Yes, it’s true; the daily grind can get all a little much for city dwellers, not least Londoners (natives of one of the busiest, most cosmopolitan cities on the planet). And yet, the stress on the body of long flights and constant travel can also leave some short-breakers in the UK capital fancying something truly restorative to do (yoga or aerobics maybe?) or consume (a thoroughly healthy meal?). So, if you’re taking advantage of one of those great London hotel deals in the coming weeks, what are some the best healthy things you can get up to…?
Brunch at No. 11 Pimlico Road
(11 Pimlico Road SW1W 8NA)
Situated merely a short walk away from either Sloane Square or Victoria Tube station, this all-day dining destination is, curiously, nether really a restaurant nor a bar, which is probably why it can eclectically make room for all kinds of palate – including the following healthy-eating suggestions. And, naturally healthy-eating while you’re on a break away from home should be an enjoyable experience, which is ensured here thanks to the bespoke playlists provided by resident DJ Philly, one of London’s biggest and best female disc-spinners on the circuit.
And so, what of the menu? Well, it’s all about fresh stuff – and great taste both night and day. Brunch is served throughout the weekend, while smaller dishes are available for starters and snacks, in addition to alcoholic drinks menu items. Moreover, should you be in the market for hosting an event during your time in the capital, this venue’s stylish event space could be just the ticket – it’s roomy enough for 95 patrons standing; 50 seated – and ideal should you be based nearby; like at, say, the Park Grand Paddington hotel.
London Jungle Runners in Highgate Woods
(Highgate Woods/ times: 9.30am Monday; 6.30pm Tuesday; 11am Friday; 10am Saturday)
Eclecticism’s the name of the game when it comes to this woodland retreat activity – yes, right in the heart of North London. How so? Well, you can either run, jog, core, stretch or even dance your way to fitness in the glorious natural and beautiful surroundings of Highgate Woods, all the while following the aerobic curve during this ‘silent disco fusion fitness’ class, which sees you reacting to both the banging drum ‘n’ bass tunes and instruction playing in your headphones. And, don’t worry, the class is designed to totally respect and not in any way harm the woodland’s fragile ecosystem – as well as other human visitors to the woods you may come across! Friendly, non-competitive and more than open to first-timers, it stipulates that participants ought to be comfortable with slow-jogging for around five minutes and asks them to bring along their own wired plug-in headphones (or contact the organisers should you need a pair) and a water-bottle as well as, perhaps, a rucksack.
Beach Yoga at Fulham’s Neverland
(Neverland, Wandsworth Bridge Road SW6 2TY)
Finally, if yoga’s your thing – or, feeling liberated, you get the urge to give it a go during your time in the vibrant, liberated UK capital – then how about this iteration of the old limbs-bending-activity? Yes, for at Fulham’s Neverland venue you’ll fine the only Thameside beach-based yoga class anywhere in the city. Both unusual and thoroughly restorative, this class isn’t only located somewhere looking out on the river (near the north side of Wandsworth Bridge), thus blessed with fantastic, energising views, but it also takes advantage of the venue’s really rather awesome pop-up beach spot; a favourite among Londoners looking for a staycation location during time spent off in the Smoke.
