Darryn Welch and House of Flow

Successful entrepreneurs are often portrayed as the lucky few; as gifted human beings who find their calling early, and who instinctively know where they are headed. Meeting Hustle n’ Flow and House of Flow founder, Darryn Welch, however, helped me understand that authentic entrepreneurs are usually more enthralled by the journey than the destination. For Darryn, the magic lies in creating vital synergies, finding committed investors, enhancing the lives of clients, breaking new ground, expanding, moving, and shaking things up.

WHERE GOOD FOOD, FRIENDSHIP, HEALTH, AND WELLNESS UNITE HOUSE OF FLOW

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it

away” Pablo Picasso

Imet Darryn for the first time at House of Flow: his four-and-a-half-storey restaurant, lounge, events and co-working space, and social hub. Here, Darryn and his partner, Veronika, are sparking a cultural, social, and health and wellness revolution. Those who are sensitive will notice a kind, warm energy as soon as they step into the House. A busy, sidewalk-facing café gives way to a lounge where eclecticism, art, and philosophy reside.

The space is filled with one-off pieces, antiques, and so many details to discover – including vinyl record players, vintage phones, a bust of Aristotle, and framed poetry and philosophy on the walls.

Darryn picked up all these items himself at markets and each has a story to tell – from the stunning antique wooden door on the Events floor to the sturdy tables made of reclaimed wood. This is a haven for those who seek a balance between work and pleasure, success and health, movement and stillness. Biophilic design principles abound in every corner, with many furniture pieces made from natural materials, a plethora of plants giving life to interior and outdoor spaces, and natural light flooding in.

STRIKING THE PERFECT BALANCE

House of Flow, ensconced in the pretty village of Benahavís, is one of many restaurants run by Darryn and Veronika. They launched their first baby, Hustle n’ Flow in San Pedro in 2018, keen to bring healthy, flavourful, fresh, organic food to diners. The restaurant serves attractive bowls, toasts, pancakes, brunch meals, salads, wraps, sharing platters and more. Uniquely, all dishes have vegan and glutenfree options.

Just four years have passed and today, the Group owns four restaurants: three Hustle n’ Flow establishments (in San Pedro, Marbella, and Gibraltar), and House of Flow in Benahavís. Darryn is getting ready to launch two Hustle n’ Flow franchises in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) and Doha (Qatar) in September and October, respectively. ›

A NEW PLACE TO CONNECT, RELAX, AND BE

Darryn and his team are hoping to transform House of Flow into a ‘base camp.’ The House has always been more than a restaurant but soon, it will be an authentic meeting point for people with an interest in group activities, health and wellness, beauty, and even the cinema.

Plans are underway for each of House of Flow’s spaces. Facing the narrow street of Benahavís’ main street is the Café and Lounge. In the summer, the restaurant places tables on the street – the perfect spot for a smoothie while you ‘watch the wheels go round.’ Inside is the Café, graced with large glass windows that look out onto the lively pueblo. Further ahead, you will arrive at the Lounge – where you can relax, sit by the fireplace, or find your perfect co-working spot. “By September,” Darryn says, “We will be offering memberships, which will entitle people to co-work, attend group events and activities, and receive discounts.” The second floor is the Events Space, which you enter through an Alice in Wonderland-like door, graced with plants, flowers, and a mysterious keyhole. Next to the door is a sign with magical words by Aldous Huxley, who invites you to unlock the doors of perception. This will be the perfect spot for weddings, catered events, corporate training, talks, yoga classes, controlled breathing workshops, and more. The next floor has a lovely balcony, perched above the dining area, where guests can also enjoy a meal or snack. Further up the steps are the Cinema and Beauty Spaces. Darryn explains, “Benahavís doesn’t have a cinema, so I thought it would be great to offer screenings here.” The Beauty space is ideal for anyone seeking a treatment before or after a meal. Upwards from this zone is a terrace with beautiful views over the Sierra Bermeja mountain range, the home of La Zagaleta.

REACHING FOR HIGHER GROUND

Expressions of Darryn and Veronika’s personalities abound at House of Flow. The couple met when Darryn was at a bachelor’s party in Ibiza and Veronika had won a trip to the ‘White Island’ with a friend. This was serendipity weaving its magic, for the couple soon found that they complemented each other perfectly. Darryn is the quintessential fast-thinking, high-energy entrepreneur. ›

His mind is always one venture ahead, and he wears his heart on his sleeve (he adds ‘hustle’ to the equation). Veronika is creative, warm, and caring (she worked as a nurse for mentally and physically disabled patients for many years). She is what makes this passion project ‘flow’.

Darryn has a fascinating trajectory that includes various years as a film producer, director, and writer. He has founded successful companies, which he has gone on to sell – including coconut milk ice-cream and coconut water brand, OkoBay and Elementree (centred on refrigerated, curated vegan items). “OkoBay – despite its real potential had financing challenges so we reversed the business into its manufacturer to pivot into something new,” explains Darryn. He has always found good people to create synergies with, ranging from his classmates from Aloha College to his family (his mum, Fabienne, and ex-wife Sisi take charge of administration and help keep business on track). Another key player is Chanelle Barnes, the marketing specialist who breathes life into the company’s social media and has come up with many fascinating visual ideas – including the little stars that top some dishes.

Darryn has a deep interest in philosophy, sustainability, and ethics. He doesn’t just talk the talk, he walks the walk, especially when it comes to ethical employment. “We have a token-based platform we have been building, launched this year for all staff with three years or more track record with us to give them ownership. In order for a business to matter deeply to its employees, they have to feel like a part of it.” Darryn and Veronika have made this possible by creating a kind, caring workplace where people matter – a quality many would say is not only essential for business success but also part and parcel of being a good human being.

i Avda. de Andalucía 9, Benahavís. www.hustlenflow.com www.houseofflow.com

DINE UNDER THE STARS AT LA VERANDA

Enjoy the elegance and old-warm charm of La Veranda, which is going ‘back to its roots’ by serving a new menu offering its most iconic dishes and guests’ all-time favourites from 20 years ago. Savour mouth-watering flavors created by chef Santiago Altuna. Steeped in nostalgia, complemented by exceptional service and a fairy-tale setting on the property’s iconic veranda terrace.

Information and reservations: E: laveranda.villapadierna@anantara-hotels.com T: +34 952 889 150

bback to CONTENTS gourmet THE BEACH AT LA RESERVA CLUB SOTOGRANDE IS THE PLACE TO BE THIS SUMMER FOR LEISURELY LUNCHES OR MICHELIN-STARRED DINING UNDER THE STARS. ALTERNATIVELY, VISIT HOTEL LA BOBADILLA FOR AN INLAND BREAK AND SAMPLE THE CUISINE OF TWO-MICHELIN STAR CHEF, PABLO GONZÁLEZ.