10 reasons you can’t miss Taste of London 2018

All the big-hitters are coming back: Bao, Kricket, Hoppers and Club Gascon to name a few. But even better, 50 percent of the restaurants on board this year are new arrivals – look out for Mexican taqueria El Pastor, West African Ikoyi and Amalfi-inspired Sorella (pictured).

It’s the summer, which means a barbecue is all but obligatory. All hail the debut of The Fire Pit! A series of high-profile chefs will be smoking and sizzling over the Pit’s open flame, include the Michelin-starred Niklas Ekstedt and pyro-legend DJ BBQ.

We’re drooling at the sheer thought of the Taste Residence: a fine-dining experience where culinary pro Andrea Petrini will oversee a tasting menu that pairs wines with small-plates from top chefs across the world, including Sean Gray, Head Chef at Momofuku Koto (pictured). Plus, our exclusive deal includes free festival entry alongside tickets to the Residence, which you can book here.

If music is, indeed, the food of love, your ears will have has much to get stuck into as your mouth at Taste of London. There’ll be live entertainment throughout on the bandstand, but iconic dance label Hed Kandi will also be gracing the decks on the Friday and Saturday with a live saxophonist to add some party vibes to proceedings.

V, I, and P: are there three lovelier letters in the English language? If you can take the leap up to the festival’s Club Taste VIP ticket tier, we suggest you do – you can dodge the queues with fast-track entry to the festival and make for the VIP lounge and garden. There you can enjoy a complimentary glass of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée champagne and all sorts of other goodies.

Here’s where Taste of London partner Laurent-Perrier gets to sparkle – to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its Cuvée Rosé, it’ll be hosting a special masterclass. Guests can learn about the alchemic grape-to-glass process behind the wine – and enjoy a glass along with an organic tasting menu.

Those who enjoy a wee dram – and one served in style – will have plenty to keep themselves distracted here. The folks at Johnnie Walker will be setting up ‘The Whisky Room’: a loving recreation of the legendary Mr Walker’s nineteenth-century Ayrshire grocery, which will showcase a series of snappy highballs made with Johnnie Walker Black Label. You can even rock up to a masterclass on the day to learn more about the magic.

Looking to up your dinner-party game? Make a beeline for the classes run by Taste’s partner, Samsung Home Appliances Cookery School. It will a chance to work across one of Samsung’s ultra-slick Dual Cook Flex ovens with tutors from the School of Wok – you’ll be knocking out Michelin-worthy meals in no time.

And no, we’re not just talking about leftovers in a doggy bag. Over 200 artisinal food and drinks producers will be setting up shop at Taste, from cheese to charcuterie to spices to sweets to wine to kitchenware. Seriously, just make sure you’ve got enough space in your cupboards before you start splashing the cash.

Back at the festival for a sixth year are Celebrity Cruises, whose Taste of Travel experience will promote Celebrity Edge, their brand-new ship (launching in November, if you fancy yourselves a luxury cruise this winter). Their top chef, the Michelin-starred Cornelius Gallagher, has put together a menu that showcases flavours from across the world. Think of it like a global expedition – only from the comfort of a table in leafy Regent’s Park.