london healthy
city guide
One of my greatest passions is traveling and whenever I visit a new place, I love to explore healthy spots. This list is just a start but I hope you're able to enjoy a few of my picks on your next trip to the UK.
- Eat -
Plant-based and healthier eating is growing amazingly fast. From pop up markets to vegetarian restaurants to delivery apps, the goal of 5-a-day has never been easier.
1 - DELICIUOUS ELLA
Beautiful, colorful and delicious deli celebrating plant-based eating! Build your own bowls (chia/smoothie/oats) for breakfast and abundant salad options for later in the day.
2 - WILD FOOD CAFE
This yummy restaurant offers a mix of wild/foraged/seasonal/raw/fresh food and drink in line with Wild’s vision that “food is a celebration of thriving”. Try the medicinal mushroom latte!
3 - OLIVE & SQUASH
farm fresh salads and bowls that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Stop by after an express lunch class at Another_Space Bank location
4 - OTTO LENGI
Inspired wholesome salads and omnivore-friendly dishes. Dine in with friends or take-away - this is a great place to stop by before your flight and pick up a hearty healthy meal.
5 - GRANGER & CO
From Australian serial restauranteur Bill Granger, the beautiful space is designed to evoke memories of 1970s/minimalist Japanese style. Dishes are classic Australian fresh with a twist or two like ricotta hot cakes, avocado toast and more.
6 - VEGGIE PRET
I love that Pret a Manger now has outlets that are 100% plant based! Look for the green star (as opposed to red) and enjoy wide range of chia puddings, wraps and smoothies.
7 - BERBER & Q
North African cuisine that was a real surprise. Try the cauliflower ‘schwarma’ dish and the Jerusalem Salad. This restaurant is located on a lovely street Exmouth Market with a great number of boutiques and a daily food market.
8 - APRES FOOD CO
In the coziest little space decorated with books, fresh cut flowers and ambient lighting, Apres offers seasonal, local and fresh foods.
- SIP -
Although London may be best known for its pubs and traditional teas, the city is flourishing with amazing cafes, coffee shops and juice bars. I’ve also noticed a big emergence in non-dairy milk alternatives this trip.
1 - GRIND
Super trendy coffee shop turned cafe turned bar in the evenings with locations popping up all over London. Cafes are themed with Millennial pink coloring and upbeat music. Love the vegetarian English breakfast.
2 - THE PRESS
Fresh pressed juice/smoothie bar with three locations around London. Smoothies and bowls are divine and the staff are really passionate about health. Try the Berry Recovery.
3 - 26 GRAINS
Tucked away in Neil’s Yard, a small but bustling cafe space with fresh baked items, bowls and delicious coffee.
- SWEAT -
This list is a very tiny start - but to be honest, small studios are not as easy to find and tend to have quite a price tag from what I noticed. The good news is that London is home to an incredible amount of outdoor parks and spaces and the city is so walkable/joggable, making it easy to stay active!
1 - ANOTHER_SPACE
Super modern and chic studio with three options: HIIT, yoga and spin and two locations. Sara teaches an inspiring hot flow yoga (warm, cozy dimmed lights, all gear set up for you) and the HIIT class (I attended Samir’s morning 45 min session) is a nice mix of interval training with boxing moves. Classes vary from 35-60 minutes.
2 - GOOD VIBES
Seriously good vibes at this studio. With two locations and plenty of daily yoga classes, you will enjoy the lower-key nature of the community. The studios have infrared saunas and special lighting to promote detox and relaxation.
3 - TRIYOGA
Didn’t get to practice here but my good friend who lives in London swears by Tri. Numerous locations and a multitude of classes, you can expect a good experience.
- SHOP -
This list is a very tiny start - but to be honest, small studios are not as easy to find and tend to have quite a price tag from what I noticed. The good news is that London is home to an incredible amount of outdoor parks and spaces and the city is so walkable/joggable, making it easy to stay active!
1 - PLANET ORGANIC
A glorious grocery market with all raw/organic/artisanal/sustainable products you could ever need! Multiple locations around London. Stock up on wellness supplements and healthy snacks here.
2 - BUDHHA ON A BICYCLE
Crystals, singing bowls and sage galore here! This quaint space has been open for over ten years. In the downstairs area, you can receive private healings or attend regular meditation workshops.
3 - LULULEMON
Newly opened in Covents Garden with a special ‘test it out’ mini fitness area in the downstairs.
4 - CREOATE
A unique creative concept that is “about more than selling stuff”, invites in different vendors and artisans. When I visited, they had 20 women-owned brands ranging from girl power apparel to homeware. The space hosts regular crafts workshops in addition to offering curated goods.
5 - INNER SPACE
Less about shopping and more about oncoming, this meditation center has a space for attending free or very affordable meditation workshops as well as a special room available at all times for anyone to visit and meditate on her own. This meditation room features a radiant image of divine spirit or self, which makes for inspiring open eye meditating. The main floor sells books on the practice of meditation.
If I've missed one of your favourites, please send a message!