By Our West Fitzrovia Correspondent
Shoppers on Marylebone High Street were treated to an unusual sight yesterday morning when a giant inflatable rubber duck—measuring nearly three storeys tall—lodged itself outside the Conran Shop, blocking traffic and confusing pedestrians.
The duck, which appeared without warning, is believed to have drifted away from an art installation at a nearby private garden party. Witnesses reported seeing it roll majestically down the street, narrowly missing several cyclists, before wedging itself firmly between a lamppost and a bus stop.
“It was both terrifying and oddly soothing,” said Pamela Frobisher, who was on her way to pick up sourdough. “At first I thought it was a publicity stunt for a bath shop. Then it honked.”
Local shopkeepers were quick to adapt. Bill Herb, manager of a local convenience store, set up a pop-up stall selling toy ducks and reported record profits. Meanwhile, the Daunt Books staff temporarily renamed their travel section “Duck Tales.”
The council arrived with a team of engineers, but efforts to deflate the bird were met with boos from gathered children. One bystander, Hector Lummox, suggested keeping it as “Marylebone’s answer to the Eiffel Tower—only rounder, yellower, and harder to explain to tourists.”
Eventually, a group of firefighters managed to tow the duck away using two engines. Curiously, a string quartet walked past, took out their instruments and played calming music throughout the operation.
Where the duck is now remains a mystery. A council spokesperson confirmed only: “It has been relocated to a secure location. Please do not ask where.”
Rumours abound that the duck may return during the Christmas lights switch-on, this time dressed in festive tinsel.
