Let’s face it, January is a pretty miserable month, writes Nick Mosley. After the highs – and sometimes lows – of Christmas and New Year, heading into the darkest month of the year with the social pressure to abstain from the pleasures of food and drink isn’t the most enticing of prospects. That’s what Lent is for…
Now I’m literally the very last person to lecture on healthy eating but I’m thankful that I know Anita Drozd at Youjuice garage, tucked away off Western Road on Brunswick Street East.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Youjuice, its a real gem on the Brighton and Hove food and drink scene. Anita founded the business just over ten years ago, serving up cold pressed juices and wholesome, tasty brunch dishes that – as she says – ‘feed the body and soul’. I’d add that they also pack a flavourful punch so you don’t feel like you’re missing out.
I asked Anita to explain exactly what are cold pressed juices and why are they different to the products on the supermarket shelf?
“I love cold pressing because its hands-down the best technique to protect the essential enzymes and minerals that get destroyed with other common and more traditional forms of juicing”, said Anita.
“The process allows us to get the best from our ingredients, creating vibrant juices packed with nutrients as well as antioxidants and enzymes that stay super fresh for 96 hours. Our cold press juices are always made in small batches using the best locally sourced produce. This allows us to give them the care and attention they deserve”.
Youjuice serve up eight raw, unpasteurised cold pressed juices packed with goodness in 250ml and one litre reusable and recyclable glass bottles to take home. You can obviously also pull up a stool and enjoy in the cosy garage, as I did on my last visit when I had a flight of five juice shots for £5.50 that no doubt helped shift my winter cold.
Beetroot, carrot, apple, kale, avocado, celery and pineapple are all hero ingredients, but I tend to err towards punchy ginger, turmeric and citrus. I find those flavours more to my palate and also more alluring if I’m steering myself away from my usual indulgent lifestyle.
The majority of the food menu at the Youjuice garage is vegan, yet I’ve never felt short-changed by a dish at Youjuice because Anita has genuine passion for food, provenance and taste. She doesn’t want to exclude anyone from the experience so eggs are on the brunch menu, you can add chicken to a salad bowl and there is mighty fine bone broth with ginger and thyme.
We chose eggs on sourdough toast, a hearty plate overflowing with avocado, salad, pickles and salsa flavoured with herb and nut dukkah, and a mixed salad bowl with quinoa and raw smokey beetroot crackers, the latter of which are absolutely dishes and can also be purchased to take home.
If you’re looking for a new year detox then Anita has prepared packages of juices and immunity shots with one day starting at £29 running up to a full seven days for £189, which when you calculate includes 21 handmade juices and seven immunity shots is actually rather good value.
With only 10 seats in the Youjuice garage, the venue is always packed with Brightonians and Hoverians, which is testament to the popularity of Anita’s business and how news has spread via word of mouth over the years. Youjuice is a business that serves up great food and juices with genuine heart.
Youjuice Garage, 48 Brunswick Street East, Hove BN3 1AU
01273 204 003 • www.youjuice.co.uk