London Diaries: An Afternoon at Grace Belgravia

Belgravia, Brunch, Eating Out, Healthy London, London Chapter, London Life(style) by The Foodie DiariesNovember 19, 2016January 6, 2018

Recently finding myself in dire need of a detox (but not quite ready to let go of that all-consuming taste factor), the other day I stumbled upon one of London’s most closely guarded secrets.

If you know, you know… Grace Belgravia.

Lavishly spread across 11,000 square feet in a Grade II listed building in Belgravia, the women-only private members club houses a well-being and medical clinic, spa retreat, state-of-the art gym and beauty salon, in addition to a discreet health-oriented restaurant, which is as well suited for power lunches as it is for ladies who lunch!

The nutrient-rich menu is one which has your gut-health at heart, designed using a balance of veggies, meat, fish, nuts and seeds to support your digestive system, while also doing wonders for your skin, immunity and overall sense of wellbeing… And it all tastes terrific too, thanks to Head Chef Marcin Ksiazka’s lively assembly of artfully balanced flavours!

Not just another smashed avocado on toast, this evergreen combination was elevated by the sprightly addition of feta, parsley and a squeeze of lime, with a side of protein-fuelled mung beans and flossy heritage tomatoes. Most moreish though, was Grace’s homemade (gluten-free) bread, packed full of seeds and substantive texture… So much so, that I was tempted enough to ask for a loaf to take back home.

Other highlights from our detox lunch included a red and white quinoa salad, which was bursting forth with a zingy freshness accentuated by a parsley and mint seasoning. A medley of versatile add-ons lent much character too, from the harissa-flavoured squash to the generous pile of pecan and poppy seeds on top.

Mummy opted to wash it down with a light and fruity glass of organic wine, while it was a carrot and ginger juice for me. It’s been more than a little hectic on my front recently and seeing as the bags under these eyes aren’t Chanel, I really was in need of an uplifting dose of beta-carotene!

There was no passing up on pancakes after – especially the buckwheat and vegan protein powder-based stack served with grilled bananas, coconut yogurt, maple syrup, blue berries and edible flowers… It was every bit as virtuously decadent as it sounds!

We lingered on for a while afterwards, cocooned in the cosy warmth of the den as we enjoyed a bit of “me-time”, catching up on our reading (or in my case, writing).

Making the most of our foray into Belgravia, we couldn’t resist popping into Neill Strain’s boutique next-door on our way out, to admire the splendour of his seasonal floral arrangements…