Juice Rodriguez (CLOSED)

Elena, one of the owners of Juice Rodríguez, knew exactly what she wanted to achieve with this fabulous-looking space: create a healthy, natural food range that is also fun – a long way from the boiled broccoli that some of us might still associate with the concept of healthy eating. Indeed, the venture’s philosophy is broadcast from a giant canvas decorating the premises: ‘good food, good mood’. Eating natural products will put us in a better frame of mind.

And it works, believe me. From the moment you peruse the menu and realise that someone has created a selection of juices to satisfy some of our most unmentionable needs, you can’t help but start to feel more positive. The fruit and vegetable combinations are varied, and sometimes surprising. And they produce a range of colourful drinks that make bold but believable promises – to rejuvenate, increase your sex drive, ease the effects of the worst hangover, give you an energy boost or relax your inner demons. They’re prepared by Brenda as if she were an old-school cocktail bartender, making you think you can see exactly what she’s doing when really you have no idea. Milkshakes and smoothies are also available, along with sandwiches and salads, all labelled ‘fast good food’.

Juice Rodríguez could be in Berlin or London – it’s a place for a wholesome, delicious, low-cal drink and bite to eat at any time of the day. Pick up a morning coffee (which is excellent, by the way) accompanied by a delicious cake, a mid-morning sandwich or an afternoon juice to see you through. It’s also ideal for anyone who no longer believes in breaking the day up with a rich, heavy lunch that leaves you unable to move for the rest of the afternoon.