Stem and Glory, Barbican

Looking for a plant-based meal in the Barbican? “Delicious enough to turn anyone vegan” is how Stem and Glory describe themselves. Voted best vegan restaurant in the capital by Design My Night, Stem and Glory is a must visit vegan café.

The setting

A short walk from either Barbican or St Paul’s tube station, Stem and Glory is tucked away in Barts Square. Mid-week it is popular with city workers.  At the weekend, it’s a great spot for a quiet and relaxed brunch or lunch with friends.

The space

Take a seat at one of the tables for two along the roadside or relax indoors.

You will find light grey washed tables, minimalist furnishings and lots of greenery decorating the ceiling and bar area.

The interior is modern, light and airy and the floral pattern on the windows accentuates the plants. There’s a large choice of tables and you can also unwind near the bar where they serve fine vegan cocktails, mocktails, craft beer and wines.

What else?

Stem and Glory also have an award winning restaurant in Cambridge.

The fresh juice test

We decided to review the Classic Detox Juice – one of four juices and smoothies on the menu.

It’s a bright and vibrant blend of cucumber, ginger, lime and apple.

Not too sweet and not too tangy,  it’s served with a paper straw and an edible flower. We also tried the more indulgent Chocolate Mocha – a clever cross between a smoothie and an iced coffee. The blend of banana, espresso, cacao and almond milk creates a really smooth and creamy drink finished with coffee beans.

What we ate

Everything at Stem and Glory is made fresh on the premises by a talented team of chefs. They change the dishes regularly to make the best of seasonal ingredients. We visited on a Saturday and the weekend brunch menu has some extra dishes that you won’t find mid-week. We tried their Vegan English Breakfast on the waitress’s recommendations. It was full of comforting vegan breakfast essentials- sticky sweet and smoky tempeh bacon, soft scrambled tofu, house-made baked beans, guacamole and crispy mushrooms served with toasted sourdough bread.

We also chose the RainBowl. It was packed with a rainbow of colours: green spiralised cucumber, smashed avocado, orange and purple carrot sticks, roasted beetroot slices, black and salty nori tapenade, baked butternut squash pieces and a watercress salad drizzled with a chipotle mayonnaise.

The star of the bowl was the crispy and thin seedy crackers packed with chia seeds, linseeds and pumpkin seeds.

What we’d go back for…

The service at Stem and Glory was great, with very attentive and knowledgeable staff. Next time, I will try one of the four desserts on offer which inclulde Chocolate Almond Cake, Triple-Layered Raspberry Cheesecake, Mango Cheesecake with Rich Cashew base and Ice Cream with Fruit Coulis.

The bill

Vegan English Breakfast  £12.50
RainBowl  £10.50
Classic Detox Juice  £5.00
Chocolate Mocha  £6.00

Wave, Hackney

WAVE stands for We Are Vegan Everything and is the brainchild of cupcake queens Cait and Soph. Their company ‘Cupcakes and Shhht’ is renowned for frosted cupcakes and cookie sandwiches. The duo created WAVE to offer good, honest and delicious food. The café is proudly fully vegan and on a mission to prove that vegan food is the future.

The setting

WAVE is a 5-minute walk from Hackney Central overground station. Set in a private courtyard with wide, bright glass doors and windows, the café has a large indoor and outdoor seating area.

The space

Outdoors the wooden tables are surrounded by small stools as well as a gorgeous ground seating area covered in patterned rugs, comfy cushions and cosy throws. Or you can relax in their numerous hanging egg chairs.  There are two outside and two hammock chairs inside too.

The light and airy nature of the café has a chilled-out Bali beach vibe.

There are cosy wooden sofas, plush pillows and lots of greenery – plants in vases, flowers on the tables and green foliage dotting the seating areas.

Inside you are welcomed with a well-stocked counter top of fresh sourdough cheese stuffed sandwiches, vegan cream and faux-salmon bagels as well as a selection of bakes, raw bakes and power snacks.

The fresh juice test

All the juices at WAVE are made in house. The Goodness Gracious Green is a vibrant  mix – a not too sweet blend of spinach, apple, spirulina, cucumber, lemon and ginger. It is a real refresher and feels packed with goodness.

We also had the Himalayan salted coffee which comes with oat milk as standard, as do all the hot drinks at WAVE. It tasted just like caramel. Served like a latte, rich and creamy, it tasted unique!

What we ate

The menu at WAVE is extensive with every dish sounding – and looking – delicious.

Decorated with edible flowers, fresh herbs and nuts and seeds, each dish is presented in beautiful stoneware crockery.

We chose the famous Brekky Bowl – a buddha bowl style breakfast feast. It’s filled with organic turmeric scrambled tofu with chives and black salt, basil toasted plum tomatoes, garlic and parsley fried mushrooms, smoky aubergine and avocado served with a fresh wedge of lemon, chilli flakes, mixed seeds, walnuts and rocket.  The dish is gluten-free and packed with flavour. The sticky glazed aubergine was the real highlight of the bowl.

We also had the Mac and Cheese – a creamy and light macaroni pasta in a vegan cheesy sauce topped with roasted tomatoes and broccoli, crispy kale, rich umami coconut bacon and fresh micro herbs.

We spotted slices of pink frosted strawberry and pistachio cake, thickly-stuffed cookie sandwiches, raw berry cheesecakes and peanut butter chocolate slices.

We chose the sticky and generously glazed cinnamon roll. It was subtly sweet and filled with so much cinnamon. Light and fluffy with a silky-smooth glaze, this bun is the perfect afternoon delight.

What we’d go back for

The staff are really friendly and informative, adding an inviting touch to the already incredible eatery.

The bill

Greens juice £5.00
Brekky bowl  £12.50
Mac and cheese £10.00
Salted coffee £3.50
Cinnamon roll £3.50

 

 

Feya, Marylebone

Feya is famous for its pastel décor, butterflies, white blossoms and glistening fairy lights. It’s such a must-visit for locals, bloggers and tourists alike that Amy and I decided to visit and do Glowcation’s first joint review.

It’s run by Zahra Khan, a chef and graduate of Gordon Ramsay’s Tante Marie Culinary Academy. The impressive brunch menu was designed by Virpi Mikkonen, a Finnish author and the blogger behind Vanelja.

The setting

Feya is on St. James Street in Marylebone, just a stone’s throw from St Christopher’s Place and Selfridges. It’s a peaceful escape from the busy crowds of Oxford Street.

The space

From the outside, you can’t miss the iconic cherry blossom trees and glass cake stands in the window.

The floral theme continues inside, with golden butterflies on the pastel pink walls.

Dusky pink chairs and velvet couches add to the elegant atmosphere. There are small marble-top tables and golden cutlery. The quick turnaround of tables means you’re likely to get a seat. But don’t expect to get your laptop out and spend the day there. In particularly busy times, you can choose grab and go. We love the aqua algae or emerald matcha with your choice of dairy or plant-based milk.

 

The fresh juice test

Feya has a selection of cold-pressed juices and smoothies. With so many options to choose from, we eventually decided to review the the layered Mermaid Smoothie. It features dragon fruit, zucchini and blue spirulina and it was delicious. We also had to try one of their six speciality lattes – the pretty Pearl Rose latte with oat milk.

What we ate

The brunch menu has the most choice.

We ordered the Be Gentle – pink oats, caramel chia pudding, mashed rose raspberries, banana flowers and rose petals.

In addition, we tried the Pastel Rainbow Smoothie – a two-tone smoothie bowl with pineapple, banana, spirulina, pitaya and coconut milk, topped with crunchy granola, edible flowers and fresh fruit.

 

While there are several vegan and gluten-free options to choose from, the menu also caters to non-vegans, with dishes such as chicken cobb salad, pesto pasta and a goat’s cheese quiche. The signature dish is avocado toast where the avocado is carved into roses on a bed of hot pink hummus dyed with beetroot. However, the bread which it comes on does contain dairy. The food at Feya is relatively pricey, but is very good quality and stunningly presented.

The little things that make the difference

The decoration is undoubtedly the most outstanding factor of Feya and is what draws people in from near and far.

The bill

Be Gentle  £8.50
Pastel Rainbow Smoothie  £10.70
Mermaid Smoothie  £8.50
Pearl Rose Latte  £5.50

Wild Food Café, Islington, North London

Wild Food Café in Islington is a far cry from the cosy, rustic feel of their Neal’s Yard location, but it’s just as inviting and a short walk from Highbury and Islington tube on Upper Street.

Wild Food Café strive to find the most nourishing and inspiring ingredients available. Their sources include wild crafted and foraged foods from pristine eco systems, small organic farmers and ethical and local suppliers.  Everything is raw, plant based and, I think, delicious.

The space

The interiors feel sleek and millennial. There is also much greenery, with marble tabletops and pink detailing to round off the beautiful, open space.

Founders Aiste and Joel have created the most aesthetic, innovative feel to their second location, which is reflected in the food served.

The little things that make a difference

From the plants to the open kitchen, the stylistic details are what make the open space so magnificent. I’m a sucker for an open kitchen, complete with pizza oven and breakfast bar, as it allows for an element of transparency. There is no fear in presenting the labour behind the food, the ingredients and process behind every dish.

Whilst there are plugs and yes, there is WiFi, Wild Food Café will always first and foremost be a restaurant. You could sit for the odd hour or so with your laptop, especially as the environment feels ever so calming, but I wouldn’t stay more than that. There are so many other options on Upper Street to set up camp for the afternoon, save Wild Food for a magic elixir with friends, or a blowout brunch date.

The fresh juice test

I’ve had many a green juice at the Neal’s Yard branch. The Vibrant Green I decided to review contains celeriac, sea beet, watercress, nettle, sea purslane, mint and apple. However, it is the smoothies and hot elixirs that I urge you to try. From a rose hot chocolate to the cacao ecstasy I guzzled, they are every so dreamy.

What we ate

Each plate can only be described, as a masterpiece in its own right. Every dish as different in structure, flavour and finish as a row of art works in a gallery.  In my opinion, there is nowhere in London quite like it. It’s the main reason I keep coming back. The menu combines both the healing nature of food with the taste and presentation of a Michelin star restaurant.

The menu changes with the seasons introducing new ingredients, medicinal plants, adaptogens and herbs.

 

We had the Italian pizza  made with marinara sauce, cashew cheese sauce, cherry tomatoes, wild leaf pesto, sun-blushed artichokes, pink olives, rocket, basil and nori and the Fawaffle.

It was a falafel waffle served with cashew and mint cream, sweet chilli sauce, red cabbage slaw, pepper and tomato salsa and sprouted lentil hummus.

They were both part of the weekend lunch menu. The menu during the week varies. Then we shared the limited edition Easter egg, part of the Easter weekend specials. This dessert was the star of the show. The white chocolate cream was gloriously fluffy and decadent and formed a lovely sweet bed for the double-layered chocolate egg to sit on, filled with hazelnut praline. This was seasonal, but it’s worth saying that there’s always an amazing selection of raw desserts year round.

What we’d go back for…

Dessert. I won’t stop until I’ve tried every sweet dish on the menu.  Plus, the staff themselves who greet you so warmly as you walk through the door and serve each plate with love are another reason to return.

The bill

Vibrant green juice  £8
Italian pizza  £15.50
Fawaffle  £12.50
Desserts from  £7.50

 

Caravan Bankside, Southwark

Need a London café close to the Tate Modern that ticks all the boxes? Caravan Bankside is a Southwark must visit for breakfast, lunch, dinner or just coffee and a home brewed kombucha. They cater for vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters. Our verdict? It doesn’t just entice, it delights and delivers.

The location

Caravan Bankside is located in an old metal box factory in this achingly cool area of  Southwark, a stone’s throw from the Tate Modern. It’s also an easy walk to the Menier Chocolate Factory, The Globe Theatre and Borough Market.

The space

The spacious café has retained many original 19th century features and has a warm, industrial feel.

Imagine large windows, white columns, stripped wood and metal girders. You could easily spend the day here with your laptop or celebrate with a large group.

 

What else

Caravan Bankside is the third branch of Caravan. Their mixed menu is also on offer at Exmouth Market, King’s Cross, Fitzrovia and in the City. They also brew their own immune boosting kombucha and shrubs.

The fresh juice test

As well as fresh juices, shots and milk blends (hot and cold), Caravan Bankside brew their own immune boosting ferments and pro-biotic sodas.

The ginger and galangal soda and the pomegranate kombucha sounded particularly appealing. In the end, we decided to review two fresh juices. First, the cucumber, apple, parsley, spinach and sorrel which was a prefect balance of sweet and bitter. Next we tested the beetroot, cucumber, cayenne and lemon. We’d never had beetroot in a juice without apple before, but didn’t miss it, as there was enough sweetness and it was refreshingly light.

What we ate

Caravan serves up a little bit of everything from across the globe; from small plates and snacks to larger dishes.

We began with snacks and chose the the stilton and peanut wantons with ketjap dip.

They were crisp and exquisite. We followed with the charred hispi cabbage, sweet miso, blue cheese and thai basil. This dish was even more heavenly, with the sweet miso sauce taking it to a new level.  Finally, we had the split pea dahl, braised greens, carrot relish, ginger jam, coconut yoghurt and pickled red onion. This was also good but not a standout dish.

What we’d go back for

The cabbage… and we want to try their plant-based breakfasts next time – which include spiced yoghurts, steel cut oat porridge and smoothie bowls. Plus, their industrial themed unisex toilets are lovely, with stripped bricks, exposed copper piping and Aesop hand washes and creams.

The bill

Stilton and peanut wantons, ketjap manis £4.50
Charred hispi cabbage £7.50
Split pea dahl and braised greens £14.50
Juices £4.50

Avobar review

London first all-avo dining concept began life as a pop-up. It took off and now has a permanent site.  Avobar does pretty much what it says on the tin – it’s a restaurant where everything on the menu has avocado in it, on it or blended into it.

It’s the perfect green homage to the humble fruit. Set away from the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden, Avobar is the perfect spot for a lazy weekend brunch or a quick work time lunch with colleagues.  There’s something on the menu for everyone so expect queues.

The space

Walking into Avobar will bring a smile to your face. The lobby is full of avo-merchandise: t-shirts, bowls, jumpers and quirky gifts ideal for the avo-lover. There are plants everywhere you look- lining the seating area and intertwining above the tables. Green tiles and the wooden seats are lined with colourful cushions and create a cosy atmosphere.

In the middle of the restaurant you’ll find the quirky coffee and smoothie bar  which constantly churns out superfood lattes and vegetable-packed drinks. While the back of the restaurant offers extra seating for large groups and is perfect for an evening dinner party.

The little things that make a difference

Impressively, Avobar sources their avocados ethically and sustainably working with growers and farmers all over the world.

The fresh juice test

Upon the waitress’s recommendation, I chose the The Rocket Smoothie.

It was a creamy blend of avocado, agave syrup, chia seeds, rocket, spinach, lime and oat mylk.

The flavour of the rocket really comes through and adds a ‘peppery’ edge to the drink. It was perfectly sweet due to the agave and oat mylk, It was smooth, thick, and uplifting. They also have a range of Daily Dose Juices in the well-stocked fridge.

What we ate

We ate avocado. And lots of it! Any which way you like, Avobar caters to all your avocado cravings and then some. To start with, we enjoyed deliciously warming Red Velvet Oat Mylk Lattes with a gorgeous pink colour thanks to the fresh beetroot juice and raw cacao powder. The red velvet latte was their special of the day, although they do have a delicious core range.

Next we enjoyed the classic avocado toast – presented and served to perfection. Thickly sliced sourdough toast topped with creamy smashed avocado, chilli flakes and a deliciously thick and ‘cheesy’ coconut labneh. The fresh watercress and herbed oil added a refreshing touch to the dish. This Smashed Chilli Avo packed a real flavour punch. They also offer a variety of topped toasts and even sweet potato ‘toast’ to go with their all-day brunch options.

To follow, we shared their vegan (and gluten free) dessert: white chocolate, lime and avocado cheesecake. A de-constructed dessert with a biscuit-y crumb and the creamiest quinelle-style “cheesecake”.

It beautiful balanced sweet and tangy thanks to the dairy-free white chocolate and zesty lime juice.

The avocado added a creamy rich touch – so rich but refreshing. A winning dessert!

What we’d go back for…

Avocados! Despite consuming avocado in three forms in one sitting, I didn’t feel like I had ‘over-done it’ at all, as all the dishes and drinks were fresh, high quality and delicious. I’d definitely go back for The Rocket smoothie!


The bill

Special red velvet latte £4.00
Smashed chilli avo £9.70
Avo cheesecake £6.30
The Rocket smoothie £5.50


The Brasserie at Cloud Twelve, Notting Hill

There have been a lot of whisperings about this new wellness and lifestyle club in Notting Hill.

Tucked down a trendy West London mews off a colourful W11 street, is Cloud Twelve. I felt like I’d been let in on a little secret.

Cloud Twelve prides itself as a lifestyle space that is a blend of work and home.  It’s been created with much love which you can see in all the beautiful detail of the interior and it aims to bring friends and families together to relax, have fun, share ideas, learn new skills and enjoy some precious ‘me time’. It’s a place to unwind, detoxify and rejuvenate body and mind improving overall wellness.

The crowd

The brasserie and spa are both open to non-members. So you can treat yourself to a massage before enjoying the beautiful dishes.

It’s the kind of place you want to stay all day and just enjoy the vibes.

It’s family friendly, but children have their own interactive play area.

The space

The setting is beautiful and relaxing.  There is a large window looking over the mews, a giant Buddha head, fresh flowers, aged wooden tables and counters and comfy green leather seating.

The fresh juice test

They don’t offer juices but their smoothie menu is something to write home about.

They offer four smoothies and you can see that each one has had a lot of thought put into it, with added boosters such as lucuma, baobob, maca and chlorella.

I went for the greenest of them all: the ‘Green Cleanse’. It was a blend of apple, broccoli, avocado, spinach, hemp, wheatgrass, barley grass, spirulina, chlorella, mint, lemon & plant milk. Surprisingly, with all that good stuff, it didn’t taste overwhelmingly grassy and was a lovely way to start my meal.

What we ate

The organic, plant-based menu in the brasserie takes inspiration from the small plate mezze culture of Spain and is designed by Stu Henshall (founder of the Alternative Kitchen). The menu ranges from breakfast bowls and small morning plates to lunch plates of salads and warming dishes to overwhelmingly beautiful cakes, medicinal teas and even carefully selected organic wines.

I visited at lunch time, so tucked into three of their small plates. It was extremely hard to choose.

All of the menu looked absolutely delicious.

In the end, I chose the Forest Mushroom Linseed Bake (which was one of the yummiest things I’ve ever tasted), the Spinach and ‘Ricotta’ Filo Parcel (fully vegan from the basil-infused tofu cheese), and the Spring Green Salad which was a mix of asparagus tips, peas and mint in a zingy lemon dressing.

All of the dishes were wonderful and I am keen to head back very soon to try the rest. And, in my classic way, I accompanied everything with a warming Turmeric Latte with coconut milk and a slice of one the most heavenly Vegan Chocolate Cake I’ve ever had!

The little things that make a difference

The family space downstairs offers an amazing place for member’s children to explore their magical forest. They can be left to play and learn with their Ofsted registered assistants, or parents can join in the fun too.

They have a wonderful tea menu so it’s worth popping in just to try one of them out.

What we go back for…

The relaxed vibe and friendly staff really make you feel like you were already part of their community and invited you to stay for the day.

The bill

Green Cleanse Smoothie  £6
Turmeric Latte  £4
3 x small plates  £15

Ethos, Fitzrovia

Ethos’ mission statement is to  serve deliciously, innovative meat-free cuisine that appeals to the largest number of people.

Tucked away behind Top Shop, just off Oxford St, Ethos is open seven days a week. Their global menu is stacked with creative choices catering for vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and refined sugar-free diets. It’s self service and pay by weight!


The setting

Located in Fitzrovia, Ethos is a haven from the hustle and bustle of nearby Oxford St.

The award-winning café interior is light and airy. It’s dotted with stunning silver birch tree trunks which create a fantastic sense of beauty and nature.

There’s also a combination of black and white marble tables, leather benches and classic chairs. As you enter,  you’re greeted with a selection of freshly baked cookies, cakes and meringues. The staff are incredibly helpful and you’re shown to your table as you arrive. The restaurant cleverly contains partitions, so if you’re having a more private meeting you’re safe here too.

The little things that make a difference

The service was super speedy and the waiter was very attentive with lots of knowledge of the menu. There are plenty of vegan options, which can often pose difficulties for breakfast. Ethos are clearly very experimental and ahead of the trend – offering scrambled tofu and seitan on the breakfast menu.  They also offer a range of healthy snacks to go at the till. I particularly love the Emily crisps and the Brave peas which are perfect for snacking on.

 

The fresh  juice test

We ordered the green detox smoothie which is frozen and the deepest green  in colour. It was packed with pineapple, kale, apple, ginger, spinach, wheatgrass, chlorella, barley grass and spirulina. Although, for me, it tasted heavily of apple and pineapple,  so I’ m not sure I’d reorder it.

What we ate

We visited for breakfast, but it’s worth noting that for lunch there’s a whole selection of vegetarian and vegan salads, noodles, stews and roasted veg.

We ordered the shakshuka – eggs poached in chilli tomato sauce with black pitta. It was absolutely bursting with flavour and packed with spice. Served in a mini casserole pot, the presentation was clearly thought through. We also had the blueberry and coconut yoghurt vegan pancakes which had a similar texture to a sponge cake. It was ideal for breakfast, as it wasn’t overly sweet and the flavour combinations worked really well. To drink,  we ordered a matcha latte which was delicious, not too sweet (as sometimes they can be) and it provided the perfect hit. Finally, we got The Real Kombucha which was refreshing and light in taste. Very delicious.


What we’d go back for…

The menu is so varied that we wanted to try everything!  The food was bursting with flavour and I really enjoyed the natural environment and being surrounded by real tree trunks. I can’t wait to come back for lunch!

The bill

Shakshuka  £7.50
Matcha latte  £4.00
Pancakes  £7.00
Supergreen smoothie  £4.90
Kombucha  £4.50

 

 

 

 

 

TYF, Fulham

TYF, short for Tell Your Friends, is the brainchild of sisters Lucy and Tiff Watson, stars of Made In Chelsea and passionate vegans.

It’s a café with a mission – one to show that there’s more to vegan life than salad!


The space

It’s at the Parson’s Green end of the King’s Road – with a front conservatory you can’t miss. It’s cool with a very boho-chic feel. It has a brick wall on one side, a cosy front entrance, a casual middle section, plus a smarter area at the back of the restaurant. On the side wall, there’s a range of cacti and greenery which gives the restaurant a relaxed plant-focused feel.

We went during the day, but the bar and the neon signs on the wall paint the perfect setting for an evening meal too.

The fresh  juice test

The green juice was a combination of cucumber, celery and apple. Sometimes simplicity is best. It wasn’t trying to be too fancy and had a really refreshing taste.

The little things that make the difference

I loved the square water bottles which were packed with mint. You can tell there’s been a huge focus on attention to detail and all the brands are ethical. The bar is fully stocked with vegan beers and quinoa based spirits. They also offer the range of Seedlip non-alcoholic for the tee-totallers.

The whole menu is vegan and incredibly innovative.

It includes plant based fish and chips, vegan chicken dippers, raw vegan lasagne and plant- based burgers. TYF also caters for the gluten-free diet with a range of options.

What else?

I loved the diversity of the menu. I really want to come back and work my way through it all! Everything looked so delicious!

What we ate

We went for the buddah bowl which was a variety of quinoa, tofu, sprouts, edamame, avocado, sugar snap peas and tofu. It was seasoned with an array of Asian inspired flavours which really packed a punch.

It had a great mix of textures and, from a nutritionist’s point of view, was very balanced for a vegan meal.

We also had the bean burger with cashew cheese which tasted exactly like normal cheese and was packed with flavour. It was also loaded with caramelised onions which went really well the cheese.

Finally, we got the vegan apple pie with coconut and nutmeg ice cream which melted perfectly into the dessert. It was sweet, but not too overpowering and the spices really came through. The dessert was drizzled with a caramel which also delicious.


What we’d go back for…

The apple pie! I loved the fact the apples were in chunks rather than a purée. They still had their crunch which, when combined with the topping and ice cream, was a complete explosion in your mouth. So delicious!

The bill

Bean burger  £12.50
Buddah bowl  £13.00
Green juice  £4.50
Coconut Water  £3.45
Apple crumble  £7.50


 

Squirrel, Kensington

Squirrel combines health, fun and a lot of greenery right in the heart of South Kensington.

This fast, casual café is quickly becoming one of the capital’s must visit pit stops.

 


The Setting

This cute woodland haven is less than a minute’s walk from South Kensington station and close to Hyde Park and museums.  You can choose between a variety of nature filled seating options. There is the indoor garden, upstairs treehouse (booth-tables, nestled among forest greenery overlooking the café), or outdoor tables on the pavement.

The walls are decked out in greenery, plant pots hang from the ceiling and there are trees in the middle of the restaurant. This creates an immersive atmosphere, surrounded by nature.

The Green Juice Test

We tried the “Happy Squirrel” smoothie – a wonderfully green blend of banana, matcha, cashew butter, vanilla, cinnamon, spinach, almond milk and coconut nectar. It was perfectly thick with just the right amount of sweetness! The extensive range of drinks in the fridge includes plenty of cold-pressed juice, kombucha and charcoal water.

The Little Things

Squirrel is stacked full of cute details like the Drinking Well with flavoured waters (including wild berry, lemon and cayenne, barley water and jasmine green tea).

The “Squirrel Away” section offers a “pic-n-mix” style selection of snacks, such as, dehydrated banana chips and all sorts of nuts. They also sell grab-and-go snacks, like healthier popcorn, coconut bites and chickpea puffs. Squirrel are also dog friendly.



What we ate

We ordered the Ginger Spice Grain Bowl – a nutrient-dense salad made with tofu, quinoa, spinach, beetroot, sweet potato, shredded red cabbage, mixed seeds and avocado, tossed in a delicious carrot-ginger-miso dressing.

Let’s be honest, you can’t call it brunch if avocado toast isn’t involved! We got it on gluten-free toast with a squeeze of lime, a pinch of chilli flakes and a handful of rocket to garnish.

We finished the meal on a sweeter note with the açai bowl, blended with banana, pineapple and mixed berries, and topped with granola, toasted coconut chips and chia seeds – a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds!


What else?

We loved the huge variety of options, from the “Create your own” salad bar to tortilla wraps, as well as every classic brunch staple.

Squirrel is also on Deliveroo.

What made us glow?

The cosy woodland décor and the cute interior details!


The bill

GF Avocado Toast   £7.20
Acai Bowl   £6.95
Ginger Spice Tofu Grain Bowl   £8.50
Happy Squirrel Smoothie   £6.95

 

 

Greenberry

 

Deep in the heart of North London’s idyllic Primrose Hill is Greenberry Café.

Their passion is great food made with the best ingredients.


 

The setting

The interior is warm and welcoming and reminded me of a chic little Parisian spot.

The design is stripped back brick, peppered with luscious plants and wall mirrors. The coloured Victorian floor tiles were a real favourite of mine.


The green juice test

Greenberry do fresh juices which change daily so you have to ask for their daily menu. Luckily, they had a tasty green juice for me to try -I’ve visited many Glowcations recently and this was one of my favourite juices to date.

It was a mix of fennel, apple, spinach & celery and tasted spot on!

What else?

They have quite an extensive drinks menu and serve my other beloved favourites… a beetroot latte as well as kombucha.

The little things

If you’ve ever walked through Primrose Hill village, you’ll know how picture perfect it is. So the location alone of this cute little café has real appeal.



What we ate

We popped in for brunch and I was surprised at how large the brunch menu was. There was a huge selection of dishes on sourdough (yum). We chose the avocado, sweet potato hummus, two poached eggs and dukkah on sourdough plus the Kedgeree with a poached egg (and I also had food envy of everyone else getting their dishes nearby).

Perhaps we made a bad choice, but our mains both lacked flavour and any real wow factor. On the plus side, the sourdough bread was delicious and if you’re keen for something simple then it would definitely be a great choice. After our eggs, we were still in need of something else, and sadly they don’t have any healthy treats to finish off with.

So, we shared the pancake with ricotta and berries which left me on a high as it was delicious.

All the food was accompanied by an oat milk matcha, the green juice and also a fresh grapefruit juice.

The bill

Matcha with oat milk  £4.10
Grapefruit Juice  £4
Green Juice   £4.95
Avocado, Hummus & Poached Eggs on Sourdough   £9.50
Kedgeree with Poached Egg   £9.50
Berry Pancakes  £9

What made you glow?

The atmosphere was warm and homely!

I felt very calm and serene and could have stayed and kept ordering matcha’s all day long.

If you’re in that neck of the woods and need a quiet spot to recharge in, I would definitely head to Greenberry Café.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notting Hill: Farmacy, superstylish plant-power

The founder of Farmacy, Camilla Fayed, believes that people are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of the ‘conscious eating’ movement, so she opened Farmacy two years ago to reflect this.

Serving vegan food (plus eggs) and including many gluten-free, refined sugar free and raw dishes on the extensive menu…it has to be on our Glowcation hit list!

The setting

Farmacy occupies a large corner space on Notting Hill’s Westbourne Grove. As you approach, you see hanging plants and twining ivy surrounding the large windows and entrance.

Once inside, the plant theme continues and there is a useful, small waiting area (since it can be very busy).

The restaurant has been designed around a central green wood and brass bar. There are lots of wooden tables, plus plush booths and banquettes around the walls. The large windows flood the room with light and the many plants create a natural vibe which tones with the green upholstery and ties in with the food.

The little things

In every window there are coloured vases with plants. They have clearly thought really well about all the little details in the restaurant. There are plug sockets at the wall and window tables.

The fresh juice test

For my very first green juice test, I chose the greenest juice possible: the Alkaline booster – cucumber, kale, celery, spinach, romaine, lemon and parsley. Normally,

I like to include a sweet component like apple or pear, so this one was very green for me and not sweet at all.

I did like it though, as I got a huge vitamin boost, but the celery was too strong for me, so that’s why I’m not 100% sold on my choice.

What we ate

My friend and I shared two plates, one sweet, one savoury. Seeing they had waffles on the menu, I was sold in ten seconds and so we had the Chocolate Chip Warrior waffles and the Macro bowl. We started off with the waffles. As a serious waffle fan, I have to admit  I’ve never had such crisp waffles before – which I think is even more impressive for vegan waffles.

The delicious waffles came with house made “nutella”, coconut yoghurt, banana and cacao nibs.

The “nutella” had a very rich cacao flavour and no sign of crunchiness from hazelnuts. I t was a smooth paste, like real Nutella! That – together with the co-yo – was a great combination with the super crunchy waffles and cacao nibs.

Farmacy
Farmacy

The Macro Bowl was basic, minimal and clean – quinoa served with avocado, seaweed, sauerkraut, steamed seasonal greens & sweet potato with a miso ginger dressing.

I normally don’t really like salad dressing, but the miso ginger dressing had a very rich, nutty flavour and finished off the dish.

The bill

The green juice £7
Matcha latte £6
Waffles £10.50
Macro bowl £14.50


What else

You can get a chance to see the chefs at work on the way to the toilet as you pass by the kitchen. Plus there’s a private room with a huge square table, plants, posters and candles

What made us glow

Our dishes and the dishes around me. They were all so pretty that I couldn’t stop looking to see what someone else had ordered.

I really liked the interior.

Interiors are always important for me, as a well furnished restaurant makes me more excited about the food! And last, but not least, the waffles really made me glow! I was so impressed by the crunchiness of them!

To read our interview with the founder Camilla Fayed click here. 

Farmacy

Soho: Mildreds, the vegetarian trailblazer

Behind its pretty blue facade on Greek St, Mildred’s has been a Soho institution for over a quarter of a century.

This vegetarian trailblazer first opened its doors in 1988 and has served international vegetarian cuisine ever since.

The menu remains modern, innovative and delicious. There’s no reservations, but it’s well worth queuing for!

The setting

Set in the heart of Soho, just a side street away from Regent Street, Mildred’s is a vegan and vegetarian delight. With the option of grabbing a takeaway or sitting down for a leisurely lunch, it makes the perfect healthy pitstop. Its bright blue, signature window frame is hard to miss and the warm, basic interior is normally packed full.

Design-wise, it might not be as “cool” as it’s rivals, but Mildred’s put all their effort and energy into making good value, plant-based food incredibly tasty and exciting.>

The little things

I love the fact that on busier days I can pop into Mildred’s and pick-up a selection from their array of salad options, soups and mains such as stuffed aubergine. A large salad will only cost you £6.50 which I think is great value for a house-made healthy meal in the heart of London.

The green juice test

Mildred’s has a choice of five fresh juices. The green juice (apple, kale, cucumber and lemon) didn’t really do it for me.

The juice was predominantly apple, so it was far too sweet for my taste.

Personally I prefer a much sharper green juice, but for those with a sweeter tooth, I’m sure it would hit the spot. I preferred the carrot, apple, beetroot and ginger juice, which had a delicious kick to it.

What else?

Mildred’s is dog friendly, which I think is a lovely feature in a West End Glowcation. There are also three other branches in Camden, Dalston and King’s Cross.

What we ate

More like what didn’t we eat! We ordered a selection of the small plates to try a range of the dishes.

We tried tenderstem broccoli with chilli and a soya sauce, miso aubergine with ginger and spring onions, hummus with rose harissa, chickpeas with persian limes and rose petal harissa and roasted squash with spinach, hazelnut and almond dukkah and tahini.

All the dishes were absolutely bursting with such a range of flavours.

The chickpeas were plump and meaty and the aubergine had just the right amount of miso; often you find they drown the aubergine, but this had clearly been brushed with a light coating ensuring it had just the right hit, but wasn’t too sweet.


This is a perfect example of how plant-based foods can be totally delicious and creative.

The bill

Green Juice: £4.50
Beet Juice: £4.50
Hummus: £6.00
Roasted Squash: £5.00
Chickpeas: £5.00
Broccoli: £5.00
Aubergine: £4.00


What made us glow

I really appreciated that all the dishes came out at the same time (fairly quickly too).

It meant we could enjoy a range of flavours together rather than eating one dish and waiting for the next ones.

Shoreditch: Aussie Grind and avocados

Founded by an Australian musician, Shoreditch Grind features a healthy Antipodean-inspired menu and an upstairs recording studio.

It’s cool, quirky and hip and the brunch is pretty amazing too!

Shoreditch Grind is the original of four restaurants across London. It opened in 2011.


The setting

Located on Old Street Roundabout, right above the underground station, Shoreditch Grind is quick and easy to get to and perfect for people-watching. Our tip is to sit on the bar facing out through the full-length windows – which also  provides great lighting for that Instagram shot!

There’s a vintage cinema display outside and exposed brick walls.

The décor is minimalist – metal pipes run along the high ceiling and a neon sign spells out “cocktail baby” above the bar. Rumour has it, they make the best expresso martini in town! There are plenty of tables available both indoors and outdoors, plus you can take-away.

The staff are particularly accommodating for allergies and are happy to make adjustments, such as swapping almond milk into the porridge instead of dairy.

The little things

I loved the gorgeous ceramic crockery and the red coffee cups and saucers that perfectly match the red neon signs. The free wifi makes this an inviting place to sit with your laptop and catch up on emails.

Each dish is made from fresh, seasonal ingredients, ideally sourced locally, and the presentation has clearly been carefully considered.

Plus, you know you’re in good company given there’s a wall stacked with the autographs of the celebrities who have visited, from Kate Nash to Gabrielle Aplin.

The fresh juice jest

Their juices and smoothies come bottled from Press London but taste very fresh and are made from high quality ingredients.

I got the Green Smoothie, made from spinach, avocado, cucumber, apple and banana, as well as a cold-pressed Amber Juice – orange, carrot, apple and ginger. Both were divine!

They also offer a variety of multi-coloured lattes such as a fluorescent pink beetroot latte and a golden turmeric latte.

What we ate

We ordered three mains (and three drinks) between two very hungry girls. The smashed avocado was ripe and chunky, freshly mashed with lemon juice and chilli flakes. It came with two runny poached eggs with bright orange yolk, and crisp sourdough toast – although I was surprised that they do not offer gluten-free toast.

The açai bowl is a delicious blend of frozen açai berries and banana, decorated with coconut flakes, flaxseeds and blueberries.

We also got gluten-free porridge, which I requested with almond milk.

It had a creamy consistency and was topped with crunchy granola for a contrast in texture, as well as a handful of berries.

What else?

If you’re a coffee fan, they sell tins of their Grind House Blend Coffee, both in whole beans and ground, which is roasted daily, plus they mix a mean cocktail.>


The bill

Smashed avocado and eggs  £8.50
Acai bowl   £6
Porridge   £5
Amber juice   £4.25
Green Smoothie  £4.50


What made us glow

Beautiful and nourishing food in a landmark hipster setting with a laid back vibe.

Covent Garden: By CHLOE. iconic vegan NYC sensation hits town

By CHLOE. is an award winning, plant-based, fast-casual, vegan sensation in the US.

It has nine branches and has served over 610,000  ‘Guac burgers’ since July 2015.

In February their first location opened in Covent Garden’s theatreland. “We have wanted to expand internationally.” says Founder and creative director Samantha Wasser.


“We started looking at where the requests were coming from. There were so many requests coming from London. We looked at our Instagram stats and it was NYC, LA, London. The reception has been incredible.”

The Setting

By CHLOE. lures you in with it’s iconic swinging chairs, pink neon signs, mosaic topped tables and signature banquettes.

It’s on Russell Street just opposite the stage door for 42nd Street.  The black and white striped floors and monochrome tiles are covered with a mixture of small and large tables, a selection of potted plants are dotted throughout and the staff are super-friendly.

Even the toilets have super-cool plant power wallpaper.

We could have stayed all afternoon just swinging around admiring the view.

The Green Juice Test

There are six cold pressed juices on offer with a choice of two green ones- The Giving Tree (kale, spinach, wheatgrass, apple and lemon) and the Junkie (kale, spinach, wheatgrass, cucumber, parsley and lemon).

Our tip is to also try the Seasonal Lemonades. We tried Clementine and went back for another.

The Little Things

By CHLOE. is exceptionally dog friendly. Dogs have their own section of the menu Woof By Chloe featuring Pupcakes (organic whole oat K 9 cupcakes) and BagO’ Dog Bones (house-made organic peanut butter dog bones).

There are also plug sockets for working diners.

 

What we ate

There’s a huge choice, including some UK specials like a vegan take on Fish and Chips made from tofu, but we couldn’t resist their best sellers.  We tried and adored The Guac Burger, a fabulous black-bean, quinoa and sweet potato pattie with corn salsa, guac, tortilla strips, chipotle aioli in a wholemeal bun.

The Mac N’ Cheese with sweet potato and cashew cheese sauce was a hit with us on a recent trip to New York and it didn’t disappoint in London.  In fact we can’t wait to go back and have it again with its almond “parm” and a super tasty shitake bacon topping.

The amazing avocado pesto pasta with grape tomatoes and almond parm was so good that we might go for this as a main next time. And finally we tried some more-ish air baked sweet potato fries. Make that a double next time!


The Bill

Green Juice £4.80
Seasonal Lemonade £2.75
The Guac Burger £9.00
Quinoa Taco £9.95
Mac N’ Cheese  side £4.80
Avocado Pesto Pasta side £4.80
Air baked Sweet Potato Fries £4.00


What Else?

By CHLOE. is spacious,  a cool place to chill and it’s good value for well made vegan cuisine using great ingredients. The packaging is pretty and recyclable.

They also have a wide selection of cookies and cakes although it is worth noting these contain vegan sugar.

What Made Us Glow?

The vibe, all the food… and we didn’t even try the range of cakes and cookies! We’ve already put a return date in the diary.

Marylebone: Meditation pods at Yeotown Kitchen

From the second I entered Yeotown Kitchen, I was in love.

The peaceful atmosphere, the welcoming faces, the inspirational quotes on the walls and tables…

Yeotown Kitchen is happy. It’s bright. It’s colourful and it’s oh so feel good!

Yeotown Kitchen’s mission statement is“Strong in body, clear in mind”. The cafe is the latest move from Mercedes and Simon Sieff, the couple behind Devon’s award winning Yeotown health retreat.

It provides an oasis in the city to replenish and rejuvenate with their trend setting kitchen, juice bar and meditation pods.


 The setting

Yeotown Kitchen’s double fronted space fits in neatly with its neighbours on upmarket Chiltern Street. Chiltern Firehouse is opposite, and Daylesford and Sweaty Betty round the corner. The vibe is inclusive and relaxing.

It’s spread over two floors and you can grab ‘n’ go or eat in.

Warm wood and yellow hues dominate creating a calm and cheerful atmosphere.

What else?

Quite a lot! There are five mind boosting meditation pods on hand:  The Basic Break (for a quick rejuvenation of mind and body); The Bravery Break (for a boost of courage and confidence).

The cutting edge pods give you a mental boost in just five minutes.

The Beauty Break (to encourage self-love and finding beauty within); The Brain Break (to soothe anxiety, gain better clarity and perspective); and The Balance Break (to restore focus, direction and equilibrium).

The fresh juice test

Yeotown Kitchen specialises in organic dairy free smoothies (with an impressive ten on offer), plus six juices pressed on site. The signature green is called Love – a combo of cucumber, kale, celery, lemon, romaine, pear, lime, green apple and parsley.

My lunch date had the Wisdom juice – a mix of beets, apples, lemon, spinach, ginger and baobab.

And I can confirm, it was pretty damn delicious!

I also had the Adaptogenic Latte, which uses medicinal mushrooms for their amazing de-stressing properties, with added cinnamon.

What we ate

Anything seasonal, plant-based, gut friendly and full of healthy fats will always be a winner for me – so Yeotown was a winner! Plus, as they don’t use refined sugar or gluten, you know you’re in safe hands.

For the main event, it had to be the Courage Bowl – a delicious mix of quinoa, chickpeas, sprouts, avocado, perfectly seasoned sweet potatoes, sea veg, cherry tomatoes and the most amazing pink kimchi.

It came with a cute pot of tahini dressing, which made for the perfect accompaniment for the salad.

The Benevolence Bowl was a delicious all day breakfast concoction of  organic local eggs, greens, bean and grain of the day, pickles, avo, super seed crumble, sprouts and microgreens served with Zaatar tahini.

The bill

 Benevolence Bowl £11.95
Courage Bowl £11.95
Adaptogenic Latte £4.50
Juice £4.95


The little things

Many little personal touches are dotted around the café truly making the experience very special. Potted plants, hanging yellow pineapples, colourful graphics on the table surfaces and, of course, the meditation pods. There was also wifi and plenty of sockets, enabling yo to create a remote office space if you’re a laptop lover.

 What made us glow?

Just how healthy the food was! As a super health conscious eater, I like to know exactly what is in my food, and Yeotown’s menu really put me at ease. There were options to swap out, add in and to takeaway ingredients entirely if you wished, and the selection of smoothies and juices were all delicious as well as each targeting a different health concern.

Dalston: Brunswick East, a hidden gem

Australian run Brunswick East is hands down one of my favorite brunch spots in East London.

It’s a bustling haven with instagrammable breakfasts and some of the most delicious and interesting brunches in the capital. It’s seasonal, local and organic and is a hidden gem in the heart of Dalston.

It’s tucked away in the corner of Gillet Street Square and the tables spill out into the courtyard during warmer months – you usually have to be quite savvy about grabbing a table in the sunshine! They have now expanded their inside space, which they share with Yoke Yoga Studio, making it a year round Glowcation.

The little things

Every time I’ve been to Brunswick East, I have left feeling glowing with satisfaction. The food is definitely a show stopper and eating outside makes it even more worth the visit. There’s also free wi-fi.

The green juice test

Their menu doesn’t offer a green juice but they do have a ‘Super Green Smoothie’ with avocado, spinach, banana & matcha, a ‘Cleanse’ juice with carrot, lemon and ginger and a ‘Fuel’ juice with beetroot, apple and celery.

I went for a ‘Cold Buster’ hot juice which was lemon, ginger, turmeric & pepper and the perfect Winter pick me up.

What we ate

Admittedly, every time I’ve been to Brunswick East I have ordered the Cauliflower Toast (plus I always go with a friend so I can sneak some of theirs too).

I ordered the Cauliflower Toast again… it’s insanely good –  a wonderful stack of  homemade Cauliflower Bread with caramelised onion jam, avocado, a poached egg and drizzled with sunflower tahini.

My friend went for the Autumn Hash which resembled a giant hash brown loaded with a fried egg and equally delicious!

We drank our way through a chai latte with oat milk, a freshly-squeezed orange juice, the cold buster juice and finished off with a heavenly vegan snickers bar. I couldn’t help myself.

What else?

Brunswick East also do a Yoga Brunch on a Sunday with Yoke Studios – an hour and a half of yoga and then a delicious brunch. They have also opened a second space in the Haggerston Railway Arches.

The bill

Cauliflower Toast  £9.50
Autumn Hash  £11.50
Cold Buster Juice  £3.50
Orange Juice  £3.80
Snickers Bar  £3.50


What made us glow?

Always the Cauliflower Toast!

LLS Café, Hampstead

LLS Cafe’s ethos really resonated with me, mostly because their values and philosophies are the same as mine. They stay clear of labels and specific diets, yet also stay clear of chemicals and refined sugar. LLS  believes that eating real food should be the base of any healthy diet, and I couldn’t agree more. Making all their food in house, from their bread to the yummy coconut yoghurt, this cafe puts you at ease about what you’re putting into your body.

Their mission statement “Eat No Evil” is simple. They want to make sure that customers aren’t confused or mislead by overly complicated ingredients or health fads. The menu is marked with both vegan and gluten-free options, and contains all day breakfast options, salads, sandwiches and drinks.

LSS is run by two French sisters Sonia and Hayet.

The family feel is definitely present throughout every aspect of the café, from the simple dishes to the intimate setting and it’s recently been refurbished.

The space

LLS is not one to miss. The tiny café is full of personality and is bursting with love, atmosphere and cosiness.  It has paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling, a huge antique mirror, stacked crates of fresh produce and mismatched jars full of greenery. The most memorable aspect of the location was the large mural drawn on one of the walls, full of twists and turns, healthy buzzwords and phrases – easily missed if you opt only to take away! Located on Heath Street, the café is within a five minute walk of Hampstead station and is surrounded by fellow independent cafes, coffee shops and local stores. 

The little things 

The little things are very much what make LLS café what it is.  

From what I noticed, LLS is pretty plastic free – with takeaway salads coming in glass jars or cardboard boxes. Straws are metal too, a small yet important detail which really stood out. They’re also dog friendly and have free wi-fi and some plug sockets available. They also have another café in Waterloo.

The fresh juice test

Of course, I chose the greenest juice on the menu, the Mean Green. It had a nice kick from the ginger, and the other ingredients (cucumber, kale, spinach, lemon and lime) all complemented each other nicely. I don’t think I could ever truly, in my heart of hearts, call vegetable juice delicious, but this one is actually pretty damn good. I’ll always choose a veggie dominant green juice too, especially one that isn’t full of hidden sugars in the form of processed fruit juices.

What we ate

I chose a black rice salad, with lots of rocket (maybe a little too much), butternut squash, pomegranate, flaked almonds and a generous drizzle of tamari, ginger, lime and sesame oil. It was hearty enough to fill me up, but not so filling that I couldn’t face pancakes later. My friend had the Mama Avo – avocado on sourdough toast topped with goats cheese and harissa sauce. She couldn’t stop raving about it and highly praised the generous amount of avocado given too. 

We shared the buckwheat pancakes between us for afters, layered between slices of banana, topped with fresh figs, berries, homemade coconut yoghurt and date syrup. They were delicious, and made for the most perfect way to finish our meal.

They were delicious, and made for the most perfect way to finish our meal.

The bill

The Squash salad  £9.95
Mama Avo  £9.10
LLS Pancakes  £7.90
Mean Green  £4.60

 

 What made us glow

The staff, that’s what made me glow. LLS is probably one of the most friendly, warm and welcoming eateries I have ever visited.

It has such a local, independent feel to it that just enhances the sense of community and happiness that is present inside.

Our server was so patient as we took a ridiculous amount of time to choose our food (not down to the menu, simply because we hadn’t seen each other in a while).

The service is laidback and constantly delivered with a smile. I honestly couldn’t have asked for anything more.

Flotsam and Jetsam, Wandsworth

Expect a seriously healthy all-day brunch at Flotsam and Jetsam – a laid back, Antipodean-style café in Wandsworth.

There’s nothing nautical or washed up about the intriguingly titled Flotsam and Jetsam.  Their ever-changing menu of ingredient-led dishes is based on seasonal and market fresh food. They have a separate Vegan menu and use local suppliers. They also have a lot local fans – we had to queue for 30 minutes to get a seat at 11am mid-week. But it was well worth the wait!


The setting

Finding Flotsam and Jetsam was confusing. It has a Bellevue Rd address, but the entrance down a side street, Wiseton Rd. Once inside, the café has a warm, cosy feel. There are wooden tables, scatter cushions, bare brick and whitewashed walls plus baskets of greenery hanging from the ceiling.

You will find two communal tables outside, one inside as well and a selection of smaller tables and two counter areas with plug sockets.

The bar is glazed with pretty blue and green tiles and the floor is distressed parquet.

The staff are friendly and thankfully, good at organising the queue. It’s in a fab location just across the road from Wandsworth Common.

The little things

We love the fact that juice and cold drinks come without a straw which can only add to landfills if they aren’t biodegradable.

The indoor communal table is great for customers working on laptops. There are quite a few plug sockets and free wifi.

The fresh  juice test

On the day we visited, there was a choice of three juices. The hot “Winter Fighter” -ginger, lemon honey and cayenne pepper, “Up Beet” -beetroot, ginger, apple and carrot and “Green” -celery, kale, spinach apple, cucumber and lemon. We tried the “Green”, which was refreshing and not too filling.

What we ate

We had the vegetarian version of Huevos Rancheros (there are also vegan and meat versions). It was a delicious combo of blue corn tortillas, two fried eggs, smashed avo, sweet corn salsa, sour cream and smokey braised beans. As it was so filling, we chose the small vegetarian portion of American pancakes with caramelised bananas, fresh berries, mascarpone and maple syrup. It was equally perfect! We finished off with a turmeric latte.

The bill

Huevos Rancheros  £10.50
Small Pancakes  £4.50
Green Juice  £4.50
Turmeric Latte  £3.00


What else

Flotsam and Jetsam is dog friendly and they hold barista courses.

What made us glow

The separate Vegan menu and the Huevos Rancheros!

Deliciously Ella, Mayfair

Deliciously Ella is such an Instagram hit that founder Ella Mills has some fans thinking her first name  is ‘Delicious’.

Blogger turned businesswoman Ella offers a wide menu of plant-powered goodness and products available online, in shops and at her deli-style café in London. We visited Weighouse Street,  a calm, stylish, welcoming refuge from nearby frantic Oxford St.

The staff are friendly and helpful. The rainbow-coloured food sits on an open-top counter.

Shoppers and local business people pop in and out.

The setting

Delicioulsy Ella occupies a quiet corner on Weighhouse St, one block behind Oxford Street and Selfridges. There’s a food counter and a communal table upstairs plus a large setting area with banquettes and smaller tables downstairs. It’s warm and welcoming.

Wood dominates the decor and there’s fresh flowers or cactus plants on the tables.

Upstairs, a dramatic bronze light sculpture overhangs the table, a stylish mirror reflects the office workers rushing past and the walls are filled with shelves lined with grains, plants and flowers.

The little things

The large wooden kitchen-style table is a good place to relax or work. The food and drink is all available as take-away. We love the wide range of cold-pressed juices on offer.

The green juice test

There’s a choice of two green juices, in two sizes. Greens is a mix of apple, cucumber, celery, spinach and lemon and Deep Greens is a combo of cucumber, celery, spinach, fennel and lemon. We had Greens and it was refreshing and not too sweet.

What we ate

We visited on a winter weekday morning and couldn’t decide between the two porridges on offer-  peanut butter, banana and maple syrup and apple and berry compote, coconut yoghurt and coconut chips. We ended up with both – made with oat mylk and  delicious and filling.

It was some of the creamiest-tasting porridge we have tried.

Next there was a good range of salads to choose from and an autumnal, carrot and yellow split pea soup. All the dishes were served in beautiful ceramic bowls.

Finally, we had an exquisite turmeric latte.

Ella’s hot dish menu changes during the day. Breakfast finishes at 11am.

 

There’s a good range of healthy cakes and snacks throughout the day.

The bill

Porridge with banana and peanut butter £4.50
Porridge with seasonal compote £4.95
Carrot and yellow split pea soup £4.50
Green Juice £6.95 (500ml) £4.75 (330ml)
Turmeric Latte £3.50


What else?

Ella also hosts occasional events. We recently went to a supper event at Weighouse.

We had a fantastic evening meeting Ella and a group of really interesting people aswell as a enjoying three course meal.

We also left with an impressive goodie bag! You can find out more about these on Deliciously Ella’s website.

What made us glow?

The ethos behind the brand, the food and Ella’s attention to detail.

To read our exclusive interview with Ella click here.

Selfridges: Sisterly love at Hemsley and Hemsley

The motto of Hemsley + Hemsley is ‘good food, good mood, good digestion, good health’. Sisters Melissa and Jasmine Hemsley are amongst leading pioneers of the healthy food scene in London.

As well as their cook books and TV series they now have a restaurant in central London within Selfridges to showcase their motto.

Their philosophy is that we can all eat to feel better by bringing food back to basics – using natural fats, a huge array of seasonal fruit and veg, nuts, pseudo-cereals and pulses. All the recipes are free from gluten, grains and refined sugars…and delicious.

The setting

The restaurant is on the third floor of Selfridges. The colours  are warm wood and a calm green with lots of plants. It looks modern, inviting and light. You can sit at the counter, a large communal table or separate tables. When we visited it was busy with shoppers  and tourists.

Photo credit: Selfridges

The green juice test

The green juice test, or as I sometimes think of it, the green juice challenge, was not very challenging at H+H. They offer two freshly made options, a ‘hardcore’ green one with only veggies and a milder version with apple juice. Being a huge juice softy, I went for the latter and thoroughly enjoyed it.

The juice was a bit sweet with a punchy note of celery. There was even a hint of fennel which was very nice.

What we ate

There is a huge menu to choose from, ranging from starters to hearty salads to soup so it was not an easy decision. We went for a combination of starters, soup and a main to try a broad range.

I went for the Moroccan spiced lentil soup which was seasoned perfectly and came with toasted quinoa bread to dip. What a treat!

My friend went for the easier, but equally delicious, option of salads. You can have up to three salads of your choice with any main and the choice is great.

All in all, one of my favourite places. The food is lovely, staff are friendly and the philosophy of Melissa and Jasmine really shines through. If you find yourself in central London, this is a great option at any time of the day.

What else

Although I would call this place a restaurant rather than a café, there is no reservation policy. However, we had no problem getting a seat.

The menus change with the seasons, so a bit heartier in Autumn and Winter and lighter in the summer. The prices might seem a bit steep but the portions are huge.

The bill

Spiced red lentil soup £7.50
Kimchi £2.00
Green juice (medium) £7.50
Main salads £15
Chilled pep-up tea £4.00

 

Photo credit: Selfridges


What made us glow

The culinary concept with sustainable, homemade, nutrient dense food which is colourful, tasty and makes you glow from the inside out.

 

Farm Girl, Notting Hill

 

Notting Hill’s Farm Girl is London’s bucket list healthy café with serious Instagram credentials.

But does this uber cool hotspot live up to the hype? In a word, absolutely! Founded by Australian Rose Mann, Farm Girl re-creates laid back Antipodean café culture and champions fresh and nutritionally nurturing locally-sourced ingredients. It has a serious range of fabulously flavoured plant-based foods and possibly the best selection of multi-coloured lattes in London.

Plus,  anywhere that has a turmeric latte decorated with a French bulldog has to be worth a visit…

The setting

Farm Girl is set in a small courtyard off the busy Portobello Rd. It’s a welcome haven from the crowds on market days, but do expect to queue at the weekend. The large, spacious interior is chequered with vivid turquoise and green ceramic tiles highlighted by industrial spot lights.

There are lots of tables with banquette seating along the walls. A quieter mezzanine with a few tables sits above the kitchen. Racks of fruit and spices surround the busy bar area, plus there’s additional seating in the courtyard at pretty, metal tables.

The vibe is relaxed, the staff are friendly and the customers are a mix of locals, market shoppers and tourists.

The little things

There’s 2 hours of free wifi and plug sockets around the walls, which make it a great place to chill and work after the lunchtime rush.

What we ate

Farm Girl has an extensive menu which makes it difficult to choose. As there were three of us, we shared the GF Bear Salad – a hearty mix of roasted beetroot, pear, goats cheese & toasted walnuts with an apple cider vinegar dressing, the pretty Sweet Kale and Coconut salad of shredded winter kale, charred corn, coconut & yellow courgette with a delicious date & tahini dressing, the Blue Jack Tacos with BBQ pulled jackfruit (very meaty tasting), pineapple, guacamole, egg free mayonnaise & lettuce, served on two soft blue corn tortillas and Scrambled eggs on toasted sour dough with a side of avocado.

To finish off we had a cute Açai bowl of organic frozen Amazonian berries blended with banana & almond milk and topped with coconut shavings, winter fruits & chia seeds. It was delicious.

The fresh juice test

Farm Girl doesn’t do homemade juices or smoothies, although there’s orange, apple and watermelon juice in the fridge. But what it lacks in juice, it more than makes up for with its signature latte selection.

Farm Girl makes eight different lattes and we worked our way through the five most nutritious: the Liquid Gold with turmeric, cinnamon, astralagus, honey and coconut milk (topped with a French bulldog), the Charcoal Latte with activated charcoal, date syrup & cashew milk, the Matcha Latte of organic Japanese green tea powder, the beautifully tart Hibiscus Matcha of organic hibiscus matcha powder with coconut milk and finally the vivid blue Butterfly Matcha with organic blue matcha powder and almond milk.

Hard to choose, but our favourite was the more-ish activated charcoal!

The bill

Bear Salad £7.50
Sweet Kale & Coconut Salad £7.50
Blue Jack Tacos £12.00
Scrambled Eggs £7.50 (with avocado £2.50)
Açai Bowl £8.00
Liquid Gold Latte £3.90
Charcoal Latte £4.00
Matcha Latte £3.70
Hibiscus Matcha £4.10
Butterfly Matcha £4.10

What else?

Farm Girl also has a café in the Sweaty Betty flagship store in Soho’s Carnaby St-with a larger range of smoothie bowls, a smoothie drink range and the signature lattes. Plus, another upmarket café in Chesea – read our review here.

What made us glow?

Frankly everything. We will be back and insta ready!

 

 

 

 

Fulham: Hally’s or Little H?

Two cafes, two menus, two vibes. Hally’s and Little H sit across the road from each other in Parson’s Green.

They share the same owner and the same Californian farm-to-table philosophy. But both offer different experiences and menus. Hally’s is the larger. It’s a café offering organic, ethical produce.

It has an extensive menu and it’s a place to linger with a relaxed vibe.

Little H equally offers fresh well-sourced ingredients, but has a more contemporary feel. It’s more of a deli with a few tables and an extensive juice and smoothie menu.


The space

Hally’s has reclaimed wood floors, a main area and back seating area  complete with pastel-dipped chairs and white clapper-boards.

Little H is more edgy with a neon sign and a feature wall. It has a few small tables and a counter area.

Little H felt friendlier and more personal. Hally’s was packed with locals and families, whereas Little H had more single visitors and customers on laptops. Both are in a great position for shopping on the New King’s Road.

The little things

Both are dog friendly and the owners’ Irish Terrier Arthur is a regular feature by the bar in Hally’s. It also ticks the environmental box in not automatically putting plastic straws in drinks.

The fresh juice test

Both offer juice – with Little H having a much more extensive menu. We tried the Green Dream from the choice of three juices at Hally’s. It was a mix of cucumber, pear, spinach, apple and lime. The addition of pear and lime made it very refreshing.

Little H nails this test in terms of choice and features eight smoothies and seven juices, plus you can create your own juice.

We loved the choice of added extra superfoods (including maca, lucuma, goji, spirulina, wheatgrass, matcha, cashews, bee pollen and turmeric). The Fruit Loop smoothie was  a deliciously light mix of apple, banana, pineapple, strawberry and ginger with added goji berries.


The bill

Hally’s

Goodness Bowl £12.50
Green Juice £4.30

Little H

Chia Seed and Almond Milk Pot £3.75
Fruit Loop smoothie £3.80 (plus added goji berries £.60)
Polenta slice £2.80


What we ate

At Hally’s we ordered the ‘Goodness Bowl of The Day’- a delicious combo of sweet potato, pearl barley, sun dried tomato, baby spinach, sprouting broccoli and feta cheese.

At Little H we chose the GF chai seed and almond milk pot with blueberries, toasted almonds, cacao nibs and coconut yoghurt. A filling combination and not too sweet. Finally, we had the GF lemon polenta slice which was deliciously moist and zingy.

What else?

It’s hard to call, but overall we preferred Little H as it was less busy and therefore the service was quicker.

However, we would certainly return to both.

What made us glow

The huge smoothie and juice choice at Little H and the Fruit Loop smoothie with goji berries.

Covent Garden: 26 Grains – London’s Perfect Porridge

Forget lumpy childhood porridge experiences. 26 Grains takes oat cuisine to a whole new level!

Inspired by Scandinavian cooking during a year in Copenhagen, Alex Hely-Hutchinson has honed her porridge making down to a fine art. Using a selection of 26 grains sourced from the best producers, the cafe provides delicious homegrown “hygge” in an Instagram-able bowl.

Open 8am to 5pm most days, its super handy for the shops of Covent Garden or a theatre matinee.

The setting

26 Grains is on a corner in the Covent Garden hotspot of Neal’s Yard. It’s open fronted, cosy and in demand with tourists and local workers.

When we visited for a 10 am breakfast, only one table was free.

Indoor is intimate and candle lit, whereas the outdoor tables are in prime position in pretty Neal’s Yard. Half of the café is taken up with the bar and porridge hobs where the friendly staff make porridge fresh to order. It’s welcoming and well worth the wait.

The little things

The pretty presentation. Never has porridge looked so appetising.

The green juice test

26 Grains has a choice of two smoothies. Berry with frozen berries and oat milk or Green. We went Green and loved the mix of apple, spinach, cucumber, avocado, celery, ginger, mint and lemon. A fab combo with a big hit of mint.

What we ate

The colourful porridge selection is seasonal. We went for the signature Anna Jones x 26 Grains. Anna is a cook, stylist and writer.

We love a food collab!

A yummy mix of baked apple and maple cream with almond milk oats, hazelnuts and almonds and chai. It was so good we need to return soon to try the other options of Banana Cacao, Nordic Pear, Plum and Bay and Hazelnut and Butter…

As well as porridge, there’s also a smoothie bowl and a Bircher muesli, plus staples like avo or egg on toast. More savoury options are available after 12. To finish, we couldn’t resist the Turmeric latte with warming cinnamon and black pepper.


The bill

Porridge £5.60-6.00
Green Smoothies £4.50
Turmeric Latte £4.00


What else?

Everything is available as a take-away. 26 Grains holds monthly porridge making evenings. And there’s a cook book.

What made us glow?

The best porridge we’ve ever eaten…

Chelsea: The Locals

We love a café off the beaten track. We’ve found a foodie secret loved and treasured by locals: The Locals café

The Locals is tucked away in a luxury flat complex surrounding the Grosvenor Canal. It’s not far from Sloane Square and the Tate Britain.

The Locals offers all day nutritious breakfasts, plus lunches and dinner.

The bar serves artisan coffees and lattes. It’s stacked full of gorgeous gluten free and vegan pastry options. It’s open from 7am to 10pm and also serves craft and organic beers and wine.

The setting

Think whitewashed bricks, metro tiles, open shelves of plants and stylish lighting. The stripped wooden floors and tables create warmth.

There’s a choice of wooden chairs or banquettes to sink into.

The two glass window walls add light and overlook the gardens and sculpture in the peaceful square outside. The service is quick and helpful.

At midday, the café was packed with locals. Although busy, there was still plenty of room to sit down. In the early afternoon it filled out with customers with laptops, studying, working and browsing.

The green juice test

There’s a great selection of green juices. Green Life mixes cucumber, celery, baby spinach, broccoli, lettuce and lime. Flat Belly is packed with celery, apple, lime and cayenne pepper.

But we were drawn to Green Glow.

A savoury, sweet mix of cucumber, apple, baby spinach, lemon and parsley. Juices come in a cute milk bottle.

The little things

The tap water came in a glass decanter with a fresh mint sprig. The rock salt was pink Himalayan. The fact that dogs are welcome.

What we ate

They serve vegan, vegetarian and meat options. There’s a delicious all-day breakfast menu which include avocado on toast, gluten free buckwheat pancakes and organic oat porridge.

We tried their lunch option of burrata on sourdough with a roasted Sicilian vegetable caponata, pesto drizzle and toasted pine nuts. The Detox Salad was large and prettily presented with strawberries, blueberries, spinach, broccoli sprouts, pea shoots, white chicory and seasonal leaves.

The sweet orange and basil vinaigrette came in its own ceramic pot.

To finish off – we chose a rose cappuccino which tasted as perfect as it looks.

What else

The Locals also has a take-away menu. Free wifi is available and there’s a pair of plug sockets at most tables.

The bill

Burrata Cheese £11.00
Detox Salad £10.00
Juices £4.50-£6.50
Rose Cappuccino £4.00


What made us glow?

We loved the vibe.

The relaxing atmosphere is homely and it’s a place we will return to again and again.

Chelsea: Tanya’s Café

We love the mantra of Tanya’s Café: raw, organic, handmade and plant-based.

Tanya Maher, an expert in detox and holistic living, has created an eat in/out oasis in Chelsea.

The deli shelves are stacked with salad bowls, signature cold pressed juices and raw cakes.

The café provides a perfect health kick before exploring South Kensington’s museums, Knightsbridge and the King’s Road.

The setting

Tanya’s Café is tucked away in the foyer of the My Chelsea hotel in Ixworth Place. It combines a Grab N’Go with a Grab N’Dine In. The layout lets you take away your goodies or eat them in the hotel’s calming Lobby space, AKA The Living Room.

Here the bar also serves more standard fare and cappuccinos alongside Tanya’s special lattes (Macha, Golden Turmeric, Medicinal Mushroom, Chai and Cocoa). The light filled space has spacious sofa seating in a palm filled atrium. And a pretty, outdoor courtyard dotted with ferns and geraniums.

Pale woods, natural fabrics and greenery add to the atmosphere.

The background music is soothing and power points are plentiful.

The Living Room space was quiet at 10 am on a Monday, with just a few hotel guests working on their laptops.

It slowly filled up with locals during the morning. The staff were friendly and helpful.

The little things

We loved the environmental use of a stripy, retro red and white straw rather than single use plastic. The complimentary taster latte shot (Medicinal Mushroom) was a find and a great way of trying out new flavours.

The fresh juice test

Tanya’s Sugar Free Fix ticks the raw cold pressed box. Refreshing with a hint of bitterness.

It contains parsley, cucumber, lemon, spinach, mint, ginger and avocado.

It’s unpasteurised, organic and felt positively medicinal.

What we ate

The deli/take away section fridges are packed with a choice of raw salads. We had the signature adventure salad bowl at £11.55. A colourful mix of raw beetroot, red cabbage, carrot, quinoa, kale, guacamole and coconut.

No dressing, but a serious palate cleanser and packaged in a take away box.

We couldn’t resist the lime and avocado cheezecake from the large raw cake section. A fab combo with a citrus hit of lime and the smooth, creamy texture of avocado. All sprinkled with dried rose petals.

The bill

Adventure Salad £11.55
Sugar Free Fix juice £6.95
Cheezecake £6.20


My taster Medicinal Mushroom Latte (with coconut milk) tasted like a rich hot chocolate with a hint of mushroom.

It was delicious, but a full cup may have been too much.

The staff are happy to put the eat in food on plates if you ask.

What else?

Tanya’s Café is on Deliveroo and Quiqup which is good news.

What made us glow?

The spacious, calming, green surroundings.

It would be very easy to lose half a day relaxing in a Tanya’s Café sofa…and we did!

For more West London inspiration click here. 

The Dayrooms Café, Notting Hill

In the heart of Notting Hill is the newly opened The Dayrooms Café. Owners Aytun Mehdiyeva and Zumrud Mammadova have created an Australian-style café with freshly made food.

It’s linked to their lifestyle fashion brand. We discovered Notting Hill mummies and tourists when we visited on a Friday morning.

The waitress told us they have queues at the weekend.

We think it makes the perfect Sunday morning health kick spot. It’s one of our top cafés to refuel before exploring Portobello market.


 

The Setting

The staff are super friendly. The windows open on to the street outside with two outdoor tables. The music is upbeat and cool.

There is free WiFi with the code “noworries” which sums up the atmosphere.

The Dayrooms Café

The Little Things

The Dayrooms Café is pretty with botanical prints on the wall. Fashion magazines hang off a bamboo ladder.

There are plants high above the service area. And the floor is full of pretty turquoise tiles.

The Green Juice Test

We tried their cold-pressed Lean Green made by Press Juicery. It s made of cucumber, celery, lemon, spinach, kale, romaine lettuce and ginger.

It’s bitter without the apple but really refreshing. £5.00

We also liked their killer smoothie aka the Green Smoothie – kale, spinach, lime, apple, cucumber and ginger blended.

The Dayrooms Café

What we ate

We started with the breakfast bowl – avocado smash, sweet potato, shredded carrots, watercress, courgette and ricotta fritters with herby creme fiche and salsa verde.

The açai bowl was a work of art and topped with chia seeds, coconut, goji berries, banana and edible flowers. The crunchy coconut bircher muesli went in a flash – muesli, lime curd, berries and mint.

We had a turmeric latte and a matcha latte to drink. Grab the turmeric if you like the sweeter option.

What else is going on?

The presentation of all the food was spot on. Edible flowers, nuts, seeds and berries and general attention to detail was brilliant.

 

The bill

£45.50 so not a cheap option but good, healthy food rarely is. We sat for over two hours and loved every minute. The most expensive item was the breakfast bowl for £12.00.

What made us glow?

The breakfast was genuinely delicious and didn’t just look pretty – it tasted awesome.

The service was also standout.

This is a classic healthy café – a cute weekend brunch or something for lunch using healthy ingredients in a community based gem – somewhere that makes everyone glow inside and out!

For more West London inspiration click here. 

The Dayrooms Café

Chelsea: Raw Press

Breakfast review at Raw Press, London

Tucked away on Ellis Street, which is a five-minute walk from Sloane Square, we discovered healthy cafe and juice bar, Raw Press.

The founders say “over the past few years, cold-pressed juicing has exploded in popularity in the US, where juice bars look to be on track to become as popular as coffee chains.

This trend is here to stay and we boast two of the first stand-alone stores in London.

Swap your soft drinks for some cold-pressed kale, embrace your brassicas and discover that being healthy doesn’t have to be hard!”

Breakfast review at Raw Press, London

Breakfast review at Raw Press, London

Boxes of Monopoly and draughts are on the shelves crying out to be played in this healthy cafe and it is so tranquil that we were tempted to pull them out and get going.

The setting

First impressions are that Raw Press feels like a secret gem of a Glowcation hidden away from the rest of the world. We walked into a super calm and relaxed environment.

The little things

The decor is cool and fresh – tables lined in bright yellow, wheatgrass running along the walls and yellow toasters sitting on the tables waiting to be used, we are told, by customers at lunchtime who fancy some toast and nut butter.

The green juice test

Raw Press is all about the juice and we had not one but three green juices to choose from:

/ Super Green – cucumber, celery, coconut water, spinach, Swiss chard, lemon, ginger and mint

/ Green – cucumber, celery, apple, spinach, kale, ginger and lemon

/ Sweet Green – pineapple, apple, kale, Swiss chard, lemon, ginger and mint

We tried the Green and loved it – by far one of the best green juices in London.

What we ate

We loved the help-yourself-buffet breakfast bowls. We had fun filling beautiful bright china bowls with overnight Bircher muesli made with green juice, matcha, dates and oats.

Don’t let the green colour put you off. It is delicious!

We added chia seed pudding made with almond milk, coconut yoghurt, blueberries and strawberries. And we got creative with the jars of bee pollens, nuts and seeds that we could sprinkle over the top.

Breakfast review at Raw Press, London

We were told that lunch is a selection of superfood salads prepared on site by the resident chef. These include courgette, roots and slaws, grains, greens, beans and kale as well as hot bowls of cauliflower cheese and courgette lasagne.

Breakfast review at Raw Press, London
Breakfast review at Raw Press, London

What else?

The staff were super friendly and some of the best we have come across on our search for London Glowcations.

They are passionate about the business and they are knowledgeable about the juices.

There is activated charcoal in the water on the tables and free WiFi with the motivational password “healthynothard”! The music is chilled out and current.

This healthy cafe also runs a delivery service with Quiqup.

The Bill

We paid £7.80 for our delicious breakfast bowl and £6.50 for a small juice (375ml).


What made us glow?

The whole place made us smile and glow- the bright colours, the toasters, the creative ‘make your own’ breakfast bowls.

The atmosphere is friendly and the format original.

Oh, and did we mention we sneaked one of their home-made Bounty-style bars in as we left?!

Breakfast review at Raw Press, London

Chelsea: Juicebaby

juice bar review of london based juicebaby

Juicebaby is an ‘on the go’ juice bar in an area called World’s End at the end of the Kings Road.

They say “we source the absolute best produce, cold-press our juices on a daily basis and maintain the highest standards possible.

We never pasteurise, water down or add sugar to our juices. We avoid the use of dairy, eggs, gluten, soy, chemical additives or preservatives of any kind. We avoid cartons and cans.” They sell juices, acai bowls, homemade soup and takeaway salads.

Juice bar review of london based juicebaby
Juice bar review of london based juicebaby

The setting

Juicebaby is at the end of the Kings Road in Chelsea. It’s a busy drop-in cafe with a small amount of seating so be prepared to wait for a seat at busy times. It’s a self-service Pret-a-Manger vibe which is perfect if you need to grab and go. There were also people sitting working on their laptops.

The little things

We like the take-out small bottled salad dressings – turmeric mustard, macadamia balsamic, miso sesame, sunflower cheese, aioli, Caesar and Thai peanut.

The walls are covered with power statements and the music is upbeat.

We found it difficult to find the WC so some signposts would be appreciated.

The green juice test

We tried the Mean Green which was £6.95 for 500ml. It was bright green, cold-pressed and contained cucumber, seasonal leafy green, celery, ginger, lime and parsley. We were not offered a glass or a straw. It was very watery.

What we ate

We came for a late lunch. We asked to try the soup and bean stew before buying as we couldn’t decide which to go for and we were offered tasters happily. We chose the pea and mint soup which was homemade and super delicious. It tasted fresh and well seasoned and came with plain gluten-free toast with no butter.

The bowl was a cardboard take-out kind of thing so don’t expect china.

We also tried the kale crisps – simply the best we have ever tasted and worth a trip to Juicebaby for these alone. They contain curly kale, cashews, red pepper, sesame seeds, nutritional yeast, salt and lemon juice and come in a cool zip-lock bag.

At £4.95 they are not a cheap snack but they are a super tasty treat and great to pack when you travel.

What else?

We noticed lots of people dashing in with sports gear on post-workout. Others were working away at their laptops although we struggled to get on the house WiFi. It’s a conflicting environment – relaxed but busy.

Juice bar review of london based juicebaby

We also chose an acai bowl (acai, banana, dates and almond butter) which came in a plastic bowl with a plastic spoon. It looked beautiful with vanilla granola and coconut chips but was too sweet and heavy.

The Bill

£26.10 for soup, kale chips, green juice and an acai bowl so Juicebaby isn’t a cheap option.


Juice bar review of london based juicebaby

What made us glow?

The cheezy kale chips were a huge hit and think they are the best we have found in London.

It’s a great Glowcation if you are on the run or you are working or playing in World’s End.

We like the take-out salad bowls – the power, taco, yam yam and the market Caesar salad and the mix and match salad dressings.