We recently popped down to Oca to experience the space for ourselves and it’s one of those places that instantly shifts your pace. Tucked quietly into Bermondsey, it feels calm, intentional and full of warmth. The kind of space you walk into and naturally take a deeper breath.

Gabi welcomed us in like we’d been there a hundred times before. There’s a real ease to the way she holds the space: thoughtful, grounded, and genuinely connected to the people who walk through the door. It’s clear Oca isn’t just about classes or schedules, it’s about creating something meaningful for the community around it.

As part of our People of Bermondsey series, we’re always drawn to the stories behind the spaces and the people shaping the neighbourhood in their own way. Oca feels like a reflection of Bermondsey itself right now: creative, open, and quietly evolving.

So we sat down with Gabi to talk about Oca, her journey, and what it means to create a space that people can truly feel at home in.

For anyone who hasn’t discovered Oca yet, how would you describe it in a few words?

Oca is a sanctuary in the heart of Bermondsey a space for movement, ritual and community. It’s where people come to reconnect with their body, quieten the mind, and feel a sense of belonging.

What made Bermondsey feel like the right place to open Oca?

Bermondsey has this mix of creative industry, local spirit and international energy. I’ve lived in South London since moving here from Brazil 18 years ago, and I’ve been in Bermondsey for more than five years, so it really feels like home.

There’s still that neighbourhood feeling where people know each other, and being close to the river adds something special.

The building itself also carries a creative legacy. It’s a live/work space previously owned by artists Robyn and Marji Abela Denny, so there was already a strong connection to art and community. That felt very aligned with the spirit of Oca.

Oca means “home” what does that word mean to you?

“Oca” means home in Tupi-Guarani, an indigenous language of Brazil.

For me, it represents a communal space where people gather, move, share stories, and take care of each other. I wanted people to walk in and feel like they can soften, breathe, and just be themselves, like coming home to themselves.

There’s such a strong energy behind Oca, what was the bigger vision?

The vision was to create a space where ancient practices can support modern life. London moves fast, and I wanted to offer something that helps people slow down and reconnect with their bodies, their breath, nature, and each other.

When we remember our ancestry, we reconnect with parts of ourselves that have been forgotten. Oca is a place where those teachings can be felt in a simple and accessible way.

We even follow the Celtic wheel of the year, so there’s a rhythm to everything we do.
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Oca is more than a yoga studio, what makes it different?

Yoga and pilates are part of what we offer, but Oca is really about overall wellbeing - physical, mental and spiritual.

That might look like movement one day, and a cacao ceremony, sound bath or women’s circle the next. It’s a space where people can explore different ways of nourishing themselves.

What do you love most about holding space in that way?

I love seeing people soften and reconnect with themselves.

Sometimes it’s through movement, sometimes stillness, sometimes music or shared ritual. There’s something very powerful about people gathering with intention — like our ancestors did. There is real medicine in that.

‍How have your Brazilian roots shaped Oca?

Brazilian culture brings warmth, rhythm, musicality and a strong connection to nature — and that naturally flows into the space.

There’s also that spirit of hospitality — “só alegria” — welcoming people with openness and joy.

At the same time, living in London has shaped Oca too. It’s really a meeting point between Brazilian soul and London energy.

What would you say to someone who feels intimidated by yoga or these practices?

You don’t need to be flexible or experienced to start. Yoga is about meeting yourself where you are.

We offer classes for all levels, and our teachers are great at adapting to each person. Everyone is on their own journey, and we try to make the space feel welcoming and accessible.

What do you think Oca brings to Bermondsey that feels really needed right now?

A place to slow down and feel connected.

London life can feel busy and disconnected, and spaces where we can pause, breathe, and feel part of something are more important than ever.

And finally, give us your top three Bermondsey recommendations, where are you sending someone for a coffee, a bite or a great local moment?

For coffee: WatchHouse and Fuckoffee, I take coffee seriously!

For food: Flour & Grape is always a favourite, just around the corner. Or King of Falafel on Tower Bridge Road if we’re on the go.

We also love Plants of Roselyn for Thai plant-based food.

And for a local moment walking along the Thames at sunrise or sunset, maybe followed by something from Maltby Street Market.