Lele’s, Hackney, London

“We believe in good food, and kindness” is Lele’s motto Valentina, the founder, grew up in an Italian culture and wanted to bring this simple, honest approach to food to London.

The setting

Lele’s café is on Hackney’s busy Lower Clapton Rd, only 10 minutes walk from Hackney Central Overground station. There’s also a Lele’s in Dalston which also offers a dinner menu.

The space

Lele’s has a modest exterior and the interior has a welcoming, calming aura. House plants are everywhere – filling the shelves and countertops and mini cacti dot the windowsill-table. Mosaic floor tiles complement the mis-matched, up-cycled tables and stools.  Overall, the ground-floor is bright and airy thanks to large glass windows and a spiral grey staircase leads to a downstairs area with more seating.

What else?

Lele’s has been fully vegan since December 2017.

They also cater at big events and markets like Vegan Nights.. The café is dog-friendly with a jar of free doggy biscuits and water too.

The fresh juice test

Lele’s have a nutritious juice and superfood drinks menu and make all their juices to order. Their green juice was refreshing and light with a great balance between sweet and vegetable-savoury. It was a cooling blend of apple, spinach, lemon and celery.  The Root juice was equally as refreshing, if not a little fiery thanks to the fresh ginger. It was blended with apple, carrot and beetroot and packed with zest and zing.

What we ate

The menu at Lele’s is fully plant-based with options for gluten-free eaters.

As well as the seasonal menu, there’s a selection of fresh patisserie and cakes, sandwiches, bagels and vegan “sausage” rolls and a salad station. We decided to review the giant couscous stuffed roasted red pepper with a side of creamy raw slaw – a blend of walnuts and roasted root vegetables and potatoes.

The set menu offers the best value for sweet and savoury breakfast, brunch and lunch options. From sweet French toast and coconut, banana and chocolate drenched pancakes to porridge bowls, nourish bowls and Lele’s vegan full English. We chose the Marmite Avocado Toast. It was made with thick and chewy sourdough and topped with lashings of Marmite and creamy smashed avocado. It was generously drizzled with tahini, toasted pumpkin seeds, smoked paprika and a side of rocket. It was packed with flavour and texture and was a delight to eat.

With the sweet selection, we were spoilt for choice. Eventually, we chose their peanut butter cookie and a peanut butter cookie sandwich. A crumbly, chewy oaty cookie studded with big chocolate chips with a more-ish peanut butter flavour and texture. They were huge. The cookie sandwich used the same rich peanut butter bake smeared with thick Biscoff cookie spread for an indulgent treat.

We also tried their Oreo brownie on a staff recommendation. It was deliciously light and moist, quite spongey and topped with crunchy Oreo cookies. Finally, we couldn’t resist the signature chocolate croissant. It was a flaky, “buttery” rich pastry filled with a chocolate spread that melted in the mouth.

It was perhaps the best vegan croissant I’ve tasted – you couldn’t even tell the difference between it and a non-vegan pastry.

 

What we’d go back for…

All the food, cakes and drinks at Lele’s were  so impressive, I would go back in a heartbeat. They also offer monthly afternoon tea events which showcase their beautiful patisserie delights as well as savoury sandwiches with scones, jam and vegan cream.

The bill

Green juice  £4.20
Root juice  £4.20
Salad  £6.50
Marmite avocado toast  £7.50
Peanut butter cookie  £2.00
Peanut butter cookie sandwich  £4.00
Oreo brownie £3.50
Chocolate croissant  £2.00

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

Paradise Plantbased

Paradise Plantbased began as a raw food stall in 2014, before setting down roots in Kensal Rise in 2018. Lithuanian-born Egle owns and runs the café. She avoids using refined flours, sugars, oils and salts as well as offering an extensive range of raw and gluten-free options. Her motto is “Freshness and soul are at the heart of all that we do.”

The setting

You can find it just a short walk from either Kensal Rise or Kensal Green station and close to one of our favourite flower shops, Scarlet and Violet which is well worth a visit on the way. The pretty pastel exterior of Paradise Plantbased stands out so you won’t miss it.

The space

Walking into Paradise Plantbased is like stepping into a tropical haven . Palm trees are splashed across the walls, green plants hang from the ceiling and vast plant pots dot the café. The furniture, wall hangings and cutlery trays are all upcycled and painted by hand.

You’re greeted with a gorgeous display of raw and baked cakes, a salad buddha bowl station and a snack shelf for the chocoholics.

You’ll also find a well-stocked fridge full of gut-healthy fermented foods, drinks and waters as well as a pantry wall, packed with gluten free flours, nut butters, chocolate spreads and cereals for sale.

 

The fresh juice test

The smoothie menu at Paradise Plantbased is extensive.  We had two. The Ziggy Smoothie was packed with mango, papaya, ginger, turmeric and coconut water – a vibrant and smooth drink. Then the Green ‘N’ Mean Smoothie which was surprisingly light and refreshing. It was made with kale, spinach, pear, avocado, celery, lime, mint and coconut water but didn’t taste very “green” despite the abundance of raw vegetables and fruit.

What we ate

From açai bowls to burgers, raw pizzas to posh mac ‘no’ cheese and with any combination of smoothies and hot drinks, you’re spoilt for choice.

We had the Apple Pancakes with chocolate sauce which were delightfully light and fluffy thanks to the Khorasan flour. We had to review their signature Paradise Breakfast plate, which features with home-made sunseed sausages, a baked bean filled avocado rose, mushrooms, sourdough toast and umami rich silky scrambled ackee. The ackee was definitely a highlight.

We also tried their Bagel and Beans – a wholemeal bagel loaded with home-made smoky beans, crunchy spicy coconut chip clusters, fresh tomatoes and slices of avocado.

The creamy cashew cheese sauce on top was a real winner here. We also sampled a small buddha bowl of sweet potato wedges, crunchy chickpeas and garlicky green beans which was great.

The dessert fridge was fully stocked with raw cheesecakes, baked cookies and protein balls and truffles. We tried the Chocoholic Raw Cheesecake which was a quadruple layered cheesecake of nutty hazelnut base and a creamy rich chocolate cashew-based cheesecake layer. We also tried their baked Chocolate Brownie Cake complete with edible flowers – delicious!

What we’d go back for

We would definitely go back for the original and homemade touch to each dish, the striking interior and the amazing array of handmade vegan bakes and raw cakes.

The bill

Apple pancakes  £8.50
Paradise breakfast  £11.00
Bagel and beans  £9.00
Small buddha bowl  £4.00
Ziggy smoothie  £6.00
Green ‘N’ Mean smoothie  £6.00
Chocolate brownie  £4.50
Chocoholic raw cheesecake  £4.60

 

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

The Fields Beneath, Camden Town

The Fields Beneath pride themselves making tasty plant-based food.  The original site opened in 2012 in Kentish Town and they’ve recently expanded to Camden Town. Despite the bright yellow “vegan” sign outside, you’ll discover that the food is bang up to date and offers much more than lentils.

The setting

The Fields Beneath is close to the bustle of Camden market.  It’s quite small inside with just a bench and a table. On a sunny day, the main window table is a sun trap and a few bright yellow trunks serve as benches out the front.

It is the perfect midday spot to enjoy lunch or an afternoon coffee and cake.

The fresh juice test

The Fields Beneath don’t do juices. They pride themselves on their coffee and they also have a great range of vibrant kombuchas in flavours like Triple Ginger and Strawberry Tulsi. Plus, they have a range of teas and homemade golden milk and chai lattes – so there’s something for everyone.

What we ate

The menu changes daily as The Fields Beneath pride themselves on using locally produced foods and eating with the seasons. They champion Hertfordshire grown lentils and British grown fava beans and use  a UK-based oat milk. On the day we went, there were two lunch wraps to choose from – we decided to review the kebab wrap which was served toasted and a side salad. It was filled with oyster mushrooms, tomatoes and a creamy tzatziki.

In addition, we also had the lentil-filled “sausage” roll with mustard. It had thin and flaky pastry outside and a tasty filling. However, the star of the savoury show had to be the large slice of roasted vegetable farinata served warm.

It was packed with flavour and the fava bean flour added a great texture to the soft vegetables.

You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to dessert. They all look delicious and they’re all freshly made in house. We chose the warm apple crumble slice, on the manager’s recommendation, and it was amazing. Spiced with cinnamon, with tender apple pieces and a sweet “buttery” crumble top, it came served with cream and was the perfect dessert.

We also had the chocolate brownie which was rich with cacao and had a really gooey consistency thanks to the prunes and banana chunks. It was also filled with coconut for added texture. It was the best brownie I’ve had in a long time.

What we’d go back for

The apple crumble slice and the promise of the brand new tahini brownies.

The bill

Farinata  £5.90
Lentil roll  £3.60
Kebab wrap  £7.20
Chocolate brownie  £3.00
Apple crumble slice  £2.80

Redemption, Covent Garden

Why should socialising always be at the expense of your health? That’s what two female entrepreneurs behind Redemption asked themselves as they created what they believe to be the world’s healthiest bar restaurant, serving up vegan, sugar-free and wheat free food with an alcohol-free bar. Their motto is ‘spoil yourself without spoiling yourself’.

The setting

Like the sister restaurants in Notting Hill and Shoreditch, Redemption Covent Garden is super cool. It’s decorated with white marble table tops, green plants, golden glowing overhead lights and their signature pink neon Redemption logo. It’s set just back from Seven Dials and backs onto Neal’s Yard. Customers include tourists and Londoners. You can also get take out.

The fresh green juice test

Redemption are known for their exotic and beautiful non-alcoholic cocktails, served in high glasses, with paper straws and garnished with fresh fruit and herbs.

I chose the “green” Apple Mockjito from their “fruities” menu, which was refreshing and sweet. It was made with muddled apple pressé, lots of fresh mint and lime wedges topped with sparkling mineral water. They also offer green avocado smoothies, but we tried the healing and heart-warming Bombay Love- a  blend of turmeric, ginger, lemon, coconut kefir, coconut milk and coconut yoghurt topped with coconut flakes. It  was revitalising and very healthy.

What we ate

You can choose from a comforting bowl of bolognese and brown rice penne pasta, their black bean chimichurri on homemade flaxseed and sunflower seed toast or a sweet stack of coconut oil buckwheat pancakes.

We enjoyed the buddha bowl, which is altered daily. When i visited it was a combo of fresh kale salad, grilled Mediterranean vegetables, mixed beans and  olives, beetroot hummus, turmeric roasted cauliflower and simple quinoa salads.

We also tried the Californication – a combo of roasted sweet potato and red onion hash with Tamari mushrooms, kale and spinach with rosemary and lemon. The sweet potato wedges were tender and the onion was sticky and sweet to contrast the salty umami greens and mixed mushrooms.

 

For dessert, we were tempted by their raw Banoffee and key lime pie cheesecakes, but chose the rich and fudge chocolate hazelnut brownie and the chocolate chip cookie. The brownie was light and spongey and the cookie was crisp on the outside and chewy in the middle. Both were served with creamy coconut yoghurt and edible flowers.

It’s hard to believe both are completely vegan and gluten-free.

What we’d go back for…

The buddha bowl and the chocolate hazelnut brownie!

The bill

Bombay love smoothie  £5.50
Apple Mockjito  £4.75
Buddha Bowl £8.95
Californication £9.25
Chocolate Hazelnut Brownie £3.75
Chocolate Chip Cookie £2.40

Make 2019 your best year yet

Blue Monday is the third Monday in January so dubbed by psychologist Dr Chris Arnell while advising a travel company on the most depressing day of the year. It was the perfect excuse to book a summer holiday to cheer you up. But most of us don’t need a branding exercise to remind us that January can be a tricky month. Yes it’s cold, grey and the lights and parties of December are behind us but here our Glowstars give their 2019 tips, resolutions and plans to help you make this year your best year yet.

Jess @freshlysnapped

Every year I start off with the best intentions, I always feel so driven and motivated, however these goals start to dwindle as the year goes on. So this year, in 2019, I’m not setting massive goals that feel daunting or overwhelming.

I am going to set tiny little micro missions and take baby steps to get there.

It may be a tiny change every single day, but over time, it could lead to something big. After all, we are what we repeatedly do. Whether it’s applied to work, relationships or fitness, this philosophy can get you anywhere!

Eli @cerealandpeanutbutter

2019 is going to be my best year yet, because I have learnt to be more in tune with my mind and my body than ever before, and I plan to implement this from start to finish of the coming year. This includes eating more mindfully – just because there is a whole spread of desserts on the table, it doesn’t mean you need to try each one.

I will also ask myself  if I really want to do that high intensity fitness bootcamp on a cold dark Monday morning – perhaps I’d benefit more from a slower-paced yoga class instead?

 Fabienne @modelslovefood

I’m starting my 2019 in Tokyo (for my work), which is one of my most favourite cities in the world. I’ve told myself I should enjoy it more than last time when I was there and not be to strict with myself.

I want to do more yoga, meditation and pilates and go more into the Japanese food culture. There’s a reason the Japanese are the oldest folk in the world right?

Jenna @jennahopenutrition

I’m really excited about 2019 as I’ve just launched a new business and I’m planning a wedding so there’s lots going on. At the beginning of 2018, I started writing a daily gratitude diary twice a day which has really revolutionised my mindset. I will definitely carry this on into 2019.

I also plan to continue working out regularly as this helps with my mental wellbeing, positivity and productivity.

I won’t be changing the food I’m eating, as I’m pretty happy at the moment focusing on eating foods which nourish me. Although, I will be trying to focus more on eating mindfully, as I think appreciating our food and eating it slowly is incredibly beneficial for our overall health rather than just munching it down on the go.

Bekah @bitesbybekah

I’m so excited to continue sharing my love for plant-based food on my blog and experimenting with new recipes, discovering new eateries, and connecting with more people in this amazing community. I’m actually starting 2019 in the US, working on my PhD for a few months, which will be quite an adjustment from life in the UK. I have a few trips planned while I’m across the pond and plan to make the most of my time in the States.

I recently signed up for my first half-marathon, taking place in May 2019.

The longest I’ve ever run is 10K, so a half marathon sounds quite daunting. But I cannot wait to take on the challenge!

 

Amy @nourishing.amy

I don’t believe in #newyearnewme and I am very proud to say that 2019 will be the same old me doing the same sort of thing, but with a renewed sense of purpose. New Year is a great time to set goals, but so is springtime when everything is blooming into life. I will carry through my determination to lead a happy, healthy and nourished life while working on my blog which I hope to see thrive in 2019. I aim to focus on being kinder to myself by taking up journaling again and writing down my daily gratitudes.

I will continue with my yoga practice, as this is my favourite thing that I do for me every single day.

 

Kin Café review

Kin was created by father and son, Peter and Charlie Meadows. It’s tucked away behind Oxford Street. This vegetarian café takes pride in prime ingredients which are environmentally and socially sustainable. They also support other small start-ups and suppliers.

The space

The interior is simple and minimalist. It’s light grey and cream throughout. There are two wooden tables outside, so dog-owners or sun-seekers can indulge. Inside is a choice of several table sizes. Overall, this is a prime location to grab a juice and set up camp with your laptop. They also do take-away.

The fresh juice test

 

Kin offers organic and cold-pressed juices with a choice of Green Machine, Immune Booster and Unbeetable.

The Green Machine combo of spinach, lime, cucumber and pineapple was what I went for and it was a good choice. It didn’t taste too green, as the sweetness of the pineapple balanced out the spinach. They also offer freshly brewed Kombucha and booster ginger and turmeric shots to keep away the winter colds.

What we ate

The menu at Kin Café changes daily. The breakfast includes superfood porridge, layered chia puddings, Mexican style eggs or tofu and fresh sourdough toast. As an avocado addict, I had to go for their avocado on toast. Two thickly sliced pieces of sourdough piled high with creamy smashed avocado, chilli flakes and whole hemp seeds. It was simple but delicious. We also tried the pesto tofu toasted sandwich which was packed full of flavour.

Next we sampled the peanut butter chocolate chip blondie -vegan and gluten free studded with chocolate chips and with a light vanilla flavour.

The chocolate ganache raw brownie was decorated with pink rose petals and drizzled in dark chocolate.

It’s hard to believe this brownie was raw, as it was so fudgy and gooey. It wasn’t too sweet, either, offering a healthy indulgent chocolate treat. Finally, the protein millionaire slice – raw and gluten free again. The biscuit base was topped with crunchy peanut caramel and finished with a layer of chocolate.
They’re serious about their coffee at Kin, so to round the meal off, I had a delicious oat mylk flat white (they do charge extra for non-dairy milk). We also enjoyed their lemon and mint infused water and their retail Love Raw Cacao and Cardamom mylk.

What we’d go back for…

The fresh, vibrant and colourful ingredients! Plus, I was seriously impressed by the amount of avocado piled onto the toast!

The bill

Avocado Toast  £6.50
Tofu pesto toastie  £5.00
Green Machine juice  £4.00
Oat mylk flat white  £3.40
Protein Millionaire slice  £4.00
Chocolate Ganache raw brownie  £4.00
Love Raw Mylk  £3.00

 

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


Chia Naturally Healthy, Hitchin

Are you heading for Hitchin? My favourite plant-based food spot, Chia Naturally Healthy, is located in the old churchyard in Hitchin. Since September 2015, Chia, led by founder Lucy Fisher, has been offering nourishing, healthy and nutritious superfoods.

The space

Chia Naturally Healthy feels like a home from home. With wooden beams across the ceiling, a narrow staircase leading to the first floor and cosy corners stacked with vegan lifestyle magazines it’s a perfect spot any time of day. Being dog friendly also means you’ll often find a well-behaved pooch nibbling at their doggy biscuits, too. White walls allow their artwork and quotes to stand out, and the natural light to burst through the old-style windows.

The fresh juice test

With three green juices to choose from and many others on the menu, I chose the Antioxidant Juice which was so refreshing. A mix of apple, pear, lemon, lime and spirulina.

It was quite sweet because of the apple and pear, and so is a great option for someone not seeking anything “too green”. We also had a make-your-own smoothie of banana, raw cacao, coffee, maca, vanilla protein and hazelnut mylk. It tasted like a dessert, it was so thick and creamy!

What we ate

Choosing what to eat at Chia Naturally Healthy is always a mission in itself, even though I have tried most of the dishes on the menu. It also offers an all day breakfast alongside a packed brunch menu which means visitors are spoilt for choice.

We shared two portions of the Organic Blueberry Cinnamon Pancakes and the Superfood Protein Porridge. The pancakes are stacked high with fluffy gluten-free batter topped with warm blueberry compote, a healthy dose of almond mixed with cashew butter , a wedge of lemon and a sprinkling of cinnamon.  We added some granola on top, too, as it’s so crunchy and sweet. Think lots of caramelised nuts and seeds!

The superfood porridge is exactly what everyone needs on a cold winter’s morning.

With a choice of mylk, I chose oat and the thick, hearty and chewy oats were topped with a dusting of mixed nuts, seeds and other superfoods with blueberries.

What we’d go back for

Everything! The pancakes are the best stacks I’ve eaten out and I also love their avocado toast. But then there is also their fresh salad bar and daily array of raw and baked sweet treats. As of Spring 2019, Chia will boast a much larger space which is good news as their food is always in high demand.

The bill

Pancakes £9.00 
Superfood Protein Porridge £6.00
Smoothie £5.00
Antioxidant Juice £4.85