There’s never a bad time to enjoy mouth-watering food, whether it’s a tasty snack while on the go or a delicious dinner with friends. Plus, did you know that there are some ingredients that are extra-useful when it comes to boosting your mood? In the spirit of bringing joy, we’re sharing the tastiest endorphin boosting foods and where to find them at The Yards.
Chocolate
This one’s hardly a surprise, but yes, chocolate can help encourage your brain’s endorphin release – as if we needed another reason to enjoy some! If you’re looking for a sweet treat at The Yards, stop by Italian wine bar Dalla Terra to try their Tortino al Cioccolato Lava – which translates as Chocolate Lava Cake – or visit Warehouse for their Chocolate Tart, Rosehip Curd and Heilala Vanilla Ice Cream dessert.
Oranges
Vitamin C is great for helping to boost endorphins and there’s nothing better than taking a break to enjoy some fresh citrus flavours with the spirit of the Mediterranean. Visit Italian Gelato specialists Badiani to try their zingy red orange sorbet which they recommend pairing with their black sesame ice cream.
Eggs
This breakfast staple is another good choice for helping to increase our endorphin levels, lucky for us they’re also the perfect choice for brunch with some loved ones. Visit Bill’s for their Classic Eggs Benedict with Fries (one to enjoy with a Bloody Mary), or head to our new pasta restaurant miscusi for their signature egg-based dish, the Carbonara. Two great meals to give you the energy you need for a day of shopping or exploring at The Yards.
Chilli
The capsaicin found in spicy foods can help cause your brain to release endorphins and dopamine, so ramp up the heat for some delicious – and mood-boosting – meals. Try the Dirty Bab from modern kebab restaurant Maison Bab and enjoy Pork Shawarma, slow cooked for 15 hours with chilli pork jus, pickled cucumber, fries and their signature fondue sauce. Or why not share the Burrata, Lime and Jalapeño dish from neighbouring temper with friends, before digging into their famous tacos.
Strawberries
It’s back to the fruit bowl for this final endorphin-raising option and what better way than to end with dessert. Check out Café Pacifico for their Pastel de Tres Leches – a three milk sponge cake topped with vanilla flavour whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Alternatively, try the Bill’s Flowerpot – a strawberry cheesecake with chocolate soil, fresh strawberries and edible flowers, it really does taste as good as it looks.
This spring we’re celebrating moments that bring us joy at The Yards and to help us do this, illustrator Lizzie King has created artworks of the things that make us happy. Be sure to stop by, snap and share your moments of joy at The Yards using #FindJoyAtTheYards and by tagging @theyardscoventgarden.
We will also be giving you the chance to win a number of prizes – including meals for two, a night’s stay at a local hotel, shopping sprees and much more! Stay tuned via our Instagram to find out how to enter the competitions throughout May.