Originally published on Monday, 18th November 2013

WELLNESS 2.0

GETTING JUICY WITH IT

As far back as we remember, London's been more about having fun than healthy eating (and drinking). But the tides have started to turn: we've noticed a serious appetite for health popping up everywhere – from the Doha Desert (the Prada Oasis and Damien Hirst's Pharmacy Juice Bar) to London's exclusive members' clubs. Welcome to the wellness revolution.

We felt the change in the air when we were invited to Wakeman Road, a members' health club. Yes, it's a health club, but banish all thoughts of Fitness First – this is all about creating a health community, with bespoke products, treatments and advice. There's an invitation-only membership process, too – it's much more Soho House than your local gym.

Juice bars are getting the top tier treatment as well, with the upcoming launch of Lovage at the hipster Ace Hotel. A slick farm-to-street juice kitchen, Lovage will focus on cold-pressed juices (the Viridian, with squash, fennel, kale, apple, herbs and wild greens is our pick). We've also been hearing rumours of a luxe cold-pressed juicery opening in Marylebone early next year.

And it's not just about juice bars. Last time we were at Groucho, we noticed everyone swapping their usual double espressos for green apple and ginger concoctions. Plus, Martin Morales' Andina will serve juices with Peruvian superfoods (think physalis and aji limo blended with orange and pomegranate), while Juice Club at Fortnum & Mason has just launched an exclusive Brussels sprout juice. Of course, at UJ we recommend juice with a slug of alcohol thrown into the mix – go from breakfast to bar with a beetroot martini at The Magazine, a rhubarb cocktail at Dabbous, or a parsnip cocktail at HIX.

We feel healthier already…

Read our review of Wakeman Road here.

Info

Wakeman Road, 4 Wakeman Road, NW10 5BN, (membership required)
Lovage, Ace Hotel, 100 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6QJ
Andina, 1 Redchurch Street, E2 7DJ, opens December 5
Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, London, W1A 1ER