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The Big Smoke is no stranger to food festivals. In May, bibimbap and tteokbokki fanatics queued round the block to get a taste of the city’s first ever Korean food fête, Jung. In June, the great and the good of the capital’s restaurant scene will be peddling plates in Regent’s Park for the 2026 edition of Taste of London. Even fezzies with a niche USP are welcomed with open arms by London locals. The Big Brine, which debuts in September, is putting pickles centre-stage, with chef demos, live music and fermentation workshops taking over Hackney for two days.
Now, Europe’s first major international chicken festival is being welcomed to the summer schedule.
Launching in September, Roost is a four-day event dedicated to one thing, and one thing only: chicken. Taking place at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, it’ll bring food vendors from the US, Jamaica and around the UK to show off their signature wings, thighs and drumsticks to hungry meat-eating Londoners.
Among the big-name kitchens will be Chicken George JR, as well as FOWL, Coqfighter, Maureen’s Kitchen, Schnitzel Heaven, Killa Waffle, Game and Flames, Ginger Wings (Marlow) and Shwings. Flying in from the US, Chicken Baptiser will bring a taste of South Carolina, while Harlem’s Charles Pan Fried Chicken and Pecking House will rep the Big Apple.
Roost will also be hosting the Wing Jam Championship Belt, asking guests to vote on the UK’s best slinger of a £1.50 wing. Plus, we can expect a separate hot wing eating contest, live-fire rotisserie and a dedicated hot sauce tent. Think fiery liquids from Louisiana, Mexico, the Caribbean, Korea and West Africa.
The foodie fiesta has been co-created by influencer Toby Inskip. If you’re even a little bit online, chances are you’ve come across Eating With Tod. The social media star has 2.4 million Instagram followers and eats his way around London (and the world) one hefty bite at a time.
Roost is the second festival launched by the duo following Fume, which began life in a Peckham car park in 2024. The live-fire barbecue event’s third edition takes place in June.
Roost will be taking over the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on August 21-23 2026. General admission starts at £17 for adults and £10 for kids. VIP options are available from £85.
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