By Vanessa Packer

LIVING IN NEW YORK, you tend to grow an appreciation for other great cities around the world. So it comes to no surprise that London would be on the top of the list. On our recent visit we discovered the small but growing health scene. Where yoga was virtually non existent just a few years ago, there are now studios sprouting up in nearly every neighborhood. The food has improved greatly too. For a city once belittled for their cuisine, there has been an influx of sustainable-leaning chefs and locavore restauranteurs elevating the dining experience, kale salad in tow. Bangers and mash aside, it’s official: green juice has hit the London scene.

Restaurants 

Dean Street Townhouse – This boutique hotel also boast a great restaurant and incredible art collection.

Colbert – The newest restaurant in Sloane Square from the team behind old favorites such as Le Caprice, The Wolseley and the Ivy. Excellent food and service and great people watching.

5 Hertford Street – This is the hottest new members club in Mayfair and has a great restaurant and nightclub attached called Loulou’s, also great people watching.

Dover Street Arts Club – This really nice restaurant and very close to one of the best concept stops Dover Street Market.

Ottolenghi – The cookbooks of Yotam Ottolenghi continue to inspire us when cooking at home. So when in London, visiting one of his namesake restaurants is a must! Perfect for lunch, go hungry!

Jak’s – This local spot in the Knightbridge neighborhood is great for breakfast or lunch. With a wide selection of prepared food and a juice bar, it’s our first stop after the flight into Heathrow.

The Good Life Eatery – We love this laid-back organic vegan and raw restaurant for breakfast or lunch. Yummy salads, juices and baked goods.

Itadaki Zen – This vegan Japanese Restaurant is a good find in a city known for bangers and mash.

Moro – British style Mediterranean fare with excellent flavors and interesting combination of dinners. A mainstay on the best of London list.

Honey and Co – This tiny middle eastern restaurant is inspired by the classic street food of Jerusalem where the chef was born and raised.

Bites and Sips

Canyon Juicery – The first cold press spot in London. Located in Joseph in Notting Hill. An essential stop over for alkalinity, and great shopping.

Mr Foggs – This new bar on Bruton Lane in Mayfair is supposed to be the old home of Phileas Fogg and is very fun and quirky. Worth popping in for a drink.

Brick Lane Coffee – This yummy coffee spot also has a great selection of baked goods.

Markets

Portobello Road Market – A must visit. This is one of the best antique/vintage markets

Borough Market (only on Friday and Saturday mornings) – Incredible food market with the Tate Modern nearby so perfect for a combined trip. Highlights include: beet ginger smoothie, incredible gluten free baked goods, and an incredible selection of fruits and vegetables. A bonberi favorite? The Free From Bakehouse! For the most delicious gluten-free vegan fig cake imaginable. We also love Mini Magoo‘s gluten-free granola with cheeky names like Funstuff and Granuesli.

Alfies Antique Market – Beautiful antique precious and costume jewelry. Close to Browns.

Fitness

Lomax – Fitness and nutrition come together at this bespoke wellness center. With a variety of classes ranging from TRX and Pilates to spinning, it’s a way to keep fit while abroad.

Tri Yoga – With a range of yoga and Pilates classes, this studio also offers acupuncture, acupressure and massage.

Shopping

Liberty – Known for their classic flower and paisley prints, Liberty now carries all the top contemporary designers. This multi level floor is a treat to visit.

Dover Street Market – One of the coolest concept shops, we love this store for the incredible selection of designers and fun layout.

Matches – With a few locations in London, this popular online retailer took their well curated selection off line.

Virginia Bates’ – An incredible vintage store in Holland Park. Very 1920/1930’s focused.

 

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