And the Michelin star goes to…

We are sad to say that we have reached the end of this wonderful series about unique festivals in London. We have seen so far what Londoners celebrate each year, what concerts they go to and also what type of cinematographic productions they prefer. The time has come to also present the last important category of festivals, those regarding local and international dishes and beverages. The first thing one does when arriving in a new country or city is to try a traditional meal and a drink. Although London is mainly known for fish and chips, it makes up for this lack with a number of interesting food festivals.

London Craft Beer Festival is a very good start. This year (2014) it took place at the end of February, between the 21^st and the 23^rd, in The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, Spitalfields, E1 6QL. Its main purpose was to raise the interest for the beer industry across the United Kingdom. The event brought together more than 40 famous breweries and also presented fun contests, great live music and interesting trainings regarding the process of making beer, mainly dedicated to those related to this industry. A second warm recommendation is the festival entitled Feast London. The last edition from 2013 took place in Brick Lane Yard, Buxton Street Gate, Shoreditch, E1 5ER. It usually lasts for approximately four days and it brings you top chefs from London. You can enjoy a delicious dish while listening to a live band. However, do not forget to book the tickets online, in advance, on the festival’s official website.

We have to admit that one of our favourites is The London Chocolate Festival that will be held at the middle of April (11^th – 13^th), in the Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, N1 0QH. As the name suggest, it is an event dedicated to those that have a sweet tooth. It is also a great opportunity to shop some chocolate delicatessen for the oncoming Easter. I guess the question on everyone’s lips is: “Can we taste these delicious treats?”. And the answer is a big YES, as there are available samples, offered by top chocolatiers. Another winner in our eyes is the London Coffee Festival (3^rd – 6^th of April 2014) located in The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, Spitalfields, E1 6QL. Although Londoners and the British people in general are famous for their 5 o’clock tea, this event has more than 5000 visitors on an annual basis since its opening in the year 2001. Besides tastings, you can also enjoy joys such as the Chocolate Factory and the Roastery.

Of course, the above mentioned are not the only food and beverage festivals that are worthy of your attention. Other interesting options are the following: London Cheese and Wine Festival (has reached its fifth edition and usually consists of cooking demonstrations, wine tasting moments and if also organizes a complex market with all types of delicious cheese specialties), London Foodies Festival (is mainly “dominated” by awarded chefs with the famous Michelin stars. This and the possibility to taste signature dishes from the best restaurants brings more than 25.000 people, as the festivals takes place in several areas).