I don’t know if it’s just me but I feel like it’s got to that stage in summer where all #fitspo has gone totally out the window. Most of us have already flaunted our festival abs and after 6 months of hard dedication to the cause, we’ve let go. And you know what, that’s okay. You’d have to be some kind of superhuman to be able to ignore all the amazing street food London has on offer this summer. But if you’re looking for a few slightly more healthy alternatives to the standard falafel-wrap-and-my-walk-to-the-bus-stop-is-exercise-enough routine, then consult our list of bests below. And get working on your *smug face*.
1. Best Sugar-Free Supper: Nama Foods
Nama is definitely the mother of all things healthy. This raw food oasis situated in the heart of Notting Hill isn’t all about crudities and dips, the menu is extensive and their desserts are to-die-for. Star of the show is their sugar-free fermented mocha cheesecake, sweetened with maple syrup and coconut sugar. Now I’m not too sure what this whole fermenting business is supposed to do but if it tastes like chocolate, I’m down.
110 Talbot Rd, W11 1JR
2. Best Place For A Guilt-Free Afternoon Tea: The Pantry at 108
108 Marylebone Lane, W1U 2QE
3. Best Alternative To A Pret Lunch: Leon
Remember when those statistics came out that said that Pret’s Posh Cheddar and Pickle sandwich was as villainous as a McDonalds quarter pounder? It caused uproar in offices across London. (We got over it pretty quickly though). We’re not one to knock the lunchtime legends but if you are looking for a healthier alternative, then try Leon. Their sweet potato falafel hot box is wheat–free, dairy-free and vegan and the falafel is baked not fried, so you don’t even need to feel the tiniest inkling of remorse.
Multiple locations
4. Best Place For Drop-In Yoga: Yogasphere
Yogasphere combines yoga and some seriously cool locations. They’re the team that bring you Yoga at the Shard, which we’ve written about before and this week they’ve taken over an exclusive private health club, The Albany Club. You can drop in to the class if you download the Fever app and keep an eye out for various other exercise classes, which will be posted weekly. It’s yoga, without the gym-price angst. Namaste.
St Bedes Hall, Little Albany Street, NW1 4DY
5. Best Place For Gluten-Free Beer: BrewDog
I know, I know, gluten-free beer sounds like the biggest oxymoron ever. Or is it a paradox? Damn you, GCSE English. Anyway, whatever it is, it’s a thing, so coeliacs can officially rejoice heartily. If you go to the Shoreditch, Shepherds Bush and Camden branches of BrewDog, these Craft Beer Kings will serve you a Vagabond pale ale: that’s beer, without the bloat. What could be better.
Multiple locations.
6. Best Alternative To The Daily Commute: Standup Paddle Boarding
The tube strike did funny things to Londoners. Sure, everyone had a bit of a moan but then they stopped, had a look at the sun rising as they walked over Waterloo Bridge and realised the whole fresh-air thing was kind of great. For the ultimate daily commute work out, try a paddle board. You can rent one for up to a week at Paddington Basin with Active360. It might just take a little bit longer than the Central Line. But it’s a lot more fun.
7. Best For Bone Broth: Bone Tea
Didn’t you hear? Cold-pressed juices are so last season. Championed by the Hemsley sisters, who urged us all to boil our bones (well, not our bones, animal bones), this meaty broth is supposed to have a magical, restorative effect on your body. Recently opened restaurant Bone-Tea in Notting Hill is the place to go to get your boney fix. It also serves it by the litre, so there will be plenty to take home with you. Yum.
209 Westbourne Park Rd, (Entrance 162 Ledbury Rd), W11 1EA
8. Best For A Superfood Cocktail: Tanya’s Cafe
Again, this sounds like one big contradiction. And you know what, it kind of is. But come on, even the most dedicated goodness gurus need a break every so often. Tanya’s Café, located within the MyHotel in Chelsea, is the place to get your poison. With ingredients like cold pressed fennel, acai and cacao powder, these antioxidant bursting bevs are the perfect not-so-naughty end to the week.
MyHotel Chelsea, 35 Ixworth Place, SW3 3QX