10 reasons to go to Taste of London this summer

Catherine Hanly 08 June 2023

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Taste of London's five-day festival of food and drink is coming to Regent's Park this summer (14-18 June 2023). Here's why you need to make sure you're going.

1. Barbecue action

Looking for tips on how to heat up your summer barbecue? The Fire Pit With GetYourGuide at Taste of London has a rotating offering of demonstrations from the likes of Big Zuu and Korean American Iron Chef Judy Joo.

2. A taste of Portugal

If the summer sunshine is making you think of going on holiday, Visit Portugal will be on hand to showcase the country's amazing gastronomy. Expect live fire masterclasses from JOIA’s two-Michelin-starred Henrique Sa Pessoa and Lisboeta’s Nuno Mendes among others.

3. Boost your barista skills

Joining the fun at Taste of London this year are Italian coffee company Illy. They're teaming up with Michelin Green Star winner Chantelle Nicholson of London restaurant Apricity, for a programme of coffee and espresso martini masterclasses, talks, and cooking demos.

4. Sample hop the artisan shops

You can't go to Taste of London without doing a bit of shopping - there's always an amazing range of artisan producers with stands here who, alongside dishing out samples, are also offering expert tips as well. Get pizza lessons at the Ooni tent, meet Ramona Hazan founder of RAMONA’S Heavenly Humous or swing by Exmoor Caviar for a caviar ‘bump.

5. Cooking lessons

Drop in on The Cook School hosted by GetYourGuide for the chance to be taught by some super talent you'll know from TV. This year cookery teachers include Netflix and Channel 4’s Crazy Delicious winner Joseph Benjamin Cumberbatch, plant-based chef Bettina Campolucci, co-founder of The Little Viet Kitchen, Thuy Diem Pham and Great British Bake Off’s Crystelle Pereira.

6. Cocktails and mocktails

If drinking in the summer sunshine in Regent's Park is your thing, there are plenty of options whether you're on the hard stuff or sticking with softs. Make a beeline for the Mirabeau Beach Bar for the best rosé or look out for Spencer Matthews who'll be serving up non-alcoholic cocktails from his CleanCo VW camper van.

7. Host your own party

Taste of London's a great place for a private party, whether that's a birthday bash with your mates, or a swanky summer affair for your clients. You'll have access to a private bar and your very own hospitality tipi located in the festival's exclusive Hospitality Lounge.

8. Daily specials

In addition to the various restaurants taking part all week, look out for daily-changing treats this year from Issho-Ni, Bone Daddies, doughnut purveyors Longboys and vegan Caribbean specialists Likkle Dutch Pot.

9. Treat yourself at the VIP lounge

Upgrade your Taste of London experience with fast-track entry, Champagne on arrival and access to special masterclasses and pop-up events in the VIP Lounge.

10. Only at Taste of London

While each of the restaurants at the festival will be taking the opportunity to showcase their signature dishes, there will be some very special dishes on offer that are exclusive to Taste. Here's the full list of what those will be this year.