Alchemy Juice Co

It’s impossible to use the words ?clean? and ?eating? in the same breath right now without conjuring an assault of eye-rolls and deep sighs, so I’ll refrain from the phrase in this foodie report, but safe to say, this new spot is seriously healthy.

Alchemy Juice Co is the latest venture by Domini & Peaches Kemp (of Itsa Bagel, Joe’s and Hatch & Sons fame), inspired by the LA-ish food trend: mega healthy eating, drinking and lifestyle-cleansing habituals. The eatery has taken over from Starbucks, upstairs in Grafton Street’s BT2, a very clever replacement aimed to lure the a-typical BT2 shopper/ Instagram friendly/ ‘religion? eater, i.e. veggie, vegan, celiac, ketogenic, dairy free, sugar free, Paleo and low-carb diners.

So, what’s it like? The interior is cold, if a little sterile? all white benches and clinical tables with little in the way of d?cor save for a few wheatgrass flower boxes. The food, however, is something else.

Salads come in lunchbox portions and takeaway packaging, and all are gluten, sugar and dairy free. My accomplice and I chose the Cabbage Rolls, Superfood and Paleo Power salads and shared them between us, though a single salad for lunch is just the right size for one. Down to the chickpeas and walnuts, every ingredient is top-notch, prepared with care and naturally enhanced to its freshest and healthiest best. More importantly it’s really moreish. We ate every last bit.

Juices (cold pressed, raw, unpasteurized, alkalizing and de-toxing)are a game of two halves. Some are for the hardcore health fan while others are a more palatable experience. I say ask the genuinely enthusiastic staff to steer you towards your best beverage option.

Coffee is served with milk and dairy substitutes, but no white sugar is served. The Bounty Brownies seem too good to be nutritious (but are) and the savoury carrot and courgette muffins are a great bread alternative. Chia Porridge with raw berry compote and Ketogenic Porridge both looked good as breakfast options and there’s a selection of vegetable and miso soups available too. It’s no pricier than your average city centre lunch spot and, happily, you pay for what you’re being sold – honestly healthy, delicious food. I can’t wait to go back.

@jo_linehan