Fueld – cafe review

It’s a surreal lunchtime that’s spent sipping a turmeric latte while idly watching men and women haul dead weights along the floor.

But the recent opening of Fueld, and adjoining Starks Fitness, at Glass Wharf near Temple Meads is testament to a growing trend in Bristol for holistic health centres that offer exercise and refuelling all under one roof. It comes hot on the tails of Spin Bar, which launched at the Harbour Inlet late last year.

Beyond the glass-panelled walls, the décor bears a startling resemblance to the inside of a Caterpillar tool box, but don’t let the rather stark interior put you off – the welcome is as warm as any you’ll find in Bristol.

A simple and enticing menu outlines an array of breakfast items – from porridge to protein pancakes, or toast and toppings, while lunch choices comprise of sandwiches (from £4.50) or nutritious bowls (from £6).

For the health conscious, the carb, calorie, fat and protein content of each option is helpfully included. Then, turn the menu over to find a dizzying array of shakes, shots, juices, teas and coffee.

Deciding against the ‘Look Good Naked’ (a combination of spinach, mango, banana, almond milk, flax seed, super greens and protein), or the ‘Clifton Lift’ (almond milk, double espresso, almonds protein), I am intrigued by the offer of a turmeric latte.

“It’s a homemade blend,” says the guy behind the counter with a smile, reeling off a list of ingredients that included ginger and cinnamon, among others. He opens the jar, releasing a faint homely, festive smell and I’m sold.

“I hope you like it,” says the friendly server, passing over a steaming and pleasantly scented cup, advising that a bit of sugar goes well for those with a sweet tooth.

Cartons of almond milk line the cage-like shelving above the counter, upon which an enticing array of protein balls and fresh juices are displayed. While the fitness centre and cafe are run as separate entities, they are certainly a match made in heaven.

A great deal of love and care has gone into creating the food and shakes on offer at Fueld and it is already attracting a steady stream of office workers after a healthy pick-me-up, with many already greeting staff like old friends.

Heading to a seat, it transpires that a few work-outs next door are required in order to pick up the yellow-topped stools sitting at long tables of the same colour, which misleadingly look light and transportable, but remain solidly fixed in position for anyone not blessed with much in the way of biceps.

In a corner spot by the window, it is possible to take in the tranquil riverside views, as well as peek through a wire mesh into the gym area, where loud pop music is masking the sound of grunts and shouts as a group of people are put through their paces on the immaculate yellow and grey flooring.

It’s not long before a bowl piled high with falafel goodness arrives – with a calorie count of 609, 67grams of carbs and a cost of £6. More importantly, it’s a visual delight, with the vibrant ingredients artfully arranged.

The first bite offers a pleasant burst of flavour and texture – the freshly cooked falafels are perfectly complemented by a refreshing beetroot dip, avocado, spiralised cucumber, peppers and pine nuts.

A layer of quinoa reaches to hidden depths in the bowl and, towards the end, starts to lose the flavours that were all-too-quickly devoured at the top. This is quickly remedied by the friendly staff, who produce a homemade chipotle sauce that adds a delicious punch, to make the last bite as good as the first.

“We’ve spent the last week perfecting the recipe,” says the server, “I hope you like it.”

It is an immensely satisfying meal, washed down with a latte that may never take the place of coffee in my heart, but was nevertheless a warming and tasty treat.

Walking out into the weak spring sunshine with a spring in my step, it seems there could be something in this healthy living stuff. Fueld is certainly a welcome addition to an ever-evolving part of Bristol.

Fueld, 2 Glass Wharf, Bristol, BS2 0FR
www.fueld.co.uk

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