Wellness weekends: Eccleston Yards, London
Eccleston Yards in Belgravia is a Victorian courtyard comprising of health and wellbeing orientated shops, restaurants, treatments, and activities. It’s just a stone’s throw from Victoria station so is an ideal location for Londoners and those dwelling further afield.
So, I headed down to this cobblestone haven to see what’s on offer for those looking to soothe their mind, body, and soul after a chaotic week at work.
Mind: Take a deep breath and let your creative juices flow
Re:Mind
Visit when you’re feeling burnt out, stressed, or overwhelmed.
Re:Mind lays on the outskirts of the courtyard. You’ll enter this meditation centre through its shop front which provides everything you need to practice holistic rituals (looking at you crystal lovers). The atmosphere Re:Mind has created is one of pure peace from the moment you step through the door. As I perched in the waiting room, cup of green tea in hand, I felt inclined to whisper.
The centre offers classes with therapists, including reiki healing, Tibetan bowls, and tuning forks, which take place in the upstairs treatment room. The room itself is dimly lit with salt lamps and furnished with beige mats, cushions, and blankets. It’s a world away from London’s hustle and bustle and a real opportunity to press pause.
The Re:Charge Healing Breathwork class (£30), in particular, led by breathing and meditation guru Rebecca Moore is ideal for anyone suffering with severe burnout or struggling to sleep (although I’d not recommend this if you’re currently suffering with a blocked nose). Her mellow tones, which instructed my breathing, nearly sent me off into a sleep – I caught myself mid dribble.
Rebecca says the class aims to relieve stress by reoxygenating and ensuring energy flows around the body. Often, the class will bring feelings that your brain has been trying to suppress to the surface, which is why some leave feeling ready for bed, and others feel ready to deep dive into energetic tasks.
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MasterPeace
Visit when you want some light social time and a creative outlet
Once you’re through the glass doors of MasterPeace, with the curtains drawn from the outside world, it’s easy to feel like you’re in an artistic sanctuary. Despite the amazing artworks adorning the walls of the studio, there’s certainly none of the snobbiness that can sometimes attach itself to London’s artistic quarters. There’s also no expectation for guests to possess any artistic skills. Instructors like Katie and Scott are on hand to gently guide you in the right direction.
However, if you’re feeling nervous, the session begins with some fun short activities to get your creative juices flowing. Not to mention, MasterPeace serves out Punchy sparkling water, wine, and chocolate to help you have a good time!
Classes are a group activity and everyone sits around one working bench table. (I know this can sound daunting if you choose to attend alone). But it’s a really friendly atmosphere, and everyone’s attention is spent on their work.
There’s a variety of classes to choose from but I highly recommend the Paint Your Own Photo class (£45). It’s a coached painting experience which enables you to project a photo from your Iphone onto the canvas to draw an outline. (Don’t worry android users, the studio has an option for you too).
The best bit about this class is that there’s no pressure to finish your work within the session. I damn well knew I wouldn’t be able to turn around a full-length portrait of my rabbit Dandelion in mere two hours! The class lets you take away mini-acrylic paints, paint brushes, and your canvas – all included in the session price – so you can continue your creativity beyond the session.
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Studio Pottery London
Visit if you decide to commit to learning a new skill on your own or with a friend
There’s something about plunging your hands into wet clay and watching it whizz round your fingers on the wheel that soothes the mind. That’s why Studio Pottery London has been such a salvation to its community of potters, Lucy Attwood, studio director, tells me as she shows me around the studio. At times she’s even had to rescue studio members who’ve lost all sense of time and consequently been locked in.
The studio has two areas. One for its members who visit for up to 18 hours per week. If you peer into Studio Pottery’s glass shop front, you’ll see them working on intricate designs that have clearly received many hours of attention. On the other side of the studio is an area for workshops i.e. for people like me who’ve never gone any near a potter’s wheel in their life.
These workshops go from beginner level to intermediate level, with the additional option for private sessions (£130-£200). I’d say these classes are more aimed at those with a curiosity to learn about the true foundations of pottery, as opposed to the more casual pottery painting cafes scattered across London. However, that’s not to say this is any less fun. Lucy says that they allow attendees to bring in food and drink to the sessions for a relaxed evening of potting.
At the end of the sessions you’ll walk away with a glorious bottle green glazed pot – I plan for mine to be a guacamole dip bowl.
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Body: Balance your body with the hot and the cold
Barry’s
Visit to work out without gym anxiety
You’d be forgiven for thinking Barry’s was a nightclub if you walked into one of its many classes (£24 each). Its workout rooms are dimly lit, club music peaks and troughs depending on your intensity level, and the instructor takes on the role of gym MC.
Being in this environment is extremely fun and it’s surprisingly motivating to work out in the pack mentality that Barry’s has created. I ran faster on a treadmill than I think I’ve ever run in my life – not once feeling like I needed to quit, which quite often I do.
Barry’s is a great option for those suffering with gym anxiety because everything is so structured. For example, you’re allocated a specific treadmill and floor space for class so there’s no fear about equipment not being available. The high intensity and stimulation of the room also means there’s no way in hell anyone is looking at you working out or judging how well you lift weights.
Afterwards, the changing rooms are a well-deserved treat. Showers are stocked with peppermint shampoo, cilantro conditioner, and bergamot body wash. Towels, toiletries and hair dryers are also provided. You can also refuel with a protein shake (vegan protein available), which staff will prepare so it’s ready for when you come out of the changing room.
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LondonCryo
Visit for a quiet self-care session
“Expose my naked body to -180c dry air at LondonCryo?” I hear you say. I know, I had the same thought, but you may be surprised. Whole-body cryotherapy (£90) aims to trick your mind into thinking your body is in a fake sense of hypothermia (it’s safe don’t worry). What this does is send all your blood to your core, so when you begin to warm up after the treatment the reoxygenation of your body makes you feel re-energised. You’re only in the chamber for a maximum of three minutes and a member of staff is with you at all times in case you need to make a quick exit.
LondonCryo also does several other services which are definitely every introvert’s dream. Consider the Body Ballancer Lymphatic Drainage (£95). You’ll be zipped into what I can only describe as an inflatable snowsuit which has been designed to pummel your body, massaging your muscles and helping lymphatic drainage. No human touch, and you’ll be left alone to scroll through your phone, read, or simply lay in mindfulness for 45 minutes.
If cold climes aren’t for you then opt for LondonCryo’s infrared sauna (£40-£60). These small private rooms have a sauna cubicle lit by infrared lighting which you can change the colour of depending on the health benefits you’re after. Lay there in steamy bliss without being disturbed and once you’re done, douse off in the private shower and swig the Aguulp electrolyte drink provided.
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SMUK
Visit to relax while putting your hair in good hands
Although Eccleston Yard is known as ‘London’s best-kept secret – SMUK is not so hidden. Its popularity was evident from the multiple women who turned up begging for a last-minute blow-dry (£35-£90) during the time I sat there. And there’s a reason for it.
The salon carries a relaxing hygge vibe – most probably because the brand was founded by Danish Celebrity stylist Miabella Ristorp. The products also boast of being eco-friendly. My stylist Irene Marino used the Oribe range which left my dry sauna inflicted hair with a healthy glow. In addition, Irene had all the answers to my questions about my hair woes (bleach allergies, dry ends, and thin hair *sigh*).
But aside from the finished results, the best part was the *amazing* spine-tingling head massage I received when having my hair washed. SMUK is not the kind of place to shove your scalp under scorching hot water before whisking you off to your chair. They take their time to ensure you’re feeling relaxed, which is why this is a great place to visit to show yourself some self-love.
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Soul: Fill yourself up with flavours
Atis
Visit for a casual nutritious lunch in between shopping and beauty treatments
Salads have had unfair press over the years – as I discussed with Last Kingdom’s Eliza Butterworth on a recent BALANCE podcast. They don’t have to be the limp green lettuce leaves you’ve pushed upon yourself in a desperate act of dieting. Salads can be an abundance of nutritious and filling ingredients. And Atis showcases just this.
In fact, if you arrive past noon you’ll be standing in a queue of people waiting for their lunchtime fix, with the background noise of Deliveroo orders ringing through. As one man behind me said, “I don’t usually eat salads, but the ones here are actually really filling”.
There’s a wide selection of meals on offer, including the kalamata queen, the hey pesto, and the earth bowl from its new spring menu, with the choice to also make your own. There’s minimal seating but that’s definitely not a problem if it’s a particularly nice day – just nab a deckchair in the courtyard.
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Morena
Visit for brunching and Latin American dancing
There can never be enough brunching spots in London, and if you’re a bruncher like me Morena should be on your list. Its Latin-American menu supplies a healthy array of breakfast-type options such as salmon and avocado, cachapas pancakes, and huevos rancheros (its most popular brunch dish).
Morena also serves small plates, with three to four plates serving as a cute joint brunching option. I can’t leave out giving a special mention to its iced tea and coffee collection which not only provided the classics but also offered up iced chai and iced rose matcha tea (which is actually meant to be really good for your skin).
Although, you may be perturbed from entering on a busy day without a reservation, as the downstairs area of the restaurant looks small, don’t be. This Instagram-aesthetic restaurant has a big upstairs to cater for extra guests, as well as disabled toilets.
Plus, if you’re interested in having the full Latin-American experience, Valentina Beleno, the co-owner of Morena tells me that they host a Latin-American band for guests to dance to in the courtyard once a month.
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Biscuiteers
Visit for sweet treats and a creative outlet
Calling all those with a sweet tooth to Biscuiteers‘ icing café – one of the most recent arrivals at Eccleston Yard. The small shopfront is absolutely stacked with iced biscuits of every possible design, including a 3D Buckingham Palace. Yet behind this treasure trove of iced delights is a pretty big café. What you do here depends on how involved you want to be in eating your food.
I signed up to the School of Icing, which provides biscuits and icing to decorate to your heart’s content (£90). (Although I will say my finished products did not display the same artistic talent as those on display in the shop). The Biscuiteers bake your iced biscuits to give them that shiny professional iced look, before wrapping them in an expensive-looking box (which has since doubled up as an earring holder in my drawer).
However, if you’re not so keen on being at one with your biscuits. There’s the option for a glorious afternoon tea with finger sandwiches and sweet treats (the profiteroles were definitely a win), washed down with tea or Prosecco (£38/£44pp). Although I will say be cautious if you’re vegan as the sandwich menu doesn’t currently stock plant-based fillings – this, Biscuiteers say, is something they’re currently experimenting with in the kitchen.
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People wind down from a chaotic working week in different ways and the brilliant thing about visiting Eccleston Yards is that it really allows you to set the tempo of your wellbeing. For those of us slumped behind a desk, raring to get their blood pumping, Eccleston Yards has plenty of places to provide hardcore wellness activities like Barry’s and LondonCryo. It left me feeling re-energised. However, Eccleston Yards can equally fit the bill for those of us in the slow lane hoping to unwind over a sleepy weekend. I’d say consider dining at the delicious restaurants like Morena and going to the creative outlets such as MasterPeace.
Molly Raycraft is a travel and lifestyle journalist living in London. She currently talks to celebrities about their health and wellness routines as part of the BALANCE podcast. Outside of work she loves plant-based cooking (and eating), wellness walks around Peckham Rye, and learning Korean. @molly.raycraft
