Tasty Summer Food Festivals Highlight London's Dynamic Culinary Scene

Forbes

18-05-2025

London's summer food festivals will attract hordes of foodies.
Taste of London
Often overlooked as a top culinary destination, London is pulling out all the stops in order to position itself as a world-class city for foodies. With culinary tourism expected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2027– thanks in part to lively food festivals where travelers can dive deeper into the destination's culture– London is a strong contender for travelers looking to enjoy authentic food experiences. This summer the city will host a number of iconic foodie events, including the Taste of London Food Festival (June 18- 22) and Hampton Court Palace Food Festival (Aug. 23-25) where guests can sample a variety of dishes, from rich lobster risotto to decadent sushi pieces.
Taste of London has unveiled a stacked lineup featuring top chefs, exclusive culinary experiences and some of the capital's most-loved restaurants. The event returns to Regent's Park for five indulgent days of feasting, flavor and festivities, showcasing the hottest spots of the city's drinking and dining scene. Joining an already mouth-watering program of restaurants, Soho's favorite fish and seafood haunt Manzi's, chicken, caviar and champagne hotspot Bébé Bob and one of London's favorite Italian food destinations Eataly announce their Taste of London debut. Exclusive masterclasses and live demonstrations to be led by BAFTA award-winner Big Zuu, Michelin-starred chef Woongchul Park, Great British Menu-winning chef James Cochran, author of Healthyish cookbook Emma Petersen, Maslow's executive chef Tom Cenci and over 30 more industry icons.
Numerous high profile chefs will showcase their skills.
Taste of London
These exciting additions join an incredible culinary lineup for this year's event as elegant Japanese and Korean restaurant Akira Back, highly anticipated Lore of the Land by Guy Ritchie, Catalonian all-day dining experts The Campaner and Empire Empire, the sister restaurant of Gunpowder offering a tribute to India's seventies scene, also make their debut at Taste of London. New restaurants are joined by returning festival favorites such as Malaysian street food trailblazers Roti King, contemporary Sicilian-inspired Norma, modern smokehouse Hotbox and Chinatown's beloved Dumplings' Legend. Each restaurant will serve up its signature dishes all week, including a festival exclusive, only available at Taste of London. The Uber Eats Daily Specials also return for 2025, bringing some of the city's hottest new concepts to Taste for one day only throughout the festival.
The event serves up a scrumptious treat for the tastebuds.
Hayley Bray for Immediate Media
Back at the Palace for its 12th anniversary, the Hampton Court Palace Food Festival is once again a crowning event of the summer season. The event brings together artisan and boutique food and drink businesses, serving up a scrumptious treat for the tastebuds featuring mouth-watering street food from around the world, pop up bars, lawn games, lively bandstand music and a wide range of fun activities for all ages. Visitors can step into a foodie paradise featuring high-quality ingredients from honeys and oils to spice & sauce seasoning and BBQ rubs, delectable street food from Peru, Korea, India, Turkey, Scandinavia and more. The festival boasts stunning artisan ice creams, moreish fudge, chunky flapjack and macarons for those with a sweet tooth, plus delicious drink brands with unique flavorings.
Visitors can feast on over 20 incredible street food brands.
Hayley Bray for Immediate Media
Beside an array of food and drink producers, visitors can feast on over 20 incredible street food brands. From fresh dough pizza to handmade dumplings and gyoza, crispy buffalo chicken and vegetable curries to tender smoked meats and vegan duck wraps, there is truly something for every palette.
Guests are treated to an upscale experience.
London Marriott Hotel County Hall
For those looking for a quintessentially British experience, London Marriott Hotel County Hall offers the perfect home base after a full day of indulging in the city's eats. Located steps away from iconic landmarks like Big Ben and The London Eye, the 5-star hotel boasts spacious accommodations, an indoor pool and more. Nestled in the historic former City Hall, which dates back to 1922, the hotel features 241 elegantly designed guestrooms, including 35 newly introduced balcony rooms and suites that bring guests even closer to London's captivating skyline. The hotel's 12 unique event spaces, located within a self-contained wing, provide an inspiring and historically rich setting for every occasion, from private dining to grand celebrations. Guests can relax and recharge in the luxurious indoor swimming pool or the exclusive M Club, reserved for suite guests and Marriott Bonvoy members.
It's also home to the renowned Gillray's Steakhouse & Bar, featuring premium cuts of beef complemented beautifully with their signature Gillray's Gin (with 100 additional gins on tap). The award-winning Afternoon Tea in the historic 20th century Library adds a royal touch. With stunning views across the River Thames, Gillray's Steakhouse & Bar sets the perfect backdrop for enjoying a culinary experience centered around its fresh cuts of meat and renowned gin collection. Each ingredient is locally sourced within 150 miles from the restaurant using Kent and Essex based farms. Together, the restaurant and local father-son butcher hand select each prime cut with love and aged to perfection.
Not to be missed is Gillray's Gin, an exclusive London dry gin with a well-balanced juniper profile and notes of citrus that can be paired well with signature steak. Each month, a new gin is highlighted, inviting guests to explore unique varieties, from local London distilleries to the glaciers of Iceland. With over 100 selections of gin to choose from, the bar's team has crafted a bespoke menu of classic and contemporary cocktails to cater to all tastes around the world.
Executive Chef Jamie Welch has been working in the industry for 21 years. He joined Marriott in 2003 as a Demi Chef de Partie at Meon Valley. In 2011, he became Sous Chef at Grosvenor Square subsequently becoming Executive Chef. Welch was instrumental in building the food and beverage team at Marriott Hotel Sisli Turkey as well as pivotal to the success of Marriott Grosvenor Square's meeting space and catering concept Meetings Imagined, which later rolled out globally.
Not just a destination for fish and chips, London's eclectic food scene is drawing rave reviews from visitors across the world. No matter your preference, from street food to gourmet offerings, you'll find it throughout this world-class city.