Live Well in London the Hemsley + Hemsley Way

These days, there's no shortage of experts urging a grain-free, gluten-free, sugar-free approach to living. But very few of them can recommend a way to make that approach truly (and we mean truly) delicious. Which brings us to Melissa and Jasmine Hemsley, sisters, cooks, and Vogue darlings who pen articles, create recipes, and challenge clients to eat nourishing foods for the simple reason that those things taste better and make you feel better. They do a good job of proving it in their cookbook The Art of Eating Well, which just hit the shelves Stateside (it's already a big success in the UK). To celebrate, the sisters Hemsley put together their little black book to living well in London.

LONDON – Our philosophy is simple: a healthy gut and good digestion leads to a healthy body and mind; that changing the way you eat doesn’t have to involve deprivation, but can be enjoyed every day – whether you are at home, work, with family or friends, or eating out. We're both South Londoners, living in Brixton (Mel) and Elephant & Castle (Jasmine) so we have a few recommendations on how to do just that in our neck of the woods, as well as beyond.

Photo courtesy of Brunswick House.

Where to Eat Well

Brunswick House
30 Wandsworth Rd., Vauxhall, London SW8 2LG; +44-020-7720-2926
Supper at Brunswick House is a favorite for us. From humble beginnings, it is now a thriving restaurant and bar set within LASSCO’s (The London Architectural Salvage and Supply Co) shop at Vauxhall Cross. The romantic interior (a clever curation of salvaged and reclaimed furniture) is quirky and personal.

Photo courtesy of Elliot's Cafe.

Elliot's Cafe at Borough Market
12 Stoney St., Borough Market, London SE1 9AD; +44-020-7037-436
Passionate about provenance, the lunch menu is dictated by the ingredients on offer at the market. The wine list is comprised of natural wine sourced from artisan growers who farm their land organically or biodynamically.

Photo by Nick Hopper.

The Blues Kitchen
111-113 Camden High St., London NW1 7JN; +44-020-7387-5277
Late-night drinks and live blues. Their grass-fed organic beef ribs are incredible. They come from a lovely farm in Northern Ireland called Crestfield and are smoked for 16 hours. The meat is so tender it slides straight off the bone.

Photo courtesy of Tanya's Cafe.

Tanya's Cafe
35 Ixworth Pl., London SW3 3QX; +44-020-7225-7538
Utilizing hand-picked, organically grown and ethically sourced raw produce, we love Tanya’s for nutritious brunches, salads, and sweets. The caramel chia porridge is a must for breakfast. The superfood salad (with probiotic sauerkraut!) is our pick for lunch.

Photo courtesy of Raw Press.

Raw Press
32 Dover St., London W1S 4NE; +44-020-3627-3190
46 Ledbury Rd., London W11 2AB; +44-020-3627-3190
When we’re out and about between meetings, we love a juice, preferably a cold-pressed organic super green juice (coconut water, cucumber, celery, kale, spinach, swiss chard and parsley) in the morning, and an almond mylk (almonds, coconut water, dates, himalayan salt and vanilla bean) for an afternoon snack.

Photo courtesy of Content Beauty.

Where to Beautify

Content Beauty
14 Bulstrode St., London, W1U 2JG; +44-020-3075-1006
Stocking only natural and organic products, Content Beauty is our go-to for organic skin care products (our favorite brands are Pai and Tata Harper). Founder Imelda Burke has uncompromising values and a wealth of knowledge on all things natural, organic, and holistic.

Alexandra Soveral
97 Elgin Ave, London W9 2DA; +44-020-7266-3577
This is indeed a black book worth having if we’re sharing this one with you! All Alexandra Soveral products are made from raw ingredients that are organically produced and blended by Alexandra herself! We swear by Angel Balm, a deep pore cleanser, regenerative mask, and soothing balm all in one. Book ahead for a bespoke facial or to create your signature scent.

Photo courtesy of Hemsley + Hemsley.

Where to Sweat and Stroll

Move Your Frame
29 New Inn Yard, London EC2A 3EY; +44-020-7033-1855
This Shoreditch studio hosts wildly popular Beyonce dance classes. It's a fab way to keep fit while having lots of fun.

Hampstead Heath
Gordon House Rd., London NW5 1QR; +44-020-7332-3322
We love "The Heath" for big walks in North London. Full of gardens, parks and wildlife, you can feel removed from the hustle and bustle of busy London while still being under five kilometers away from the city center.

Southbank
London SE1 8XX; no phone
A cultural hub with loads to see and do, from Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre to cinemas and galleries. We enjoy weekend walks along the banks of The Thames to soak up the atmosphere and beautiful views.

Photo courtesy of Daunt Books.

Where to Shop

Pimlico, Wimbledon Dogs Racecourse,Battersea Car Boot Sales 
Various locations
Our Sunday destinations when we need props for styling shoots, one-off pieces for dinner parties, or just want to add to our crockery collection. 

Start London
42-44 Rivington St., London EC2A 3QP; +44-020-7033-3951
Featuring a beautiful edit of designer and house-tailored pieces, Start is one of the best places for finding unique, interesting pieces for everyday wear. We know we’ll always be able to pick up something to wear to an event when we pop into the Shoreditch boutique.

Daunt Books
83 Marylebone High St., London W1U 4QW; +44-020-7224-2295
A favorite shop of ours for travel inspiration. The Marylebone location is really relaxing! Pick up a few things to cozy up with on weekends.

Maltby Street Market
Ropewalk, London SE1 2HQ; +44-020-7394-8061
Great for food shopping. There are stalls from the likes of Brambletye Fruit Farm (high-quality biodynamic produce) and the LASSCO Ropewalk, featuring beautiful industrial fittings and antique wares.

MAP IT

TIME TO START COOKING

Buy Hemsley + Hemsley: The Art of Eating Well, by Melissa and Jasmine Hemsley

Try their recipe for chicken tinola.

Find out more about Hemsley + Hemsley at hemsleyandhemsley.com

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