In a city like London, there's always something happening. From new openings and trendy pop-ups to a queue of rumbling stomachs, eager to see whether the viral pastry is worth the hype. In fact, the sheer quantity of things to do in London can often lead us to missing out. We've all been there- eagerly sharing the event that catches our eye with our friends... only to find out it happened last weekend. Fear not, here at Food Network we've taken the liberty of scouring the streets of London to find out what's happening, and whether it's worth your valuable time in the city. Prepare to never miss a free food tasting again. Here's what to do and eat in London this week (4th August).
The London Taco Experience
This Saturday 9 August, Stratford is transforming into a mini-Méjico. The London Taco Experience is everything we've ever dreamed of, bringing 8 of the city's hottest taco traders together for a full day of Mexican flavours. And to wash it all down? Margaritas, mezcal, and Micheladas.
Discover the best of spicy condiments at the Hot Sauce Showcase, dance to live DJs and eat your bodyweight in tacos. Hosted at the Riverside East outdoor venue in East London, with a huge rooftop terrace and spacious indoor areas, this is one fiesta to mark firmly into your calendar.
BBQ in the Park: WRAY'S BBQ
Notting Hill Carnival is just around the corner, and what better place to warm up for the occasion than at London's number one Jamaican Independence Day Party? This Sunday, BBQ in the Park is hosting WRAY'S BBQ at Brixton Jamm, a day party honouring Jamaican Independence with an explosive fusion of Caribbean culture. Expect authentic Jamaican jerk BBQ, Caribbean street food, tropical rum-based cocktails and high-energy music all day long. The event starts at 2pm and wraps up at a sensible 10pm (leaving no excuse for a sore head on Monday morning.)
Searcys Westminster Rooftop Bar X Bolney English Wine
We have a secret to spill... There's a hidden Rooftop overlooking Big Ben, and until September, it is open to the public for the very first time. The brand new bar will be serving Bolney English Wine to sip on throughout the summer, with uninterrupted views of some of the best sights London has to offer. Enjoy a thoughtfully selected drinks menu as well as a selection of nibbles and sharing boards. Entry is £10 per person and includes a glass of wine or soft drink. Quite a bargain if you ask us.
Toklas Bakery X Dough Hands Pop Up
It wouldn't be a weekly round-up without a mention of pizza, and this time it's Toklas Bakery and Dough Hands who are coming together to provide the goods. For two nights on August 5th and 6th, you can get your hands on whichever of the following tickles your fancy:
For the spice-lovers, the 'Hot Pep', with pepperoni, house pickled jalapeños, hot pickly liquor, and pecorino. For those who go against the grain, the ever-controversial Hawaiian is made with pineapple rings, mortadella, guindillas and pecorino. Or, as the saying goes, if its not broke, don't fix it. The large marg comes with heritage tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, pecorino and garlic. Toklas will be providing passionfruit and coconut ice cream sandwiches for dessert, as well as £5 negronis to wash it all down.
Toklas Pop-Up with Sonora Taqueria
The gift that keeps on giving, Toklas is also coming together with Sonora Taquería, transforming into a late-night taquería for one-night-only on Thursday. Tickets are £35 and include two agave drinks and a mini burrito, as well as the chance to taste Sonora's one-off menu of tacos and small plates with bold flavours, handmade tortillas and next-level salsas. The event starts at 6pm, and walk-ins are welcome. In their own advice, "just follow the scent of roasted chillies and lime".
SABOR's Ecuador Independence Day
On Sunday 10th August from 1pm-10pm, The Garden Vauxhall will transform into an Ecuadorian celebration. Feast on authentic food from Ecuador (think ceviche and maduros) in an open air garden, whilst enjoying Ecuadorian music, live entertainment and costume parades. Plus, this event is suitable for the little ones, with a kids' play area to keep them busy.
