Making Headlines
“EAT. DRINK.CLEANSE... AND LET THE OTHERS KNOW ABOUT US!”
Coronavirus: YouJuice Brighton helps NHS nurses in Sussex
https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/18396834.coronavirus-youjuice-brighton-helps-nhs-nurses-sussex/
SELFMADE
A MAGAZINE FROM IZETTLE - ISSUE NO.1
October 2019
Juicy Business.
Youjuice is the Brighton business that’s passionate about living well.
Opening five years ago in the trendy seaside city of Brighton. Youjuice is brainchild of Anita Drozd. Now, with two locations and a growing online business, her motivation to promote healthy living was born out of necessity.
Text JORDAN NEWHOUSE| Photos Emma Croman
When Anita Drozd is asked why she opened a juice business, she says simply, “I was a new mom and totally exhausted health-wise. I stumbled into the business of making juices out of necessity, really. I desperately wanted to feel better so I bought a juicer, and it really worked. Quickly too!”
Fruitful beginnings
The results were more energy and clarity, and it inspired her to investigate this strange new life-elixir. “I come from a culinary background, but once I got into juicing I really researched it and started making my own recipes. Then my friends wanted them, so I thought this could develop into something.” And it has. But what differentiates Youjuice from competitors is not only Anita’s passion and drive, but her dedication to finding the right way to make juice. “Most juices use a heating method that destroys the critical nutrients in fruits and vegetables. We cold-press our juices so that all of the goodness is left in there. It really makes a difference.”
Quality sells
Did she find a market right away? “Yes. We made profit from day one because even though we charge twice as much as store-bought juices, people could recognise the quality. But, we’ve also had to adjust to the desires of the public. That’s why we’ve moved into online sales.” Has that transition been difficult? “No, not really. iZettle has been a great ally there– we use their invoice option at the point of sale and it’s made the process so much easier. Everything is transparent with invoicing, sales and inventory so it’s never a problem.” What does the future hold? “Right now, we’re offering a subscription service where we deliver boxes of our products directly to people. That’s been going very well. And of course, we’d like to continue spreading the word about healthy vegan living, because it’s so much easier than people think. Juice is life! That’s why I’m passionate about it. So, we hope to have Youjuice in cities all over the UK. I really believe it can transform people’s lives and I look forward to being a part of that.”
365 MAGAZINE
https://365magazine.co.uk/4-must-try-brunches-in-brighton-and-hove/
Must-try brunches in Brighton & Hove.
Brighton has so many incredible places for brunch, it’s one of the reasons I love living here so much. Whether it’s making the most of our local produce or creating a vegan brunch menu that carnivores would happily devour, here are a few of my favourite places that I love to visit.
V&H
V&H was early on my favourite list. Every time a foodie friend or chef comes to visit from out of town it is my #1 brunch recommendation. Their support for local producers shines through in the flavour and quality of their dishes. Taking something very simple and making it extraordinary (I mean their baked beans are unbeatable…). They are also taking good steps in sustainability, for example promoting smashed squash instead of avocado to allow them to stick to their local sourcing. I like that. All wrapped up in a canteen-style interior that makes you feel like your in on a local secret, it’s a must-visit.
Top tip – make sure to enjoy the map on the wall plotting all the local suppliers the team use.
Roundhill
Roundhill have just launched their brunch menu, and oh man is it noteworthy. I went along to the launch to celebrate the fact that with a Veeg card you get a free smoothie or juice with your brunch. I was expecting it to be good, as I’d heard people raving about their seitan lamb roast on Sundays. It even exceeded my expectations. Firstly the pub itself is just a lovely place to have brunch, the staff friendly and they have lego (which entertained my kids while I feasted). The fully vegan menu is very well thought out, stand out dishes include the carrot lox ‘smoked salmon’ and tofu scramble, the portabello mushrooms on toast and the avocado lime smash. The portion size, freshness and well thought out flavours all make this a must-visit brunch spot, well worth the little jaunt slightly out of town.
Top tip – grab a side of their fiery beans whatever you order. You won’t regret it!
Backwood
New kid on the block Backwood takes over Plenty’s great space behind the station and comes with some impressive sustainable credentials. They don’t have any take-out cups, instead they have loan reusable cups if you forget to BYO – such a good (and bold) idea. The interior is clever too with tables made from waste plywood that looks like designer terazzo. Most importantly the food is a clever, low-impact affair with Turkish routes, the Shahshuka looks great, and the Sabich pitta I had was stuffed to the brim with za-atar potatoes, hummus, roasted veg and pickles.
Top tip – add the mozzarella sticks (they may be the best I’ve had in Brighton) but watch out the garlic sauce will blow your socks off – perfect for garlic lovers like me.
Youjuice
Youjuice is such a feel-good haven. From their amazing cold-pressed juice menu to the ever-changing seasonal menu this is the ultimate virtuous brunch option. I often fail to deviate from their chia pudding layered with fresh fruit and homemade nut butter. But can also vouch for their flavour-packed salads. I love to visit just for the atmosphere, especially Youjuice Garage, you can sit outside on the mews, browse one of their cookbook selection and eat and drink your morning away surrounded by minted water and fresh fruit and veg. Anita, the owner’s energy is infectious and the staff are some of the most passionate and welcoming I’ve experienced in Brighton. They also have some great Veeg card offers so always worth having a look on their Instagram for those (if not for the endless fresh food porn).
BN1 MAGAZINE
https://www.bn1magazine.co.uk/youjuice/
There are two kinds of people in this world: those who love breakfast, and those who prefer to go hungry til around 11am (psychopaths, all of you). Fortunately, YouJuice caters to both – serving up fresh, nutritious vegan food from the early hours to late afternoon. And my god, is it delicious.
I visit on a Wednesday morning, truly feeling the mid-week hump. I’ve also been feeling a small tickle at the back of my throat for the last few days – you know, the kind which lets you know it’s going to really mess you up if you don’t get your shit together and cram your body full of nutrients pronto. I mention this, using not quite so colourful language, to the lovely ladies at YouJuice and am immediately sat down with a turmeric shot (£3.25). Made from a combination of ginger, lemon, orange, fennel, raw honey (the only potentially non-vegan thing on the menu) and the aforementioned turmeric, this comes with a hell of a kick, and I can feel it getting to work almost instantly. Take that, mysterious lurgy.
While the shot probably provided enough vitamin C to fend off scurvy for a lifetime, it was not enough to satisfy my ravenous stomach, so I also opted for one of YouJuice’s new breakfast bowls (£5.50). Filled with chia seeds, banana, homemade ‘yoghurt’ (blended avocado, bananas, almond milk and berries), raw granola, orange and pomegranate seeds, it’s easily the healthiest meal I’ve had all month. I wasn’t a huge fan of the granola chunks, which I found quite flavourless (though granted I’m not a massive fan of seeds), but the yoghurt was a massive treat – and I stayed full until dinner time.
I washed it all down with a small bottle of L2 juice (£4.25) – made from spirulina, apple, pineapple, kale, celery, lemon, cucumber and avocado. I’m told this juice in particular is good for “uplifting mood and anti-oxidising” among other things, but after this morning’s health kick I feel a bit more like I’m ready to run a marathon or transform into Wonder Woman – whichever comes first.
YouJuice is at 96 North Road & 17 Montpelier Place, Brighton, and 48 Brunswick Street East, Hove.
A fruitful start to 2018 for juice bars
THE owner of a chain of Brighton-based juice bars with celebrity customers says business is booming after a challenging 2017.
Anita Drozd is the sole owner of Youjuice which has shops in North Road, Brunswick Street East and Montpelier Place. She has spent the past four years creating and selling a range of healthy products. The business, which started out as a hobby in Anita’s kitchen, has expanded rapidly.
Today she has three Youjuice bars up and running in Brighton, counting famous faces such as Zoella, Alfie Deyes and DJ Zoe Ball as regular customers and friends.
But with every opportunity comes a challenge and whilst business is booming today, Anita’s journey hasn’t always been easy.
She said: “Last year we hit some major milestones. We reached 11 employees, traded out of three locations, and started distributing our juices in big offices and other health orientated restaurants such as Silo and Infinity Food Cafe. Such rapid growth is intense and we were really up against it. The year 2017 was about survival.”
Keen to ensure sustainable expansion, Anita took out a cash advance from iZettle to help her manage her cashflow as she grew her operations. She said: “I’ve been using iZettle’s card readers to take payments and manage my finances since 2015. As our business has grown so have our business needs.”
Alongside offering card payments, iZettle also provides cash advances, enabling the small businesses that use its tools to access funding.
Anita said: “I decided to take out a £25,000 cash advance from iZettle shortly after opening two more stores. The advance allowed me to balance my books, invest in new equipment and launch my website, taking Youjuice online. It enabled us to grow Youjuice by 15 per cent last year.”
January is set to be the juice bars’ busiest month as people kick the year off with a healthy start. Anita is excited about the release of Youjuice’s very own book later in the year which will be packed full of recipes and goodness.
Anita said: “Whilst 2017 may have been all about survival, 2018 looks set to be fruitful for us.”
Why you should get into juice
Nick Mosley talks to Brighton’s juice guru, Anita Drozd of Youjuice, about the benefits of juicing.
What are the benefits of juicing in terms of general health and weight loss?
Most of us tend to over-indulge from time to time on food and drink, especially at this time of the year. But let’s not beat ourselves up.
At Youjuice we don’t believe in quick fixes. I don’t believe in magic detoxes and express weight loss: I believe in giving the body pure nutrition in juice form.
Our Raw Cold pressed juice is full of enzymes and minerals, and thanks to its unique extraction method is absorbed quickly so the effects can be noticed immediately.
Many people see the following during and after a juice cleanse: clear skin, weight loss, reduced bloating, feeling energised, better sleeping patterns and a stronger immune system.
You now have three stores in Brighton, do you have further expansion plans?
If you don’t forward you go backwards. So the answer is I do have expansion plans. This year we will focus on a weekly office run and door-to-door deliveries. We are also working on a franchise model.
In terms of essential nutrition, is juicing an alternative to a balanced diet?
Yes and no. Cold pressed juice is an excellent source of nutrients, enzymes, minerals and vitamins.
There is no doubt that it contributes to a balanced diet. It’s great to give a boost to your body and a break to your digestive system by drinking only juice for several days. Personally I do one day of juice only on the first and last Monday of each month.
However, the human body also needs fibre and proteins which cannot be found in good quality cold pressed juice.
That’s why we don’t stop at juice and offer an extended range of nutritious and delicious soups, salads and raw snacks which play a huge part in a healthy and balanced diet.
Is it important to use organic fruit and vegetables?
Absolutely yes but as we all know it can very pricey. If you can’t afford organic try to use local fruit and vegetables as much as possible.
Although Youjuice quality comes first I would rather use non-certified fruit and vegetables from trusted local growers than choose the same – quite often more expansive – organic produce which travelled thousands of miles. Our ethos is to use local and organic produce as much as possible.
If people wanted to juice at home, what basic equipment would they need?
It really depends on their budget. Hurom and Green Star juicers are good to start with. I’ve used the Angel 5500 for last for years and could not recommend it highly enough.
What’s a good general health juice to kick start the day?
For me it is always a ginger, lemon and apple immunity shot followed by any of our green juices. I’m sure quite a few of our regulars would agree on that.
Youjuice stores can be found at 96 North Road, 17 Montpelier Place and 48 Brunswick Street East, Brighton. www.youjuice.co.uk
Fabulous little feature in Jamie Magazine
Thank you Doug, head chef/owner @silobrighton for featuring us @jamiemagazine '...every time I eat there I'm blown away by how delicious their salads, stews, juices and raw cakes are. It's the kind of food I'd like to eat every lunch time.' 💚
youjuicecleanse
#jamieoliver #summer #food
Raw cold-pressed juice bar opens its doors in Montpelier Place, Hove
Raw cold-pressed juice bar, Youjuice, opened its first ever shop on Montpelier Place, Hove.
Owner, Anita Drozd-Alkin, 29, of Brunswick Street East, has a passion for raw cold-pressed juices and her aim is to bring this knowledge to the Brighton and Hove community.
She said: “My brand is all about health, there’s a big difference between supermarket juices in cartons and raw juices freshly pressed on the day.”
The shop uses local and organic fruit and veg for its drinks, which are not pasteurised to lock in all the goodness.
Juices are made in small batches every day and stay fresh for 72 hours.
Cold pressing protects enzymes and minerals, which are normally destroyed during other juicing processes.
Administrator, Natalia Borg, 27, of Cowley Drive, Brighton, said: “I love juicing at home but it’s so nice to be able to go to a shop who specialise in raw cold-pressed juices.
“They taste really fresh and organic and I think it’s great they recycle their glass bottles.”
As well as selling staple juices the company is also are able to tailor-make cleansing plans to suit the individual.
Not only does it sell a wide range of fresh juices, it also sells organic fruit and veg for people who juice at home.
Since opening on Tuesday, October 14, Mrs Drozd-Alkin said she was amazed at the public response and she has been really busy.
She said: “People have been popping in very excited about something fresh and new coming to this part of town.”
THE ARGUS
Amy Newson and Fiona Norman
A healthy, yummy little gem on Montpelier Place in Brighton
I recently discovered this gem on Montpelier Place and wanted to share it with all the UO followers! Gorgeous cold pressed juice and lovely staff; I was feeling pretty run down and the Turmeric shot with coconut oil and fennel perked me up no end! I then had their carrot, apple and ginger (R3) Juice which was absolutely delicious and the lovely lady there gave me a free ginger shot as I told her I was feeling like death warmed up.
The juices come in glass bottles and if you return ten of them (either size) you get a free juice or protein rich almond milk blend! They also offer bespoke juice plans and can deliver right to your door!! Good to know a place like this exists in the heart of Brighton!
Check it out UO followers and have a lovely weekend! UO…xx
THE UNIQUELY ORGANIC ECO BLOG
Kirsty Kianifard
https://uoecoblog.com/