Paul Rothe & Son – London’s Oldest Deli Since 1900

Tucked away on a quiet corner of Marylebone Lane, Paul Rothe & Son has been serving Londoners since 1900. Known as the city’s oldest delicatessen, this family-run shop is famous for its freshly made sandwiches, an astonishing collection of jams and preserves, and a menu that blends classic British deli fare with touches of its German immigrant origins. Despite its long history, much of the establishment’s story remains scattered across social media posts and review sites — a gap this article aims to fill.

With a loyal following that includes office workers, tourists, and local residents, the deli punches above its modest size. Queues often form at lunchtime, particularly for the Coronation Chicken sandwich, a customer favourite. While the shop’s interior is small, the shelves are lined with jars that stretch “as far as the eye can see,” offering everything from redcurrant jelly to black truffle honey.

This guide covers the Paul Rothe & Son menu, opening hours, customer reviews, historical background, and practical details for visitors. It also addresses common questions that have no clear answer online — such as the deli’s Halal status and the exact ownership lineage — based on the information currently available from official and reputable sources.

What’s on the Paul Rothe & Son Menu?

The menu at Paul Rothe & Son revolves around sandwiches, hot food, and an extensive selection of preserves. The deli originally imported German goods, but over time shifted its focus to jams, condiments, and, more recently, made-to-order sandwiches. Below is a quick overview of the key offerings.

Key Insights

• Paul Rothe & Son is one of London’s oldest delis, operating for over 120 years.
• Despite its age, there is very little structured online information about its menu or history — a major content gap.
• Instagram suggests current ownership by Karoline Rothe, but official history is thin.
• TripAdvisor reviews are highly positive, praising the sandwich selection and friendly service.
• There is no clear official statement on Halal status, which is a frequent user question.

Snapshot Facts

Sandwich Selection

The sandwich list is broad and includes both classic and unusual combinations. Signature options include Coronation Chicken (the most popular), pastrami with pickle and Swiss cheese, salt beef, gammon, ox tongue, banana & bacon, smoked salmon, liver sausage, and liptauer cheese spread. Prices are around £4 each, making them affordable for central London.

Jam and Preserve Collection

The deli’s jam collection is one of its defining features. Jars line the shelves floor to ceiling, offering redcurrant jelly, black truffle honey, London-themed jams, marmalades, jellies, and chutneys. The range is extensive, though no official product list exists online.

What Do Paul Rothe & Son Reviews Say?

Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the deli as a “hidden gem” that is “oozing with history.” On TripAdvisor, the business holds an “Excellent” rating and has received a Certificate of Excellence. On Google, reviews often use phrases like “to die for” when referring to the sandwiches.

The most common praise centres on the quality of the food, the friendly service, and the unique atmosphere. A typical TripAdvisor review states: “Excellent delicatessen, in the heart of Marylebone and just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street. Classic deli, for dine-in or takeout.”

Some customers note that the shop is small and queues can build up at peak lunch hours, especially for the Coronation Chicken sandwich. A few reviews mention occasional long waits, but the general consensus is that the food is worth it.

How Is Paul Rothe & Son Different from Other Delis in London?

Unlike many modern delis, Paul Rothe & Son has preserved its original character. It is not a chain, has no website of its own, and relies on word-of-mouth and social media. Its combination of a century-old legacy, a huge jam wall, and sandwiches made to order at very reasonable prices sets it apart. The Speciality & Fine Food Fairs described it as “one of the capital’s most unique delis.”

Is Paul Rothe & Son the Oldest Deli in Marylebone?

Yes, it is widely considered the oldest deli in Marylebone, and one of the oldest in London. Its Instagram bio calls it “The OLDEST deli in …” reinforcing that claim. The shop has operated continuously since 1900, surviving both world wars and significant changes in the neighbourhood.

Where Is Paul Rothe & Son and What Are Its Opening Hours?

The deli is located at 35 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2NN, a short walk from Bond Street and Oxford Street tube stations. It is easily accessible by public transport and is surrounded by other historic shops and restaurants.

Opening Hours

The most frequently cited hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday, 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The shop is closed on Sundays. However, some sources, including a 2023 blog, list closing times of 4:00 PM. Calling ahead at +44 20 7935 6783 is recommended to confirm.

Takeout and Dining

The deli offers both dine-in and takeout. Given its small size, takeout is a popular option, especially during the lunch rush. Many customers grab a sandwich and eat in nearby Marylebone Gardens or take it back to the office.

What Is the History of Paul Rothe & Son?

The story begins on 2 August 1900, when German immigrant Paul Rothe opened the shop at 35 Marylebone Lane. Originally from Hamburg, he imported German goods such as sausages and provisions. The business passed to his son Robert in the 1930s, then to the current Paul Rothe (a grandson) who took over in 1969 and ran it until 1984. Today, Paul’s son Stephen works alongside him, and Instagram posts indicate that Karoline Rothe (Paul’s wife) is also involved in daily operations.

Over the decades, the shop evolved. It moved away from imported German goods and began focusing on jams, preserves, and condiments. Sandwiches became a primary focus only in recent decades, but they have since become the deli’s main draw. Despite the changes, the family-run ethos has remained constant.

Ownership and Family-Run Legacy

The deli has always been in the Rothe family. The current generation — Paul Rothe and his son Stephen — continue the tradition. The Marylebone Village listing confirms the family-run nature. This continuity is a key reason for its survival and authenticity.

How Has Paul Rothe & Son Evolved Over 120 Years?

1. 1900 – Paul Rothe & Son established by German immigrant Paul Rothe in Marylebone, London.
2. 1900–1930s – Shop focuses on imported German goods; later passed to son Robert.
3. 1969–1984 – Grandson Paul Rothe takes over; shifts emphasis to jams, preserves, and condiments.
4. Recent decades – Sandwiches become the primary focus, with Coronation Chicken emerging as a signature.
5. 2023 – Speciality & Fine Food Fairs publishes an interview calling it “one of the capital’s most unique delis.”
6. 2026 – TripAdvisor shows “2026 Reviews & Information” tag, indicating ongoing popularity with an excellent rating.

What Is Known and What Remains Uncertain About Paul Rothe & Son?

What Makes Paul Rothe & Son a Rare London Institution?

Paul Rothe & Son is a rare survivor from a time when Marylebone was a different commercial landscape. Its longevity speaks to consistent quality and local loyalty. Unlike many historic businesses, it has not been absorbed into a chain or turned into a tourist trap. The shop remains small, personal, and true to its origins.

Another notable aspect is the digital presence gap. Despite its physical popularity, the deli lacks a proper website. Instagram and TripAdvisor are its primary digital footprints. This creates an interesting contrast: a business with a 120-year history but almost no structured online information. For visitors, this means piecing together details from reviews, social media captions, and aggregator sites.

The user intent mismatch is also striking. Top search queries — menu, Halal, jam, opening hours — have no dedicated answer pages. This article is an attempt to bridge that gap, using verified facts from multiple sources.

What Are the Key Sources and Quotes About Paul Rothe & Son?

“A short walk from our central London office is one of the capital’s most unique delis – Paul Rothe & Son.”

— Speciality & Fine Food Fairs, April 2023

“Family-run since 1900, Paul Rothe & Son has been at the heart … renowned for its huge selection of freshly made sandwiches and hot food, The OLDEST deli in …”

— Instagram bio (@paulrotheandson)

“Excellent delicatessen, in the heart of Marylebone and just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street. Classic deli, for dine-in or takeout.”

— TripAdvisor (aggregated review)

Is Paul Rothe & Son Worth Visiting?

For anyone interested in historic London food shops, homemade sandwiches, or simply a step back in time, Paul Rothe & Son is well worth a visit. The prices are reasonable, the quality is high, and the atmosphere is genuinely unique. Just be prepared for a possible queue, and check the hours before you go — especially on Saturdays. If you’re also exploring British retail heritage, you might enjoy reading about Marks & Spencer jeans or UK teddy bear brands, two other enduring UK classics.

Frequently Asked Questions