Best Food Festivals in London

Every year, foodies make their way to Central London to enjoy several different food festivals that showcase the best dishes and beverages from area restaurants and give visitors a chance to sample dozens of different types of cuisine. Even though the city of London is teeming with ethnic restaurants and dining destinations that showcase the flavors of the world, you'll still find plenty of classic British restaurants and European eateries scattered throughout the area. Here are just some of the many great food festivals to attend when visiting London:

Taste of London

Spend an entire day sampling and indulging in some of London's best eats at this annual event that takes place in Regents Park each year. The Taste of London attracts restaurateurs and chefs from around greater London for competitions, cooking demonstrations, meet-and-greets, and food sampling. You can attend classes to learn a new cooking technique, meet famous local chefs, and enjoy live entertainment throughout the day. This festival is typically held in the early summer months.

Taste of London
Regents Park, London
020 7244 3172
www.tastefestivals.com/london

Real Food Festival

Celebrate the harvest season in autumn by attending the Real Food Festival held in London's Southbank Centre in September. The event features over 120 producers and chefs from around the country to showcase tasting sessions and meet area fans. You can watch livestock shows, food demos, and enjoy other types of entertainment as you learn about where different foods come from around the British countryside.

Real Food Festivals Ltd
4th Floor, Earls Court Exhibition Centre
Warwick Road
London SW5 9TA
020 7370 8626
www.realfoodfestival.co.uk

London Restaurant Festival

Another grand showcase of London's best restaurants and eateries, the London Restaurant Festival features many Michelin-starred restaurants, bistros, and eateries with appearances by celebrity chefs and local greats. When you visit one of the participating restaurant during the festival, you can enjoy a specialty menu or sampler menu that's priced separately from the regular menu. You can also attend many of the "fringe events" called "Side Orders." 2010 Side Orders included a Bistroteque pop-up in the sky restaurant, the Savoy Truffle Club, film screenings at upscale hotels in the city, and food and wine pairing events. This event takes place in October.

London Restaurant Festival Ltd.
St. Michael's House 2
Elizabeth Street
London SW1W 9RB
0207 259 0940
www.londonrestaurantfestival.com

Great British Beer Festival

It's not technically a food festival, but you will find plenty of opportunities to sample local cuisine as you go on a tasting tour of stouts, fruit beers, golden ales, bitters, and international lagers. The event takes place in London Earls Court and is the largest beer festival in the country. You will need to purchase tickets before the event and can find more information about tutored tastings, breweries and bars participating, and purchasing tickets on the event website.

Great British Beer Festival
Earls Court, London
0844 412 4640
www.gbbf.camra.org.uk