Oh January, why must you be so hard? It’s a beast of a month not only do we have to put up with cold, dark, gloomy days but everyone’s penniless and generally a bit down after a December of overindulgence and intentions of a New Year detox. Well in this fair city it needn’t be so. While I can’t claim to wave my magic wand and dissipate the depression of the January Blues, there are a few things London has up its sleeve to make the next few weeks more than bearable.
Know you need to start making healthier choices, but can’t face a full on detox? The menu at Stevie Parle’s Greenwich outpost Craft London features plenty of ancient grains and pulses, proven to be a great source of fibre and slow-release energy. Pickles are made in-house and provide probiotics for your gut which can improve digestion and boost immunity and in-season kale and carrots are grown on-site, packed full of iron and vitamin B to ward off any winter colds; basically, it’s wholesome, delicious grub that’s doing something good. As well as the main menu, guests can book tables on a Tuesday night for the Test Kitchen Tuesday tasting menu, which for up to 8 courses costs just £28 – one of the most affordable tasting menus in London. www.craft-london.co.uk
I’m desperate to try the new brunch at Marylebone’s Italian eatery Fucina. Available Saturday and Sunday until 4pm, the menu is a collaboration between Head Chef Stefano Stecca and ex-Princi Head Baker Massimiliano Porta and includes freshly baked Italian pastries (including Italian donuts, also known as bomboloni), breakfast pizzas as well as other brunch classics, salads, savoury crostini, fresh fruit platters, and sandwiches filled with meats from the restaurant’s fire pit. Coffee roasted in-house, teas, cold-pressed juices and smoothies are also available to order. The eggs benedictine with ham and taleggio fondue is screaming my name. Anyone fancy brunch next weekend? www.fucina.co.uk
Head to Mayfair and The Berkeley Health Club & Spa, where the ever popular pop up Winter Cinema is still open until February. Snuggle up with a cosy down feather Moncler blanket and hot water bottle, homemade hot chocolate, mulled wine, champagne, mini shepherd’s pies and winter canapés in front of classics including Bridget Jones’s Diary, Notting Hill and Some Like it Hot. It runs Thursday - Saturday until 12th February, with two evening viewings at 5pm and 7.30pm, packages from £65 per person. www.the-berkeley.co.uk/winter-cinema
One of my New Year’s resolutions was to do more yoga, so I’m keen to try the new four week Immunity Yoga workshop at Ushvani day spa in Chelsea. Starting January 17th, each week attendees will be guided through various asanas to rejuvenate cells, allowing oxygen to flow freely through the body and aiding the immune system, whilst being soothed by the tranquil sounds and exotic smells of a Malaysian retreat, transporting you to another world, away from the bustling streets of London. Each 90 minute session is open to all levels, aiding your immune system helps oxygen flow freely around the body, rejuvenating cells, facilitating circulation and most importantly, helps reduce stress. After completing the four week course of workshops you will have moved through the depths of winter with a renewed inner strength and greater immunity. The workshops have been tailor-made and will also be led by Deepa, Ushvani’s resident yoga instructor with a wealth of over 13 years’ experience. Each session will have a different focus area that will enable attendees to explore how their bodies respond to movement through deep breath awareness. Priced £30 for one session or £110 for four. Advance bookings only. The workshops will run from 17th January to 7th February 2017, 6:30pm-8:00pm.www.ushvani.com. Call 020 7730 2888 to book.
Camden welcomes a new eatery this month in the form of pan-Asian restaurant and bar Miusan, modelled on the opulent opium dens of 1940s New York and Paris. Devoted to drinking, dining and dancing, the venue (meaning ‘new temple’ in Cantonese) comprises three floors with ground floor bar and dining area, sub basement dance floor and mezzanine available for private hire. They will be offering 50% off all food during its soft opening between Tuesday 10th and Sunday 15th January - call 020 7424 9527 and quote ‘Welcome Miusan’ to book, or email [email protected]. www.miusan.co.uk
Finally, those clever folk at Busaba Eathai have launched the best solution to Blue Monday (officially Monday 16th January, the most depressing day of the year - FACT). From 12-4pm the will be offering a host of indulgent dishes for just 99p. Yes, you heard right. Cheap as chips. Cheaper, in fact. With classics on offer including their child prawn stir-fry, chargrilled chicken and green chicken curry, Pad Thai and - my personal fave - crabmeat fried rice, you won’t want to miss it. You must sign up in advance at www.busaba.com/99p, but if you miss out they are still offering 25% off all food, Sunday - Thursday, until 2nd February.
Finally, Neom has launched a new campaign, inspiring women to #BeYourMostPowerfulSelf. Through a collaborative effort from top influencers, customers, Neom’s Wellbeing Board and Neom founder, Nicola Elliott, Neomorganics.com will become a hub of inspiring, positive and educational content that aims to provide advice and support for our customers. They’re going to be focusing on the small steps that can make a big difference to your natural energy levels, with all sorts of helpful tips and insights to help you find your #MostPowerfulSelf. With a bank of 30 small steps to provide support,
whether you’re committing to a full detox, or just want to test the water.
In addition, to help you boost your energy levels naturally, they have specially curated three bundles of products, whether you need a jumpstart in the morning, or a shot of natural caffeine in the afternoon, the Neom Burst of Energy range contains a blend of 17 invigorating essential oils including Grapefruit, Lemon and Rosemary, twisted together to provide an intense hit of raw, natural energy. There's the Little Energy Boosters set at £32, the Energised and Ready to Go at £50 and the creme de la creme, the Super Charge Your Energy, £78, containing the ultimate kit of Nourish, Breathe and Energise Hand Balm (50ml), Feel Refreshed™ Home Mist (100ml), Energy Burst Body and Hand Wash (250ml), Energy Burst Body and Hand Lotion (250ml), Energy Burst Bath and Shower Drops (100ml), and Energy Burst On the Go Mist (5ml). www.neomornganics.com
