The largest yoga space in Europe just opened in east London

You’ve signed up for the starter offer, trotted across town to the studio, woven through the throng of lithe, Lycra-clad clientele to locate a mat, mustered up the courage to go sockless and are now making your way to the back of the room. Let’s face it, yoga in the Western world can feel intimidating, when in fact the essence of the discipline lies not in the realms of hefty membership fees and fermented post-class juices, but in the ancient system of philosophy aiming to give control of body and mind to one and all who wish to practise.

As it opens this month, Mission stakes its claim as the largest movement space in Europe, offering a retreat from city life. Tucked away on Fashion Street in E1, the studio seeks first and foremost to democratise yoga. A project born to create space for communities to unite post-Covid, Mission operates a three-tiered pricing policy that its founders hope will serve the community and enable them to welcome clients of varied means. Offering 200 weekly classes from high-intensity hot yoga, to callisthenics, dharma, Pilates, breathwork and guided meditation inside five lofty studios, Mission also aims to host mindfulness sessions in local schools. Other offerings planned include sports massage, physiotherapy, acupuncture and appointments with an onsite GP.

After your practice, drift to the restaurant, Maene, where Nick Gilkinson of Townsend fame will be serving up locally sourced plates. Or — should the inclination take you — sip cocktails on the terrace with like-minded souls.

Mission is open now, drop-in classes from £12 depending on your financial means (mission-e1.com). Maene opens 31 March.