London’s Best Food Festivals

We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to food festivals; here we round up the best.

Street Feast
Every Friday and Saturday throughout the summer Dalston Yard hosts Street Feast, with acclaimed street food vendors like Pizza Pilgrims as well as The Gin Store, which this year boasts 30 varieties of the spirit.
Why go?
Unlike most festivals, Street Feast has covered areas with seating so you don’t have to eat on your feet. All the food trends are covered: BBQ, lobster rolls and craft beer among others.
When?
From May till the end of September, every Friday and Saturday from 5pm till midnight.

Real Food Festivals
Taking place at different venues such as the Southbank Centre, Real Food Festivals are themed on things like bread, cheese and wine, and street food.
Why go?
There’s organic, ethically sourced food and some events feature top chefs like Raymond Blanc and Fergus Henderson.
When?
The next one is the Eat the World Street Food Festival on September 26th to 28th.

Feast
Like a smaller version of Taste of London, Feast has stands from top restaurants and street food vendors, and takes place at Tobacco Dock in Wapping, London’s newest exhibition centre.
Why go?
You get the chance to try dishes from fine dining restaurants like Hutong and Aqua Shard.
When?
July 31st to August 3rd

Summer Nights Market
Camden Lock has a wide variety of food stalls open every day seven days a week, but in the summer they host the Summer Nights Market till 10pm, with the additions of live music and film screenings.
Why go?
Grab food from street food traders and restaurants like Honest Burgers and soak up the Camden atmosphere. Alternatively head to Regent’s Canal for an impromptu picnic.
When?
From August 7th for five weeks.

Red Market
This late opening street food market takes place in the courtyard of the Red Gallery in Shoreditch, with food from well-known eateries like Tayyabs and pizzeria Voodoo Ray’s.
Why go?
There’s a fake beach, DJ sets and plenty of cocktails to wash down the food with.
When?
From July 30th to August 3rd.

Meatopia
This festival dedicated to meat was founded by Hawksmoor’s Richard Turner,who is also one of the participating chefs. The line up reads like a who’s who of London’s meat restaurants, with Bread Street Kitchen, Barbecoa and Smokehouse.
Why go?
There’s a host of popular restaurants under one roof as well as music from Groove Armada’s Tom Findlay, Norman Jay and Horsemeat Disco.
When?
September 6th and 7th.

London Restaurant Festival
It’s aimed at raising the profile of London restaurants, however arguably those participating are already popular eateries. This year Jason Atherton’s Pollen Street Social, Simon Rogan’s Fera at Claridge’s and Angela Hartnett’s Merchant’s Tavern are taking part.
Why go?
Throughout the festival the restaurants put together special lunchtime menus to showcase their cuisine, plus there are events like tapas tours which visits Iberica, Copita and Barrica among others.
When?
October 8th to 27th.

BBC Good Food Show
This indoor festival takes place at the Olympia exhibition centre and has chef demos as well as plenty of stands selling gourmet products.
Why go?
Learn to cook from people like Michel Roux Jr and Masterchef’s John Torode.
When?
November 14th to 16th.


Other food festivals throughout the year
Taste of London: The most popular event of them all, in June Regent’s Park has so many stands from top restaurants that it’s hard to choose where to eat. Try small plates from Michelin-starred restaurants.

Hyper Japan: a showcase of Japanese food and culture at Earl’s Court exhibition centre in July.

Foodies Festival: cooking demos, live music and stands from Michelin-starred restaurants taking place outdoors.