Nestled in the heart of Fashion Street, Shoreditch, Mission feels like a slice of serene paradise in East London. It’s not just a yoga studio; it’s the biggest yoga and movement centre in Europe, with a staggering 14,000 square feet dedicated to every facet of wellness you can imagine. Created mid-lockdown by yoga devotees Genny Wilkinson and Simon Davies, Mission was born from a vision: to create a welcoming, non-elitist space for yoga and movement enthusiasts of all levels. And they’ve succeeded – in droves.
Walking into Mission feels like entering a private club that forgot to be exclusive. On a bright autumn day, the light streaming through the Victorian warehouse’s oversized windows felt nothing short of heavenly, casting a golden glow across the minimalist interiors. A stunning view of Christ Church Spitalfields graces one side, while Fashion Street’s rooftops stretch out the other. The café, known as Café Mission, embodies a simple, earthy aesthetic with an all-day vibe that makes it hard to leave.
Open seven days a week for coffee and breakfast, Café Mission also serves up a rotating lunch menu from Wednesday through Sunday. On our visit, we settled into a spacious leather booth and started with a crisp glass of natural rosé wine. The menu – a concise but thoughtful selection – features vibrant dishes made from seasonal ingredients. Our Mission Quinoa Bowl was a standout, a nourishing medley of roast pumpkin, fennel, orange, kale, and Labneh, topped with a sesame dressing that tied everything together perfectly. The Smoked Chalkstream Trout flatbread sandwich, with cream cheese, watercress, and pickled shallots, was equally satisfying, and we couldn’t resist a side of excellent skin-on fries.
Dessert was a decision we didn’t regret. The Orange and Almond cake, alongside scoops of Cherry and Almond and Serious Chocolate house ices, ended the meal on a sweet note. Paired with a rich coffee, it was the perfect end to our meal.
After lunch, we toured the extensive studios. Each of the five spaces has its own vibe, from sleek, industrial setups to spaces drenched in sunlight. The class offerings are vast – Mission’s faculty includes experts in everything from boxing and restorative yoga to calisthenics. These aren’t just yoga teachers; they’re osteopaths, psychotherapists, and even a death doula, bringing an immense depth of knowledge and passion to every class. Whether you’re in search of a high-energy flow or something gentler, Mission is a place that caters to every mood, every energy level, and every level of experience.
Mission is more than just a wellness hub – it’s a community. It’s rare to find a place that’s this dedicated to breaking down the barriers of modern wellness, and rarer still to see it executed with such style and substance. So, if you’re looking for a break from the East London hustle, or just a moment to connect and breathe, Mission is calling.
mission-e1.com
7-9 Fashion Street London E1 6PX
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