Radiance Guide: Lunch in Central London

by Alexandra Williams,

With brunch having taken London by storm, we can't help feel that the art of a good lunch has been lost a little. A gorgeous lunch out is one of life's little luxuries. We've tried and tested our favourite restaurants all over London, and picked our top 5 fail safe options. Wherever you are in the capital, eat well.

1. The Petersham - Covent Garden
Floral Street, WC2E 9DS

The Vibe: A botanical dream. The Petersham is a true oasis in central London. Eat in the floral courtyard, and then browse the Petersham Nurseries shop afterwards for a tranquil afternoon. 
Menu Recommendation: Spring pea and courgette ragu with scamorza, datterini and pea shoots

 

2. Daylesford - Pimlico
Pimlico Road, SW1W 8LP
Daylesford Organic
The Vibe: Clean and farmhouse inspired interiors, with rustic and relaxed seating. Seasonal ingredients grown on the Daylesford estate - feel good food.
Menu Recommendation: Summer Beets - beetroot, spiced lentils, dill, orange and pomegranate molasses. Mix with the Super Greens and Daylesford Slaw.

 

3. Granger and Co - Chelsea
Pavilion Road, SW1X 0BP

Granger and Co


The Vibe: The stylish Aussie interior of the Chelsea site is relaxing and calm. Away from the hustle and bustle of the Kings Road, it's a regular spot of ours. Brilliant if you're looking for something a little asian inspired.
Menu Recommendation:Black lentil daal, green chilli, sambal, fried curry leaves and coconut yoghurt. 

 

4. Hemsley and Hemsley - Marylebone
3rd Floor, Selfridges, W1A 1AB
Hemsley Cafe


The Vibe: Nestled on the third floor of Selfridges next to the Body Studio, the Hemsley Cafe is a must stop if you're in the area. Totally fuss free food and interiors - and excellent value for money. 
Menu Recommendation: Feta and black bean burger served with green salas and cultured ketchup.

 

5. Farmacy - Notting Hill
Westbourne Grove, W2 5SH
Pharmacy


The Vibe: Trendy Farmacy is a perfect people watching spot in the heart of Westbourne Grove. With a relaxed yet stylish service, it's a great spot for new trends and dishes. 
Menu Recommendation: Kimchi Spring Bowl - Soba noodles, spicy kimchi, sauteed spinach stems, raw seasonal asparagus, raw brine carrots, marinated mushrooms, radish sprouts and tamarind viniagrette. 

 


Interview - Kate Prince - Noble

by Alexandra Williams, , link

We've been catching up over a cup of Noble with Kate Prince - founder and creator of Noble. 

 

So, Kate - we can't tell you how much we are loving the Noble products and packaging. Can you tell us the inspiration behind the products?

My background is actually as a lawyer, but I'd started off by launching a tea company when the idea for Noble came to light. I'd become more and more interested in nutrition, and being more aware of what I was eating. There was a wave of change happening in terms of mainsteam eating habits changing - I started seeing superfood lattes pop up in local cafes and delis, and realised there was an opportunity here. We had originally thought of launchiing the products as a tea, but realised these plant based ingredients were so special - that the idea of just 'infusing' them - just wouldn't do them justice. 

In our drinks, you benefit from digesting the ingredient - rather than just the flavour in an infusion. I've always been skeptical of 'health teas' - and felt that we could do so much better. We were looking for really potent nutrition, with specific and targeted health benefits.

 

You use a huge variety of ingredients - how did you choose them, and why so many?

At the time when we were starting - all people were talking about was the different superfoods we 'needed' to get into our diets - maca, moringa, baobab, cacao... and I just thought, how is it possible for me to integrate this into my daily life? I was a busy working lawyer, with a family - it just wasn't practical. There had to be an easier way. I'd tried a lot of superfood mixes, and just didnt feel that they lived up to expectation on the flavour side. We wanted to create somethiing with the nutritional benefit, but with amazing flavour as well. 

 

Why hot drinks?

I was really adamant from the start that I didn't want our products to be something that was just blended up. If I've made myself a fresh juice or smoothie, I don't need to add a supplement to it - but I really felt like the hot drink space was once where the nutritional benefit could be tranformed. We'd created a complete product, where you just needed to add water or a hot plant based mylk. 

 

A lot of the products have an added plant based protein powder, was there a reason behind this?

There are two reasons for the protein really - both for texture, but also for taste. We wanted to create a product that would be great either pre or post workout - and two of the products are actually classified as high protein. A hot drink isn't usually an area people are expecting to get protein, so its a great way to top up that daily nutrition intake. Obviously being plant based, this is completely vegan protein which is great. 

Tell us a bit more about the name 'Noble'.

For us , the products always had to be about Integrity and Truth. These are our core values. Also, obviously with the surname Prince there was a bit of play on words there. Our strapline 'Made by Plants' is also quite unusual - and we really believe in this. 

 

The packaging is so standout - the feel and look is just exquisite.  Why was it so important to you?

It was absolutely esssential for me that the packaging was going to be card. Sustainability is at the heart of what we do - and it was vital that as a brand we were clear about our responsibility to the planet. It does cost more to be sustainable, but it's an area we won't compromise on. Plastic doesn't work for me environmentally or aesthetically - and we're really happy with how the packaging looks and feels now. 

 

 

Noble Logo

 

Find out more about Noble by visiting their website. Keep an eye on our social media pages for an exclusive competition next week.  


Sound Meditation with Selda Goodwin

by Alexandra Williams, , link

 

Can you give us a brief bio and background as to how you got to where you are today?

Hi, my name is Selda. I share teachings of yoga, meditation and sound healing. I was drawn to re-establish a practice that reflected my childhood and teen ballet/dance classes. I fell into yoga about 16 years ago and have practiced ever since. Interestingly, the word ‘practice’ can often be misinterpreted in today’s society. I relate it to anything, as long as it is done with good intention and awareness. I did a great deal of moving about in my 20’s and early 30’s. I trained with many yoga and meditation teachers who taught me a multitude of skill sets. Now I focus a lot of my time, attention and energy on stillness, in order to be a pillar of clarity and support for others. 

What experiences have been most important to you in life? 

Travelling. Each time I taste a different culture, my spirit evolves. I am beyond alive when ensconced in other communities. It grounds me, reminds me to be thankful and helps me to see everyone as ‘collective energy’. 

If you could describe yourself in 3 words what would they be? 

Supportive, loyal, passionate.

Do you have any rituals you follow day to day? 

Meditation, Breath, kindness, movement, smiling, interaction, sound.

 

 

Sound meditation seems to be finally having its moment - can you tell us about why it’s so powerful for you, and why people should try it?

 The universe gives us what we need, when we need it. It’s no different with sound meditation. The crystal bowls are blends of quartz crystal, metals, gemstones and minerals, so they are made from the oldest elements on Earth. And just like sound, we also are made up of vibrations. What makes these Alchemy bowls magical is that they resonate at the same frequency as our brain and body. When the bowls are played, our brain begins to alter from an awake state, to a very deep, meditative, relaxed conscious state. When our body is fully at rest, which cannot be achieved through regular sleep, our brain chemistry shifts, our Para-sympathetic nervous system activates, our energy bodies realign and we become well.

I was fortunate enough to grow up listening to music, attending concerts with my parents and playing the piano. When I experienced my first sound bath, I cried for the entire hour. It felt like I had come home to myself. For me, sound is like a story that can express the soundscape of your life. I find it deeply healing and I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t like the bowls. Everyone should try a session, even it’s just to see how they respond.

 

Can you tell us about your events and how clients can book one of your classes ?

After many years of living and teaching in London, I now mainly work out of Selda Soul Space at home. It has the most wonderful feeling and I adore sharing it with others.  I hold a sound bath here on the last Thursday of every month and it gets booked up pretty early on, so I always suggest to book in advance.

 I teach at a meditation studio in Belgravia called Remind, and this year I am travelling to Ibiza, India and Turkey to share.

 My website is seldasoulspace.com. People can stay updated, book on workshops or events and sign up for my newsletter here.



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