Natural, Marlow (From Ealing Times)

Natural, Marlow

4:49pm Wednesday 11th January 2006 in Food and Drink By Sandra Carter

LIKE most young businessmen, Paul Currie took little notice of what he ate - until his body started rebelling. Then he had to give it some attention.

He recalls: "My life was transformed by a local nutritionist three years ago, who persuaded me to change to a much healthier diet.

"As a result I felt so much fitter and had much higher energy levels, even though I ate more than I did before.

"I am now convinced of the importance of putting into your body proper nutritional food."

His experience made him notice that lots of other people are turning to a better dietary lifestyle to boost their sense of wellbeing. But does it have to go out of the window when you go out to eat?

The notion took root and resulted in a new concept in cafes, called Natural. Paul, who lives in Ashendon, has just opened a Natural caf in Marlow his fifth in London and the Home Counties, with several more in the pipeline.

Each cafe is determinedly family friendly. There's a kids' corner with toys and a screen where youngsters can watch Mr Men and other cartoons.

Paul says: "I have three young children and am very aware of the need to feed them properly. At Natural we offer tasty food for kids, but avoiding anything resembling chicken nuggets or turkey twizzlers."

I popped into Natural at 69 High Street in Marlow just before Christmas and found it packed with people wanting a healthy boost to get them through their shopping.

And no wonder. This is real energy food, designed to pack a nutritious punch with every mouthful. But pleasantly.

My first whoop of delight was when I saw the long list of juices and smoothies and discovered they're all made throughout the day using fresh fruit and vegetables. I know I ought to make them at home but I don't.

My favourite was the Immune Boost Juice: a whizz of apple, raspberry and blueberry giving plenty of antioxidants to strengthen the immune system. It's refreshing, with no sugar or additives. Other choices include the Power Boost (apple, carrot, ginger), Detox (carrot, beetroot, celery, ginger), and Acai (the healthiest fruit on the planet, some say).

You can have yogurt added to make it a smoothie. Or you can boost your juice with health-freak additions such as ProGreens, aloe vera or ginseng.

Still on the liquid front, there's an amazing range of organic teas real' teas, interesting tea+herbal mixes, ones to energise or detox, and my favourite: green tea rose of the Orient', a mix of green tea with flower buds, infused in the pot. These are a world away from the little pouches you usually get for herbal teas.

Lots of imaginative coffees, too. And the banana milkshake is made with real banana and Loseley ice cream.

There's food: a small salad bar, an unusual range of sandwiches and hot wraps made to order, and pizzas. I tried a Scots hot wrap packed with smoked salmon, goat's cheese and tomato, which the menu informed us would keep my nervous system healthy. (Ignore all the stuff about antioxidants if you just enjoy food; read it all if it makes you feel better.) There's a good selection of cakes if you drop in for afternoon tea, or cereals, toasts and a brunch hot wrap if you come for breakfast (they open at 7.30am).

The group who will really love Natural is those needing a wheat-free, gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan diet: wheat-free rye bread for sandwiches, gluten-free cakes, and coded menu.

Your latte can be made with rice or soya milk, while kids can have a chocolate drink made with goat's milk.