La Fromagerie, located on Moxon Street in the heart of Marylebone Village, has been serving the community for nearly 25 years. Founded by Patricia Michelson, the shop quickly became a local favourite, offering high quality cheeses, artisan breads and a selection of fresh and seasonal produce.
Patricia shares how the location felt almost destined for her concept: “I chose Moxon Street because I loved the building. The great big barn doors at the entrance gave me the feeling that we were entering a dairy.” She sought to create a local space where people could come every day, whether to buy their bread, cheese or groceries.
The shop is as a gathering spot for locals, workers and visitors alike, who find themselves wandering into the “magic of Marylebone,” Patricia explains. Just a stone’s throw from Oxford Circus and Regent’s Park, La Fromagerie attracts a diverse mix of customers. “It’s quite interesting because we’re right in the centre of town… There’s a great sense of people living, working and playing here.”
Patricia’s role in the District
As the founder of La Fromagerie, Patricia has become an integral part of the fabric of the Harley Street Health District. Although the area is primarily recognised for its medical expertise and healthcare services, Patricia’s business provides a vital connection between health and the community.
She sees the District as more than just a place for medical care. “The District actually tells you, ‘come and see us, get your consultation, but just outside the front door there’s somewhere where you can sit down, have a cup of tea and restore yourself’,” she shares, highlighting the seamless integration of healthcare with community spaces. “It’s part of the bigger and wider aspect of the whole estate.”
Patients and professionals from nearby clinics often visit, finding solace in the calm, welcoming atmosphere of the shop. “People come in for respite, maybe after some treatment or before they go to treatment, just to restore themselves with something comforting,” she says. “They sit down, have a sandwich, a cup of tea and are ready to continue their day.”
The importance of food and health
For Patricia, the intersection of food and health is undeniable. She describes the products at La Fromagerie as “natural, pure and carefully sourced.” Her focus is on bringing in products that nurture and contribute to overall well-being. “The milk types used in cheeses, for example, give you a slow-release energy and are easier to digest,” she notes. At La Fromagerie, the focus is on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, which contribute to healthier living.
Patricia’s journey into the food industry was inspired by the concept of terroir, the unique flavour that comes from the land and the local practices surrounding food production. She explains, “When I fell in love with cheese in 1990, I was introduced to Beaufort Chalet d’Alpage. This high-mountain cheese, produced using milk from cows grazing on summer alpine pasture, opened my eyes to the importance of local sourcing and the slow, careful process of making food.”
Additionally, Patricia sometimes works with clinicians and cancer patients, having given talks about foods that help in the healing process. “I give talks about the foods that we have here and encourage patients to taste them. We know certain foods are good for you, and that’s what we’re passionate about,” she says.
Looking forward
Patricia reflects on the unique character of the District, which combines high-end medical care with local, lifestyle-driven businesses like hers. “The district brings together world-class healthcare but also supports the businesses and lifestyle around it,” she says. “It’s not just about healthcare; it’s about living well, feeling comfortable and accessing places like La Fromagerie for good food and a bit of calm.”
“I think it’s a unique area,” Patricia says. “You can go to a doctor’s appointment and then you can stop by the shop for a little restorative break — a sandwich, some cheese and a chat.”
Patricia sums up the District in three words: “Historic, nurturing, and connected.”
“La Fromagerie isn’t just a shop,” she says. “It’s a community space – a place where people can feel a sense of calm, connection and well-being.”
We publish a new People of Harley Street Health District profile each month.
You can catch up on previous episodes on our YouTube channel including Adam Fox, Allergy Centre of Excellence and Dr Emer MacSweeney, Re:Cognition Health.
