And…breathe.
The fast-paced hustle and bustle of London is one of the reasons we love it, but sometimes we just want to sit back, switch off and relax. But that’s easier said than done in a city where almost nine million other people are trying to achieve the same thing.
This Victoria-based pop up has set up camp in London for three weeks, running until the 8th September, and is promising a huge variety of wellness activities to leave us refreshed and relaxed.
Nova Food is a destination that brings together some of London’s most exciting eateries. Two minutes from Victoria station, it’s a place for eclectic and inventive restaurant brands including the likes of Hai Cenato, Shake Shack, Franco Manca, Aster and Timmy Green. This month, it’s promising to be even more jam-packed with delicious picks.
Over the course of the month, you’ll find everything from botanical-infused cocktail pop-up sheds, crayfish brunches, live music and unusual exercise sessions like Yoga Life Drawing. It’s the place to head for an afternoon of winding down and is conveniently located right in the centre of London. Re-set your mind with a series of classes focused on mindfulness and wellbeing with the local ReMind studio, enjoy a gardening workshop or listen into 1Rebel’s vegan discussion panel.
In short, it’s somewhere we could probably all benefit from visiting.
There are five different zones inside the sanctuary and each one focuses on an element of relaxation. Make a day of the Kitchen Garden at Nova Food by exploring all of the different areas and trying out the classes on offer, or, if you’re en route to the station, you can easily pop by to get a taste of the event.
The Herb Garden
Think peppermint, rosemary, basil and lemongrass. The Herb Garden is a place to wander around with your eyes closed. Home of aromatic plants and more than a little kitchen inspiration, it’s the type of place you’ll visit and think back to next time you’re cooking up something fancy.
Shed Sessions
It might sound like a throwback to your childhood, but the Shed Sessions are on a mission to switch up your kitchen routine once and for all. Here, Nova Food experts will share their secrets through a series of tasting experiences to encourage you to think up new recipes and ideas. There’ll be healthy options on the menu like sushi and salad bowls, but also classics like Franco Manca pizza over the course of the event. In total, there are 18 destinations to visit at The Kitchen Garden. If that wasn’t enough, sample bespoke cocktails throughout the course of the event, and don’t forget to check out enjoy a game of darts at Flight Club’s preview, ahead of their opening later in the year.
The Secret Garden
If you’d rather reinvigorate yourself with activities than peace, the Secret Garden will be your new favourite place. This pop up zone is full of fitness and wellbeing inspiration where you’ll find anything from your favourite Insta fitspos to your new workout routine. But it’s not just pure exercise you’ll find here – the Secret Garden will also be hosting a live Q&A with the team behind HAMILTON, a meet-the-maker session with Nova Food’s Vagabond wines and plenty more.
Lavender Lounge
What’s more calming than a lavender-scented room full of nothing but peace and quiet? We can’t think of anything, but we’ll let you have a ponder while sitting back in the Lavender Lounge. Described as the place to be for Londoners to unwind, this quiet, reflective zone will leave you serene and probably ready for a nap. Be prepared to get seriously comfy.
Centre Stage
Finally, once you’re feeling truly refreshed and ready to jump back into the London lifestyle, head to the Centre Stage. Sit back in a deckchair and enjoy performances ranging from live jazz to an exclusive performance from the stars of the city’s best-loved musicals. Already confirmed on the lineup is Liane, a Portuguese singer songwriter, Lots Holloway and DJ Rulo Fuentes. More artists are yet to be released but the Centre Stage is promising a huge variety of acts.
The Kitchen Garden at Nova Food pop up can be found at SW1 between August 20 and September 8. You can book tickets for the events now through Eventbrite, and the closest stations are Victoria and St James Park.
Opening times:
- Monday to Friday: 10am to 8pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 7pm
For more information make sure to follow @createvictoria #TheKitchenGardenNova and visit Nova Food’s website for all the details.