Loki’s Lair

A friend knowledgeable about viking culture told me about this place, in the fancy new Valhalla gym in Exeter, rising up like a giant boulder behind the Arby’s. I browsed the menu and did not see too much vegan and was disappointed and emailed them with some suggestions. Kim and Jacqui were amazing and wrote right back. Turns out the menu online was a little outdated and they have significantly pumped things up since then. My partner and I have now been there twice, enjoying their smoothies and creative healthy dishes.
Valhalla is much more stylish and well-​designed than your average gym, with lots of artsy touches, earthy tile, and a café in the front called Loki’s that is open to the public. I talked to several staff members and was primarily interested in the café, and no one tried a sales pitch on me. (Strong contrast between this and LA Fitness.) The café offers wraps, salads, paninis, smoothies, protein drinks, coffee, and chai. I had a quinoa salad and the bean salad so far, both very good. He wanted the mushroom sandwich without cheese, so the chef made it for him with extra veggies and hummus. His second meal was veggies with olive tapenade on panini bread. Both had a little side of fruit. The staff is exceptionally friendly and open to making your food the way you want it.
Their hours during the week are 7 – 3, can’t quite remember the Saturday hours, but they said they are considering expanding them. I am not a gym person but have really enjoyed hanging out there.
I am even more of a pain because I try to avoid soy on my doctor’s recommendation, but this is such an aggravation for a vegan trying to eat out. Yet, the staff were very receptive and took my suggestions to try alternative milks like hemp and almond. You can get a smoothie punch card, and they are only $ 3 on Tuesdays. The café looks out the front windows and has beautiful tile tables and a fireplace. It looks like there will be a patio soon too. The only thing I didn’t like was the tv right in the café, but there is free wireless. Also, it does not smell like a gym in there. And I noticed there was special detail taken to make the bathrooms nice, a touch I always appreciate.