Shoreditch has a reputation for being ever-so-achingly-trendy, but it’s become so much more than a haven for beards, checked shirts and coffee shops. There’s a wealth of independent restaurants and plenty of places that encourage you to log on while you eat – although we’d rather you take a break from that! Old Street, just next door to Shoreditch, has been catching up slowly with its younger, more trendy sister, and more recently has been experiencing a makeover that can only bring with it much more choice and vibrancy.
Healthy Eating
Pod
pod.co.uk
0207 831 3993
A great spot to pop into as soon as you emerge from Old Street station on your morning commute, Pod has a solid array of healthy options. Looking for something purely protein-based? They’ve got you sorted. If you’re headed to the gym on your lunch break, chow down on a Gym Box afterwards – it’s packed with slow release carbs and fibre. Beats another trip to the office snack machine.
Image credit: Supplied by Pod Food Ltd
Ozone
ozonecoffee.co.uk
0207 490 1039
Ozone has a major reputation for its coffee, but don’t rule it out for the ultimate in healthy comfort food. With a new summer menu coming soon, you can rely on Ozone to give you maximum flavour and seasonal dishes that are all about minimal waste. Another bonus is that they serve their amazing brekkies until 4pm, so why not check out their range of Eggs Benedict? Our fave is the Kupros halloumi version…
Image credit: Nathan Taylor Photography
As Nature Intended
asnatureintended.uk.com
0207 247 9596
If you really don’t have time to sit down on your lunch break, popping into As Nature Intended in Spitalfields is the next best thing. From the delicious – and very moreish – Coyo Coconut Yoghurt, to Biona’s mini Energy Burgers and Tanpopo’s Wholegrain Veggie Box, this wholesome supermarket has endless options for those who simply want to do better.
Image credit: Supplied by As Nature Intended
Cook Daily, E1 6GY, Bethnal Green Road
cookdaily.co.uk
Over the past year the success of Chef King’s Cook Daily at Boxpark, Shoreditch, has been astronomical. If it isn’t Professor Green popping in for one of King’s legendary bowls, then the chef is persuading former meat eaters to go vegan, all due to his culinary skills. Our (current) fave is the Hard Bowl, a West Indian themed bowl with sweet plantain and traditional Jamaican flavours of Scotch bonnet and ackee.
Image credit: Jordan Hughes
Healthy Body
BOOM Cycle, EC2A 4RT, Scrutton Street
boomcycle.co.uk
0207 426 0702
Sometimes, you just need to let loose, and BOOM Cycle is the perfect place. If you’ve had a crazy morning or have a long night of spreadsheets ahead of you, pop into BOOM’s Shoreditch site on your lunch and book yourself a seat in a class that’s friendly and high energy.
Image credit: BOOM Cycle
Frame, EC2A 3EY, New Inn Yard
moveyourframe.com
0207 033 1855
Frame’s Shoreditch site already has an army of diehard devotees and now you can join them on your lunchtime, thanks to a recent addition of 30 minute speedy classes. Book in for an Energy Shot, Quickie Cardio Kettle Bells or a Mini Barre session and leave feeling ready to tackle anything else the day has to throw at you. Feel free to check out their Fuel bar too!
Image credit: Supplied by Frame
British Military Fitness, Shoreditch Park
britmilfit.com
0208 996 2220
If you want to be truly present in your lunchtime workout, we suggest you hang out with British Military Fitness every Tuesday at 12.30pm. This 45 minute class utilises body weight – either yours or your partner’s – to perform a wide range of exercises that have all been tried and tested by the military. Classes are divided into ability levels, so you’ll never feel like you’re out of your league!
Image credit: Supplied by British Military Fitness
