August is a great month to explore London. With lots of Brits heading off on holiday, the city feels a little quieter, more relaxed, and sometimes there’s even sunshine. If you don’t fancy sweating over the barbecue, we’ve rounded up some of the best pop-ups to visit this month, from killer Thai food in Clapham to Brazilian flavours in London Fields.
The King & Co has had some fantastic chefs in their kitchen this year and we’re particularly excited about their new Thai residency. Throughout August and September, Tem Ban will be serving Southeast Asian small and large plates, plus daily specials and weekend brunch. Head chef Craig Broadhurst (ex-Begging Bowl and Smoking Goat) and his team will be serving dishes like Chang Mai pork belly curry, whole Thai steamed fish, and fragrant cuttlefish salad. We love the sound of their £25 all-day breakfast, which includes bottomless spicy Bloody Marys, cava, or selected cask ale.
Wish you were in Rio? Then head to the Southbank and soak up the sun on CopaCabana beach – 85 tonnes of sand beside the River Thames. Brazilian BBQ experts Cabana will be serving their best-selling Malagueta chicken and sweet potato fries, plus refreshing Caipirinhas from their beachside bar. You can enjoy the Rio beach vibes from 11am until late until the end of September – perfect for summer date nights.
Bringing the best of British to West London, Kensington Place has teamed up with Chase Distillery to create the ultimate pop-up bar. Until September 3rd, their private dining room will be transformed into a British lounge bar serving cocktails like the Mar-tea-ni, Elderflower Fizz and the Smoky Mary (made with Chase smoked vodka). To complement the drinks, there will be quintessentially British snacks like potted shrimp, prawns with Marie Rose sauce, and raspberry trifle. Fancy shaking up a few cocktails? Sign up for a cocktail masterclass and pick up some top tips from the Chase team.
Transporting the flavours of Rio to London Fields this summer is Rio Boteco, a Brazilian pop-up at The Institute of Light. Until August 28th, they’re serving Brazilian fusion dishes like Vaca Malandra (slow-cooked short ribs with cassava gratin), duck with black rice and acai berry sauce, and moqueca de peixe (fish, coconut and palm oil curry). If you’re out sunning yourself in Victoria Park, why not pop in afterwards for a round of Caipirinhas and some snacks from their tapas menu?
The rooftop of John Lewis on Oxford Street has been transformed into a lush lawn full of blooms and fresh herbs. Throughout the summer, it’s hosting pop-up restaurants, games, and activities like yoga and jewellery making. In August, Shotgun BBQ are on the roof serving their famous Carolina pulled pork, Iberico ribs, chargrilled sweetcorn and corn-fed chicken. Look out for new dishes like pickled shrimp and a delicious slow-cooked goat burger, plus cocktails from Background Bars.
Hungry for more? Check out London Pop-ups – a useful guide to pop-up restaurants, street food takeovers, and more
