From Kimchi To Cocktails: The Hox x DELLI Guide To A Happy Gut

We spoke to Sam Wong of DELLI/Lil Wong Bakes fame to get the 411 on the collaboration…  

Why did you choose to partner with The Hoxton to shout about all-good-gut-stuff? 

The spaces in all The Hoxtons are so calming, and relaxed. I’ve always loved The Hox, Holborn because you can sit at the lobby bar, you can have a delicious meal at Rondo and it’s so open whilst watching central London pass you by. What better space to do a gut health event at, than the place I always feel calm – just like my gut should feel!?

Why gut health? What does this mean to DELLI?

One of the reasons why our founder Simon started DELLI is because he noticed a gap in the market where makers were being more health conscious, and also focussed on eating ingredients that were made by real people, with real stories. This went hand-in-hand with shining a light on gut health products that are on DELLI… and whilst DELLI aren’t doctors, or focussed on just gut health, we want everyone to have happy bellies!

What do you love about The Hoxton and our spaces?

Years ago, I went to a small party in one of the apartments and I’d never forget it! They just have all the amenities you’d need for a function. The bar that felt like someone’s kitchen, the breakout rooms are ESSENTIAL to any party in my opinion.

What are your favourite Holborn neighbourhood (or close to Holborn) hot spots for eating, drinking, playing, shopping?

Aside from The Hox for chilling and grabbing a bite to eat, I also love ROKA for something special – though usually I am a strictly no frills kinda girl. Ciao Bella is this super easy, efficient (but chaotic!) family owned Italian restaurant, I love it; Eat Tokyo, because you can get extra large rice portions there; and Honey & Co for the baked goods; and you must go to Neal’s Yard Bakery by St. John for the doughnuts. Then obviously you are SO close to Chinatown, Covent Garden and the bottom end of Tottenham Court Road, which is underrated for mainstream shopping.

We asked some of our DELLI makers for their top gut-health tips 

Korean Pantry

“Always get artisan gut-healthy products that are sold in the refrigerated section of shops. If it is ambient, it has been pasteurised and lost all the benefits of the live bacteria. You can start with as little as a tablespoon of kimchi or sauerkraut a day to see an improvement in your gut health. Kimchi is very easy to add to a sandwich, a grain bowl, or on the side of noodles or rice. You don’t need to know how to cook Korean food to enjoy the benefits of gut healthy kimchi!”

JENKI Matcha 

“Matcha is rich in antioxidants – meaning it helps reduce gut inflammation and supports a healthy microbiome. Unlike with brewed tea, with matcha you’re consuming the whole leaf, and therefore fibre, which can aid digestion. The polyphenols in matcha act as prebiotics, feeding beneficial gut bacteria and helping balance your microbiome. L-theanine in matcha promotes relaxation and lowers stress, which can positively impact digestion by reducing gut inflammation and discomfort.”

Apeal Wörld ACV Drinks 

“Diversity is key! For a healthy gut make sure to get a great variety of vegetables, seeds and nuts every week. 

Apple Cider vinegar helps kickstart digestion and reduce glucose spikes. Apeal Wörld ACV drink also looks after gut health with the extra probiotics. Don’t skip breakfast – kefir is great for gut health, blended with my greek yoghurt topped  with a mix of berries, seeds and nuts.  Always prioritise organic foods.”

Botivo 

“The aged British ACV base you find in Botivo is raw and unpasteurised and therefore has all the gut health benefits of good bacteria.”

RECIPE: Sylt Scotch Bonnet + Lemon Garibaldi 

We asked Hox Bar Manager and all-round cocktail master Tom Byrne for the low-down on the event’s best-selling cocktail. A pickle-based, take on a classic with a fiery kick.

“A low abv [low alcohol by volume], brunch-style sipper. Perfect for taking the edge off, or slowly easing into a long, social day. The saltiness of the Sylt Pickling Liquid offsets the bitterness of the Campari perfectly, and helps to bring out the sweetness of the orange – remember, salt is your friend when it comes to bitterness in drinks. Campari is low enough in alcohol to not undo all the prebiotic goodness in the pickling liquid (although the less said about the sugar in it and the orange juice the better – life is all about balance after all).” 

INGREDIENTS 

• 35ml Sylt Scotch Bonnet + Lemon pickling liquid 
• 25ml Campari 
• 125ml Fresh orange juice 

METHOD

Simply add to a glass, stir and garnish with a wedge of orange covered in chilli flakes – simple!

Watch this space for more fun stuff with DELLI coming right up and don’t forget, the Hox Gut Box is on us, with hotel bookings in London until the end of March.