I have worked in the Knightsbridge and Hyde Park Corner area of London for most of my working life. When I’m stressed at work I dislike this famous and very busy borough, but when I have the chance to utilise my lunch break I fall in love with Knightsbridge and all it has to offer, returning to work brighter and lighter. This week Flexioffices are launching a campaign to encourage Londoners to make the most of their lunch break, here are some of the ideas I’m excited to have found…
Refuel on Mondays
The most obvious thing to occupy yourself with on your lunchbreak, is of course, food… a meal I crave for the first four hours of every day. Knightsbridge’s opportunities can be a bit pricey, a salad from Ottolenghi being the most extravagant option! Why not wander round the Harvey Nichols Food Hall and marvel at the range of international foodie items. For a filling and delicious lunch, order a wrap from the hot counter – the guys will grill you a hefty portion of marinated meat with onion and pepper and encase it in a pitta bread with fresh salad and sauces of your choice. It’s sure to keep you satisfied all afternoon.
Revitalise on Tuesdays
Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed: when I’m feeling drab and dreary I pop over to Harvey Nichols for an eye makeover. First, a painful but perfectly shaped eyebrow thread at Blink, where the girls pluck away with cotton strands until your brows are immaculate. For extra dazzle treat yourself to a pair of lashes at Japanese beauty brand extraordinaire, Shu Uemura, where the talented make-up artists will fit your lashes of choice. Flutter proudly all the way back to work.
Relax on Wednesdays
Motcomb Street is a hidden gem in the backstreets behind touristy Knightsbridge. Here you can find boutiques selling all sorts of goodies: jewellery, perfume, macaroons, designer clothes and shoes, plus cafés. My favourite outlet is Rococo, the fragrant and beautiful chocolatier. Carefully choose one delectable bite from the counter and order a thick hot chocolate, that I guarantee is the best in London. Make your way down to the Moroccan garden to enjoy your treats while reading a book and forget all your worries for a few precious isolated moments.
Re-energise on Thursdays
I feel instantly refreshed when I see greenery, and Hyde Park is a real asset to this area. The famous London park offers horse-riding for active people and plenty of grass for picnics. Take along a camera and practise your skills, or wander to the Serpentine Gallery to see a show (usually free entry), here you will also find Zaha Hadid’s impressive new building, the home for trendy restaurant, Magazine.
Refresh on Fridays
Amidst the Knighstbridge hubbub is the heavenly hotel The Berkeley, where no luxury is spared. Their unique rooftop pool overlooks London with panoramic views of the city, the perfect place for finding perspective and a few minutes of calm. After your swim, relax on the poolside sun-loungers or in the rooftop solarium and enjoy the signature water blend with fresh lemon, mint, cucumber and fresh fruit. You will feel like you are bathing on top of the world, a far cry from the chaos of the office.
Currently only 30% of UK employees take a lunch break, despite the positive and healthy effect it has on the rest of the working day. Flexioffices are encouraging you to take the #LiveYourLunchBreak challenge!
During the next month spend one week ensuring that you take a break of at least 30 minutes every day doing something you enjoy outside of work.
When your week is up, let Flexioffices know whether taking this dedicated time out in the middle of the day means that you feel better, have more energy or feel more productive!
Share your thoughts on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ using the hashtag #LiveYourLunchBreak
