rothe & Son?
The deli is best known for custom‑made sandwiches, homemade soups, salad boxes, and specialty provisions. Reviewers and feature pieces consistently mention fresh sandwiches, classic lunch items such as corned beef and pickle, bacon baps, and coronation chicken.
What is the best sandwich at Paul Rothe & Son?
No single sandwich has been officially named by the shop as “the best.” Reviews suggest that the corned beef and pickle is a long‑standing favourite, but the appeal lies in the made‑to‑order approach. Customers can request custom combinations at the counter.
Does Paul Rothe & Son sell jam?
Yes, the shop sells jam and other grocery provisions. Specific brands and varieties are not listed online; visitors can browse the shelves in person.
Is Paul Rothe & Son halal?
The halal status of the meat served at Paul Rothe & Son is not stated on any official or review site. Customers who require halal assurance should contact the shop directly by phone or in person before ordering.
A 2018 feature in Vice highlighted that the deli will accommodate almost any sandwich request, a flexibility that continues to draw lunchtime queues.
What Do Reviews Say About Paul Rothe & Son?
The deli is widely described as a hidden gem and a local institution. The Good Food Guide notes that it “specialises in fresh soups and beautiful sandwiches made to order.” On Tripadvisor, the profile emphasises long family ownership and a conventional diner‑style setting.
User reviews on Tripadvisor consistently praise the freshly made sandwiches, the friendly service, and the old‑school character. Many call it a must‑visit for anyone exploring Marylebone Village.
Local news site MyLondon ran a feature calling the shop “one of London’s best sandwich shops you’ve never heard of,” noting the queue at lunchtime and the enduring family atmosphere.
Arrive early on weekdays to avoid the midday rush. The shop is small and fills quickly with regulars from nearby offices. Takeout is available if you cannot find a seat.
How Old Is Paul Rothe & Son? A Look at Its History
Paul Rothe & Son was founded on 2 August 1900 as a German delicatessen. Founder Paul Rothe imported goods for the local German community. After his death in the early 1930s, his son Robert took over and added a seating area. Paul Rothe, the founder’s grandson, joined the business in 1969 and took over in 1984.
A 2023 article on Spitalfields Life describes how the shop transitioned from a German import store to a neighbourhood café‑deli, always under the same family name. The deli is now in its fourth generation.
In 2023, Speciality & Fine Food Fairs ran a feature interviewing owner Paul Rothe about the shop’s historic charm and its ability to adapt while preserving tradition.
For those interested in other long‑standing London institutions, you might also enjoy reading about Gardens RHS – Your Essential Membership Guide.
How Has Paul Rothe & Son Evolved Over Time?
- 1900: Paul Rothe & Son is founded in Marylebone as a German delicatessen.
- Early 1930s: Founder Paul Rothe Sr. dies; his son Robert takes over and adds a seating area.
- 1969: Paul Rothe (grandson) begins working in the shop.
- 1984: The grandson takes full ownership.
- 2023: Featured in Speciality & Fine Food Fairs and Spitalfields Life articles highlighting the shop’s heritage.
- Present: Still run by the Rothe family, active on Instagram, open for dine‑in and takeaway.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Paul Rothe & Son?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Address: 35 Marylebone Ln, London W1U 2NN | Halal status – not stated on any official or review site |
| Opening hours: Mon–Fri 8am–6pm (per Marylebone Village listing) | Best sandwich – no single official recommendation; subjective |
| Founding year: 1900 | Exact jam brands – known to sell jam but varieties not listed online |
| Highly positive Tripadvisor reviews | Saturday hours vary across listings (11am–5pm vs 11:30am–4pm) |
| Phone number: 020 7935 6783 | Seasonal or holiday hour changes – check Instagram for updates |
What Makes Paul Rothe & Son a Landmark in Marylebone?
Paul Rothe & Son represents a vanishing breed of independent, family‑run delicatessens in central London. Its longevity is a testament to quality and local loyalty. In an era dominated by chains, it remains a cultural and culinary landmark.
The deli successfully bridges tradition and modernity by maintaining historic recipes while engaging a new audience via Instagram. It is a prime example of a small business leveraging heritage as a brand asset.
Where Can You Find Reliable Information About Paul Rothe & Son?
“We sat down with owner Paul Rothe to discuss the historic charm of the shop.”
— Speciality & Fine Food Fairs (2023)
“Coming up to 54 years working in the shop now. Our founder, Paul Rothe taken in the 1920’s.”
— Instagram (@paulrotheandson)
“Excellent delicatessen, in the heart of Marylebone… Classic deli, for dine‑in or takeout.”
— Tripadvisor
The most up‑to‑date photos and daily specials can be found on the official Instagram account of Paul Rothe Delicatessen.
If you are planning a day out in the area, you might also be interested in Escape Country – Schedule, Episodes, Presenters 2026.
What Is the Best Way to Experience Paul Rothe & Son?
To get the full experience, visit during a weekday morning before the lunch rush. Order a made‑to‑order sandwich – corned beef and pickle is a reliable classic – and browse the shelves for jams or provisions. Check the Instagram page for any temporary hour changes or holiday closures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there photos of Paul Rothe & Son deli?
Yes, many photos are available on their Instagram page (@paulrotheandson) and on Tripadvisor user uploads.
Does Paul Rothe & Son offer takeout?
Yes, the deli offers both dine‑in and takeout options.
What is the phone number for Paul Rothe & Son?
The phone number is 020 7935 6783.
Is Paul Rothe & Son open on Sundays?
No, the deli is closed on Sundays.
Where is Paul Rothe & Son located exactly?
The address is 35 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2NN, in the Marylebone Village area.
Related stories
Philip Rowe is Senior Reporter at UKBullet.uk, covering breaking UK news stories.