London is one of the world’s foremost foodie capitals, with a reputation for fine dining, awesome street food, maverick chefs and a wide variety of different cuisines. If you’re lucky enough to be staying in the city during the upcoming London Restaurant Festival 2019, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip and delight your taste buds…
What is the London Restaurant Festival?
First established in 2009, The London Restaurant Festival brings together unique experiences at the capital’s finest restaurants, including everything from tours to sampling menus in various locations throughout the city. The main events are divided into two distinct categories, covering both ‘Restaurant Experiences’ and ‘Festival Menus’.
There are more than 70 restaurant experiences to be enjoyed during the event, designed to be extra-memorable and creative. These events will take place within participating restaurants, and cater to a variety of different patron tastes and interests.
Key events to look out for include everything from lunches hosted by resident chefs, to specially created tasting menus and tours which allow you to experience multiple restaurants within the space of a single day.
Each restaurant experience has been carefully curated by the London Restaurant Festival team as a way of showcasing the richness and diversity of London’s culinary scene.
Meanwhile, festival menus are set to be added to more than 250 participating venues, as part of an inspiring new promotion which is set to entice visitors who may otherwise not experience the many incredible views and Michelin-star locations taking part.
If you’ve always wanted to visit a particular restaurant and are enjoying London hotel offers, then this is the ideal excuse to give something new a try.
When is the London Restaurant Festival?
This year’s London Restaurant Festival will take place throughout October, starting on 1st October and ending on 31st October 2019. This special event provides a full month of events to enjoy, and the extended nature of the festival ensures that visitors staying at The Montcalm at the Brewery London City this month have plenty of time to get involved.
Sustainability initiative
For 2019, the London Restaurant Festival is taking on a new sustainable approach, supporting sustainability throughout the restaurant industry and the venues taking part.
This initiative will help combat food wastage, and amongst the many events happening during October, there will also be opportunities for visitors to discover more about the sustainable side of food production both within and outside of the restaurant industry.
Attendees and enthusiasts can also sign up to a special campaign to halve food waste by 2030, helping to ensure a brighter future for food production.
Key events
While there’s lots happening in October, we’ve compiled this quick guide to some of the top events to look out for during your own stay at The Montcalm at the Brewery London City.
Fitsrovia Restaurant Hopping Tour
1st October 2019
The ideal way to kick off a month of foodie events, this restaurant-hopping tour takes in key venues throughout literary idyll Fitsrovia. Each participating restaurant offers non-alcoholic aperitifs alongside the food provided, courtesy of brand Aecorn Aperitifs.
Restaurants taking part include Mortimer House Kitchen, The Ninth and Berners Tavern.
Tapas Tour
5th October 2019
This restaurant-hopping tour takes place in Soho, and allows visitors a chance to sample five of the best Tapas venues in the city within the space of a single afternoon. Great local beers will also be available during the event, helping you to stay hydrated during your new culinary adventure.
Cocktail Masterclass with Rakes
15th October 2019
This masterclass will behosted by Remy Martin brand ambassador Jack Charlton, and looks set to teach a new crowd of enthusiasts how to make some of the finest cocktails in the world. Perfect as a way to discover a new skill or simply impress your fellow visitors with your knowledge of the cocktail scene, the event promises to be both fun and informative.
Michel Roux Jr & Battersea Power Station – Gastronomic Weekend
19th – 20th October 2019
This experience encompasses a full weekend of culinary adventures, with a walking tour of some of London’s foodie hotspots, as well as treats everywhere from Regent St. to Selfridges.
There is a chef-hosted lunch on offer, with Michel Roux taking the helm – and each element of the weekend can be customised to ensure the perfect upscale experience.
Devonshire Square Restaurant Hopping Tour
23rd October 2019
This event showcases some of the most promising foodie venues in the city, and visitors will also be treated to a cocktail on arrival. The five restaurants taking part each offer something special to fans of fine dining, and include the New Street Grill, Devonshire Club and Cinnamon Kitchen.
Gavin Monery – Vagabond – Tasting Menu
24th October 2019
This tasting menu focuses on wine, rather than food. Direct at urban winery Vagabond, visitors will have the opportunity to experience some of the best wines as selected by lead winemaker Gavin Monery, accompanied by a tasting menu specially paired with each beverage.
Some of the wines on offer have been created on-site, lending an extra-special edge to the menu.
Discover The Shard
26th October 2019
The Shard is much more than simply an architectural marvel – it is also home to some of London’s greatest new restaurants. This experience will showcase each of the restaurants housed here: Hutong, Aqua and Oblix. Each course is paired with a wine, and you’ll be able to enjoy each dish while looking at unparalleled views over the city.
Sebby Holmes at Farang – Tasting Menu
30th October 2019
This exploration of great cuisine combines both British and Thai dishes, and gives visitors more insight into a brand which originated in London’s bustling food markets before launching its flagship restaurant.
Farang specialises in unpretentious, delicious Thai food, and head chef Sebby Holmes has put together a comprehensive tasting menu sure to attract a few new devotees.