Now that the weather is warming up, it’s time to banish the slow cooker to the back of the cupboard and find some new flavours. If you need inspiration, here are six of the best London pop-ups and food festivals to check out this month.
London Beer Week is already in full swing but there are still tap takeovers, brewery open days, and the craft beer hub to check out. If you fancy a bit of a beer safari, 75 London bars are offering £5 tasting flights of three unique beers to festival pass holders. You can order your pass online for £10 and then start sipping at venues like The Draft House, Lockhouse, The Long Arm and more.
Elote at The Duke’s Head, Highgate – until end of March
Elote is now in residence at The Duke’s Head, bringing authentic Mexican flavours to leafy Highgate Village. Pop in for a pint and try their signature elote de callejeros – chargrilled corn with creamy chipotle and queso fresco cheese. They’re also serving tacos, salads, and quesadillas – the one filled with adobo braised lamb is already a hit with the locals.
Running alongside the Ideal Home Show at Olympia London, Eat & Drink Festival is the ultimate foodie shopping experience. At this year’s show, you can sample street food, enjoy live music and cocktails, and stock up on gourmet goodies from over 100 artisan producers. Head to the Foodie Stage to pick up some cooking tips from chefs like Theo Randall, Simon Rimmer, and Rosemary Shrager.
Tom Mathews’ Eastern Mediterranean menu at Unwined – until early April
Chef Tom Mathews is currently in the kitchen at Unwined in Tooting, cooking hearty eastern Mediterranean dishes like cod marinated in chermoula, crispy fried aubergine with date molasses, and harissa spiced shoulder of mutton. With friendly staff on hand to help you choose a wine to match, it’s a top spot for date night.
If you love carbs and cocktails, head to Tony Conigliaro’s Bar Termini Centrale where James French is dishing up superb fresh pasta until the end of April. French has been travelling around Italy and did a stage at the L’Erba del Re in Modena, so expect classic dishes like panzanella, pici cacio e pepe, and tagliarini with clams. He’s in the kitchen Wednesday to Saturday from noon to 9pm so you can pop in for lunch or go later for a round of Negronis and a plate of pappardelle.
National Chicken Wing Day – 22nd March
Mr Hyde are launching the UK’s first National Chicken Wing Day, with over 300 venues offering 50% off wings. Check out the wing map and download a voucher for restaurants like Chick ‘n’ Sours, The Blues Kitchen, and Randy’s Wing Bar.
Looking for something different? Check out Food Festival Finder or London Pop-Ups for more ideas.
