Boki (Bar)

Top 10 things to know about Boki:

1) If there is such a thing as a healthy version of McDonald's, Boki bar and restaurant in Covent Garden is making a brave stab at not just winning that crown, but resolutely surpassing it.

2) The first rule is to make the decor feel as natural as possible. Skylight? Tick. Green plants? Tick. Freshly baked products (although here: on display)? Tick.

3) With names such as the McBoki as a signature dish, it's hard not to make a comparison. However, the ingredients couldn't be further apart. Boki sliders use crayfish that tastes as though it’s just been caught from the sea, and avocado that has just been plucked from the trees.

4) Boki also uses fad healthy ingredients like charcoal brioche buns to attract the Covent Garden diners. Why is charcoal on trend? It soaks up free radicals and impurities, which are undoubtedly more prevalent in less salubrious establishments.

5) If that doesn't sound healthy enough, then the Boki vegan bowl will satisfy the most demanding health fanatic. It consists of quinoa, smoked tofu, edamame, avocado and radish. With an exciting variation of textures and flavours, it's a bowl of healthiness which also offers a thrill for your mouth.

6) Instead of thick, indulgent milkshakes, they offer thick, healthy smoothies. One is appropriately named The Hulk; packing a punch with kale, spinach, avocado, chia seeds, spirulina and apple.

7) The only drawback comes if you arrive late at night when they tend to run out of their fresh baked desserts, such as the delectable croissant bread and butter pudding. You might end up with one of their unwanted orphaned options on display.

8) Prices here are almost as pocket-friendly as they are at the golden arches, with most items in the £6-£8 range, plus there’s plenty for those who like to eat on the go.

9) Service is attentive without being robotic and littered with corporate speak. There’s no meal deal upsell. Instead, we were advised the small plates section at the beginning of the menu didn't necessarily equate to starters; so thankfully didn’t leave the restaurant with supersized stomachs.

10) Boki has the kind of relaxed environment in which you and your laptop can plan your next presentation for breakfast, or post-spin class workout, chow down on a healthy dinner....read more