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With London's culinary scene being the most exciting it's ever been, the city's booming wellness scene is also taking the world by storm. While pub culture is still very much embedded in everyday life, cryotherapy centers, e-bikes, and plant-based cafes are springing up all over the capital quicker than you can say "lavender latte, please."
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Forward-thinking workout studios like Frame, and spiralizing queens Melissa and Jasmine Hemsley have been established in the local industry for about 10 years, but it seems like the rest of the city has been truly thriving in more recent times.
So where should you go in London to get your wellness fix? We tapped the always glowing, Andrea Pfeffer, founder of the beauty-editor approved clinic, Pfeffer Sal, for some of her favorite spots. As well as some of our own favorites, both old and new.
For Spas, Facials, and Health Centers
Floatworks, Vauxhall & Angel
Flotation therapy is a wonderful way to switch off body and mind and delve deep into the mental wilderness. "In such a stimulating world, to experience true sensory deprivation is a real treat. For me, it helps to reduce stress and aid restful sleep. I wriggle around pretending I’m in outer space", says Pfeffer.
Related: 8 Luxury Wellness Retreats for Food and Wine Lovers
Bamford Haybarn Spa, Knightsbridge & Bampton Cross
American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property, The Berkeley, has a spa that's a long, long way away from your regular hotel basement spa. On the rooftop of the incredibly cool hotel in Knightsbridge, you'll find Lady Bamford's Cotswolds offshoot offering osteopathy, acupuncture, and reiki, plus the B Silent massage, which soothes the nervous system and promotes a restful night’s sleep.
Pfeffer Sal, Fitzrovia
At the far end of an utterly charming Instagram-famous mews in Fitzrovia is Pfeffer Sal beauty clinic. It's the place that beauty editors go for a restorative and efficient facial. "The Welcome Essential is completely tailored to your skin conditions, involves an in-depth skin scan and consultation and of course, there’s plenty of pampering too," explains Pfeffer.
Glow Bar, Marylebone
Hidden away from Oxford Circus is Glow Bar. Stop by for one of their adaptogen packed moon milks "my favorite is the yoni" or descend to their Near Infra-Red Saunas ("which aid healing, reduce inflammation and boost collagen production," explains Pfeffer, "I love them and can’t wait to get back in the booth once the baby arrives."
Lanserhof at the Arts Club, Mayfair
London's first "medical gym" private members club is high-tech and exclusive. Brought together in July 2019 from the beloved Austrian Alpine health resort, Lanserhof and Mayfair's The Arts Club members club, this state-of-the-art gym of the future offers everything from cryotherapy chamber, IV drips, ECGs, oxygen therapy, spine lab, and MRI scanners.
Ama, Brixton
One of fashion’s favorite nail artists, Ama Quashi, opened up her own nail salon in December, and the draw is not only to have nails like Solange or Cara Delevingne but the “free from…” menu, which has nail varnishes with up to 90% natural and vegan ingredients.
For a Workout
Jump by Uber
London's dockless electrical bikes are changing the game for commuters and urban explorers alike. Uber's just launched Jump bikes come in a bright coral shade, go up to 15mph, have three gears, and most excitingly for tourists, there's a space to safely place your phone just below the handlebars so you can keep your maps app open hands-free.
Related: 11 Ways to Give Wellness This Holiday Season
Frame
The cult workout studio that started in Shoreditch back in 2009 is now open across six different London neighborhoods. They offer everything from barre to reformer pilates, and soundbath to yin workshops, as well as music video dance classes.
Jayne Lo at The Third Space
Favored by the likes of David Beckham and Prince Harry, London's boutique gym The Third Space can feel more like a luxury members club than city gym. They have cutting edge facilities like the Woodway Body Carver, which perfectly mimics ski and snowboard training at 2.5km. Pfeffer loves trainer Jayne Lo, "we focus on heavy weight lifting to stimulate the human growth hormone and encourage collagen stimulation."
Hampstead Heath
"This ancient heath is the perfect escape from the urban jungle. Exposure to nature reduces blood pressure and lowers cortisol levels. Forest bathe in the woodlands, or if you’re feeling brave, take a dip in the natural ponds! If it’s sunny, get there early as queues for the ponds can be up to 3 hours," advises Pfeffer.
For Good-for-you Food
Farmacy, Notting Hill
This plant-based restaurant was opened in 2016 by Camilla Al-Fayed, daughter of the former Harrods owner Mohamed Al-Fayed and since then has been an exciting, glittery hub for clean-eating. Don't skip on tea. Farmacy's Afternoon Tea menu has things such as Prosecco jelly, berry pavlova, CBD-infused chocolates, and gluten-free charcoal bread.
Honey and Spice, Soho
"This is a legendary London foodie destination famous for its incredible Middle Eastern food," says Pfeffer. "My favorite is their salad box which changes daily, or if I'm feeling indulgent I treat myself to the feta cheesecake—not to be missed! It’s seasonal eating at its flavorful best".
Farm Girl London, West London
This Australian-owned chain offers up all-day breakfast bowls, coconut bacon, and lavender and rose lattes in its four locations in Knightsbridge, Chelsea, Soho, and Notting Hill.
