London, Notting HillBe Kind to Yourself at Bodyism

By Karen Brown, Editor, Glowcation
14 February '18

Bodyism’s founder James Duigan has made it his mission over the past 10 years to spread his ‘clean and lean’ philosophy first through his personal training, books and supplement sachets so loved by supermodels and now through his gym and café.

The stylish café in Westbourne Grove is an oasis of calm and clever ways to make us all slow down and be grateful.

“Be Kind to Yourself” and “Love always wins” are written over the entrance and “love is the only superpower we need” is splashed across the window. There is a smiley welcome and the menu is seasonal, ethical, nutrient rich…and delicious.

The setting

Bodyism is a compact, pretty café and grab ‘n go. The mosiac tiled bar lines one wall, and opposite is a large window overlooking Westbourne Grove with counter seating and a few small tables.

You can also sit outdoors on the street at blue wooden tables with plant pots.

They have cosy rugs in the winter. Bodyism also has an athleisure wear shop and the vibe is welcoming and relaxed.

The little things

We love the hand-made paper sign offering peace, wisdom, confidence or warmth depending on how you feel that day which is stuck to the wall as you enter. We took inspiration and friendly James stopped us and asked us what we took as we did it.

There are a few plug sockets on the walls if you want to work from a laptop.

The fresh juice test

Bodyism doesn’t do juices, but it does offer power smoothies and ayurvedic teas.

We had the Long and Lean protein excellence smoothie – a delicious mix of ginger, almond butter, banana, Himalayan salt and almond milk.  It was filling, tasty and not too sweet.

What else?

Bodyism is attached to a gym offering a team of top performance coaches and fat loss specialists. It is also dog friendly.

What we ate

We visited at breakfast and went for Duigan’s signature dish of protein pancakes.

These are possibly the best pancakes we’ve ever had – not too sweet, amazing texture and perfectly complemented by the berry compote and coconut yoghurt.

You can find his receipt here. We also had a ‘Nourish Me’ Acai bowl. It was very pretty, but also delicious with a generous sprinkling of nuts, berries and cacao nibs.

We finished with a showstopping matcha latte made with brown rice milk and a dash of cinnamon for an extra energy boost. Again, it tasted as good as it looked.

The bill

Nourish Me Açai Bowl £8.50
Protein Pancakes £8.00
Long and Lean smoothie £6.50
Matcha Latte £3.80

 

What made us glow

The attention to detail, the food looks sensational and it tasted delicious.

We also like the hands on and friendly approach by James stopping to ask us what we took from his inspiration sheet.

We were complete strangers but it is clear that this founder practises what he preaches.

Bodyism

222-224 Westbourne Grove,
London W11 2RH

020 3327 4640
@bodyism
visit website
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