About Time You Met: Sophie’s BlendBy Angelica Malin
As part of Breakfast Week in association with everyone’s favourite Lizi’s Granola, we’re going behind-the-scenes with London’s Breakfast Influencers – the bloggers, Instagrammers and chefs sharing their creations with social media, and setting the trends for our breakfast habits.
Here we meet Sophie Bradshaw – a health food blogger and face behind Sophie’s Blend. From oat milk smoothies, to yolky delights and heaps of brekkie goodness her Instagram has wracked up an incredible 34k following. When she’s not busy taking pretty pictures, her blog is full of delicious and dreamy recipes. Hello, green smoothie bowl. Here we meet the face behind the valencia filter:
What inspired you to start your Instagram and blog?
I wanted something to give me that feeling or purpose and drive every day having taken a gap year after A-levels. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do as a career and was getting pretty low about it but I always loved healthy food so I began experimenting in the kitchen after following endless foodie accounts on Instagram! I combined my love for photography with cooking and began sharing them on social media and my blog. I’m now doing this as a full time job which is incredible! I really think it’s important to be in a job that you feel passionate about so it never feels like ‘work’ – and I have to say blogging is so much fun, despite the fact you really have to push yourself to make sure you stay consistent.
Why breakfast?
Breakfast is hands down my favourite meal of the day. Every night I go to sleep literally dreaming of what I can make in the morning, and I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one?! I love the fact that you can really set yourself up for the day when you eat breakfast… If you think about it, when your day is started right, it’s only logical that the rest of the day will fall in to place.
What’s your ultimate go-to breakfast dish if you’re cooking?
At the moment my favourite combo is definitely eggs and avocado which is great for summer… I’ll either make an omelette or if I want something a little more carby I poach them before serving on avocado toast. In the winter I love a warm bowl of oats topped with any fruit and nuts I’ve got at hand for a comforting kick start to the day! I usually take my time to make a good breakfast as I see it as ‘me time’ before I take on my tasks on the daily grind.
Where do you like going for breakfast in London?
I’m not actually a Londoner and am yet to discover all the best places to grab breakfast! Lately I’ve been seeing a lot of the Porridge Cafe in Neals Yard for heavenly Instagram worthy bowls of porridge with all kinds of toppings, but I would also love to go to the Good Life to try their egg and quinoa bowl. It looks insane! Then you have the classics like Granger and Co for eggs anyway or Daylesford for a locally sourced plate of goodness… There are just so many options I think I’d need a whole week to try them all!
What’s the best breakfast you’ve had abroad?
When I went to Mallorca I stayed in an incredible hotel which served up the best breakfasts… It took hotel buffet’s to a whole new level. I’d start off with the a platter of the freshest fruit followed by homemade rye bread, eggs and smoked salmon. Oh – and don’t get me started on their coffee! They would come by every 10 minutes to top up our jug… I think it’s safe to say I consumed a months intake of caffeine in those 5 days! So, so worth it.
London’s best coffee is:
Hands down Granger & Co! The cups may be small but they have nailed the perfect soya cappuccino – I get it every time I’m around the area. There’s always such an amazing atmosphere in that place and is great for a little people watching too, which I think is really important in a cafe/restaurant.
Brunch cocktails, yes or no?
Hell no! I just couldn’t stomach them at that time of day… Fair play to those who can, though. I’ll be sticking to the coffee and smoothies!
Photo credits: Sophie’s Blend. She her blog here and follow her on Instagram here. Post in association with Lizi’s Granola.