Even though your aim is to be in the moment on the mat, sometimes the mind wanders. Oftentimes, mine wanders to what I’m going to eat after my practice. Until the class has ended, it is best to quietly guide your mind back back to the present when it goes off task.
But afterwards, here are some of our Bournemouth go-to cafes for that post Yoga refuel.
ZAZA
You can’t really go wrong at Zaza. The long list of hearty juices and smoothies is just the beginning. I’m a huge fan of the Super Green Juice, which is a creamy and rich combination of spinach, kale, celery, lemon, cucumber, mint, spirulina, wheatgrass and fresh apple juice. If you’re looking for something less green, the Protein Ball smoothie is a meal on its own – almond milk, almond butter, banana, avocado, sun warrior protein, raw cacao and memphis protein. You can also get big plates of guacamole on sourdough, baked goods, breakfast, brunch and salads. While they do coffee (and well), you can get any other latte as well from matcha to turmeric to beetroot.
77 Old Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth BH1 1EW
TURTLE BAY
These guys are conveniently right across the road from the studio! Whether you’re going for breakfast, lunch or dinner, there will be more than one item on the menu you want. For breakfast or lunch you can keep things simple with something like Smashed Avo, or go more adventurous with a Grill Down or a Yard Bird which is a soft bara roti stack with chicken or chicken-style patty, maple syrup, watermelon and a slight kick of hot sauce. Or for something a bit more healthy try the Buddha Bowl, yes that’s my favourite! And as expected they have delicious Caribbean cocktails and my favourite of their homemade soft drinks, classic Ginger Beer. Yum!
24 Madeira Rd, Bournemouth BH1 1NL
NAKED COFFEE LANSDOWNE
Naked coffee – no surprises given the name – is all about the coffee bean. With 3 house blends to choose from, you’re sure to find something that satisfies. The Brazilian is a classic South American medium roast, mellow and medium bodied. Then you’ve got the Smooth Operator, a rich and fruity medium/dark roast and the Virgin, a dark roast with hints of raw chocolate and a strong finish. You can also get your hands on smoothies, iced or regular superfood lattes, iced coffees, flavoured coffees and white and dark mochas and hot chocolates.
4 Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth BH1 3LT
SOUTH COAST ROAST
There is a theme when it comes to healthy eating at the moment – source locally from a handful of proper good suppliers. South Coast Roast lives and dies by this rule. Their menu opens with a couple of ‘superfood’ bowls. You can get your fruity fix in the Smoothie Bowl, which is a mixed berry and banana blend topped with organic hazelnut granola, goji, chia and seasonal fruit, while the Overnight Oats takes things down a different path with jumbo oats soaked for 24 hours in coconut milk, espresso and cocoa with sliced banana and chopped nuts on top. The breakfast menu is rounded out with ‘plant-based food’ like the Avo on Toast and a range of bagels with vegan-friendly fillings and the ‘Corn Chowder’, which is a spicy New Orleans style corn chowder served with toasted sourdough. Karma drinks, Pip organic juices, chai, coffee, and their unique Shroom Brew round out the menu.
24 Richmond Hill, Bournemouth BH2 6EJ
ICE HARVEST
Again, the name suggests these guys like making use of plant-based foods. From Harvest Gains to Thai Heaven to Californian Retreat, they’ve got salad bowls covered. You can also get a super healthy Hummus Plate either with pitta bread, or added falafel or vegan shawarma. Other lunch options might include a not-so-healthy Fully Loaded Chips smothered with your choice of sauce, sandwiches and wraps, or even vegan pancakes, ice cream and smoothies.