Tranquillity and the city aren’t really synonymous with one another, so I was in awe when I strolled into a crystal bowl sound-healing workshop in the courtyard of Eccleston Yards, Belgravia. This meditative practice was something I’d never experienced before, but being in the presence of this harmonious calm made me feel somewhat cleansed in almost an instant. I wasn’t aware, but crystal ‘singing bowls’ create a range of sounds to restore the normal vibratory frequencies of out-of-harmony parts of the body, mind and soul, which would explain why I felt some sort of stress relief upon arriving at Eccleston Yards after a clammy forty-minute journey on the Northern Line.
I was actually here for the Eccleston Yards Wellness Weekender; the location’s debut festival fusing unique fitness and wellness experiences and tapping into some of this year’s latest trends such as Yoga with an orchestra, Hulafit, and Mindful Painting with Masterpeace Creative Studios. As you can see this was miles away from the purists approach to wellness and the place to visit for a fresh perspective! The programme (which spanned over two weekends), covered everything from nutrition to athleisure, HIIT to meditation, and forward-thinking discussions around the future of wellness and sustainability, making the event the ultimate restorative weekend.
As I explored the courtyard before Boxilates with boxing champion Ollie Lee, followed by açai bowls by Latin-American eatery Morena, I came across names that had been on my wellness radar for quite some time already. Healing studio Re.Mind, sustainably-minded restaurant Wild By Tart, and of course the unmissable studio Barry’s – notorious for being the original high-intensity interval training workout. Could there be a more wholesome space to rejuvenate on a Saturday morning?
The Eccleston Ethos
A once derelict car park, Eccleston Yards was transformed into a courtyard connecting to the local streets with a network of new passageways so visitors are led through a unifying runner of concrete paving, as shopfronts dedicated to innovation in food, fashion, co-working and wellbeing activate the parameter. Life around The Yards revolves around this multi-functional courtyard where independent thinking, wellbeing, creativity and community spirit are the four pillars to its use.
Need to work? There’s plenty of co-working space and nourishing eateries to work from. Something more active? Swing by the specialist running shop Run & Become then try out your new kicks on the treadmills at Barry’s. Need a freshen up? Pioneers of sustainable beauty, SMUK, is right next door to cater for all your pamper needs from makeovers to blow-dries! Feeling crafty? There’s even an assortment of creative studios such as The Master Peace and Studio Pottery – the perfect activity for those of you that are bored of the prophesied weekend binge-drinking. Pssst, there’s actually several options for a drink or two here, so you can still clink cocktails on a Friday night if you wish… yep, Eccleston Yards literally caters for all of your needs.
A Community Waiting To Be Discovered
It’s designers envisioned a space that really could be co-opted, hosting pop-up screenings from films to sporting events such as Wimbledon and the Olympics, food festivals, and the weekly Sunday market where bypassers can roam free to discover the delights of market shopping with live music, all while surrounded the colourful walls which have been painted with murals by local artists. Despite its vibrant identity, the Yards are an idyllic spot to clear some headspace and boost creativity.
Nourish yourself with lazy, hazy lunches, or restore your mental, physical and emotional balance at one of the surrounding studios. I can vouch that Eccleston Yards really is the ultimate wellbeing hideout and there’s always something to keep you coming back for more.
Upcoming Events
20th-26th September: Belgravia in Bloom
The floral festival with a floral fairground theme! Belgravia will be transformed with a series of beautiful flower installations, unique displays and experiences with the return of the event for its sixth year running. Click here to find out more.
29th September: Daily Dress Edit Pop Up
Slow fashion boutique Daily Dress Edit will be open for three weeks with an exclusively curated edit of new season fashion by independent and notable British brands, as well as new and emerging designers. Find more information here.
4th-6th October: London Craft Week 2021
A fraternity of world-class craftspeople, artisans, curators and makers; the Pimlico Road Design District is the apex of inspiring design and best-in-class interiors. The Pimlico Road Series for London Craft Week showcases the design district as home to many of the world’s most renowned design brands, with inspiring talks and panels, interactive workshops and fascinating demonstrations with the makers themselves. Further details here.
