Tucked away near the universities, the Smoothie Company is a secret destination to visit when you need to kick-start your day with something healthy. And it's the perfect place to nurse a hangover.

The Venue
The Smoothie Company is nestled inside a small house opposite the university campus. It's spread across two rooms connected by a narrow corridor and it's very bright and airy despite its small dimensions. You order and collect your food at the front room as you go in and the second room at the back is where you sit down to drink and eat. This second area looks like a girly living room with exposed brickwork and one pink wall, lots of plants and big sofas where you can slump down and relax. It's very cute and the furniture looks like it's been crammed in, a bit like a student house. Chairs and tables outside double the capacity which is needed during summer when their smoothies are in high demand.

The People
Due to its location The Smoothie Company is usually filled with students and most of them are making use of the free Wi-Fi. The atmosphere is relaxed and it's not the place to finish a dissertation, more to email friends and catch up on Facebook. The fact that there's an art and design college nearby means you get the odd arty type in here. It feels more like a community cafe than a multinational coffee house corporation.

The Food
There's a selection of freshly made sandwiches available throughout the day. The fillings tend to be classics but there is a healthy spin on each. The meat selection includes roast chicken with avocado and basil, Mexican chicken with salsa, roasted red onion and mozzarella and Thai chicken with bean sprouts and sweet chilli. The vegetarian options include tasty buffalo mozzarella with pesto, aubergine, pine nuts and tomato, a veggie sausage with tomato and chilli chutney and a homemade tomato pate with pine nuts. Fish fillings, paninis, soups, salads and breakfast options are also available.

The Drink
Well, it's obviously all about the smoothies.There are dairy and non-dairy (both £2.05) options and you are given a wide choice of flavours like the Raspberry Blush (raspberries, apple juice and yogurt) which is creamy, while the Passion Fruit Salad (strawberry, banana, mango pulp and apple juice) is a thick concentrate of vitamins. They claim smoothies are the perfect hangover cure so if you're feeling a bit under the weather after a heavy night try the Breakfast Boost which is a mix of banana, strawberry, honey, oats, yoghurt and milk.

Juices are also available at £1.10 and, if you're looking for a kick that's healthier than a sambuca shot, they serve wheatgrass shots for £1.50. For something indulgent try one of their thick milkshakes (£1.80-2) or, if it's a rainy day, go for a mocha, hot chocolate, steamer or tea (£1.10-1.60).

The Last Word
This happy little haven serves colourful, nutricious concoctions. The Smoothie Company is cozy and welcoming and a visit will do your body a favour.

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