If like us, you’ve been seeing the likes of “adaptogenic coffee”, “adaptogenic cocktails” and “adaptogenic dishes” everywhere you turn, you’re probably a little intrigued as to what on earth it actually means. And rightly so. There’s been a recent rise in restaurants, bars and experiences that promote adaptogenic qualities here in the UK, so let’s actually get into what you can expect.
The definition of “adaptogenic”
The official(ish – hey, Google) definition of “adaptogenic” is a substance that stabilises physiological processes and promotes homeostasis. Ummm…? In layman’s terms, adaptogenic herbs and foods are stress busters. Just what we like to hear. Christmas 2022 woes, be gone!
Herbs and roots with adaptogenic qualities, such as mushrooms, ginseng and holy basil, help our body to resist stressors, and have been used by many cultures for centuries – for example in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic practices.
Adaptogenic experiences in London
A fair few of London’s cafes and bars have started to incorporate drinks, in particular, with adaptogenic qualities into their menus. For example, at Sweeties, located at five-star The Standard hotel, they have three cocktails that specifically contain adaptogenic ingredients, while London Nootropics, who specialise in adaptogenic coffee, will this later this month (November 2022) host Laura Hof, daughter of athlete and ‘Ice Man’ Wim Hof, to promote a stress-busting ice bath experience in Piccadilly Circus.
The capital’s favourite happy place Dopamine Land is most definitely a stress buster. The whole premise of the experience on Old Brompton Road is to take a break away from the everyday stress and discover what triggers your individual happy hormones. The creative and production teams specifically implemented an array of stimuli – taste, touch, sight, and sound – so visitors can get the nostalgia going, serotonin and dopamine flowing, and chase away any feelings of stress. There are a series of unique and enchanting ‘stimulant’ rooms, including a pillow fight room, a digital forest, and a ballpit room, plus decompression spaces (dark corridors, zen rooms) to prep you for your next spike of dopamine. Any frown will be turned upside down after 45 minutes in this experience.
As the adaptogenic experiences have a bit of a ‘moment’ in the UK and US, you’ll likely see these foods and drinks pop up on menus around the capital more often. Good for the mind and body? Well, it’d be rude not to indulge…