[THC]

"Starting from benzene, how would you prepare benzyl phenyl ether? More than one step is required."

My suggestion:
Ar + AlCl3 + CH3Cl -> Ar-CH3 (Grignard). That's the benzyl part. How do I make phenol from benzene?

[ARGOS++]

Dear THC;

For Phenol:  Technically by partial oxidation of Benzene.
In the Lab:  ChloroBenzene (maybe better: BromoBenzene) + KOH (~350°C).
                 (There are a lot of other methods too.)

But why not use: Benzyl-Alcohol and Phenol, then you can start for both with Bromination.
For Benzyl-Alcohol see Grignard of:   "Benzyl-Alcohol”

I hope I have been of help to you.

Good Luck!
                    ARGOS⁺⁺