London Restaurant Festival 2024, in partnership with American Express
5 Min Read | Published: 28 May 2024
Written by American Express
The month-long celebration returns to the capital this June, showcasing the best of London’s culinary offerings.
London Restaurant Festival (LRF) occurs twice a year, in June and October, and celebrates of the best of the capital’s diverse food scene. During the festival, you will get the chance to experience more than 50 events across the city, some brand-new for this season’s instalment.
Expect a delicious range of memorable food experiences, from tasting menus at some of London’s most sought-after restaurants to an introduction to emerging culinary talent.
London Restaurant Festival also features an emphasis on global cuisine across London, bringing the most diverse selection of events ever to the LRF.
What are the dates for London Restaurant Festival Summer Edition?
The festival takes place from 31 May to 30 June 2024.
For the second year running, programme kicks off with Food Fest on 31 May at Vinegar Yard in London Bridge, the sunny day must-visit for al fresco drinks and street food.
What food can I try at London Restaurant Festival?
Whatever pleases your palette, you are sure to find it here. Events are split into two categories: ‘Classic’ and ‘Trending’. The ‘Trending’ category is more casual, celebrating what’s new and hot on the food scene, while the ‘Classic’ category features the best of London’s more traditional and established dining offerings.
Food Fest
As LRF’s inaugural event, Food Fest is one of the biggest ‘Trending’ events on the festival roster. For the occasion, Vinegar Yard is partnering with Yum Bug to bring their unique spin on sustainable eating – edible-insects – to the masses.
Other vendors include the much-loved Indian-inspired Baba G's along with the newly opened Untitled Sandwich Shop, a brainchild of the agenda setting team at Bad Boy Pizza. Tickets to Food Fest cost £16 each, which includes two dishes, a dessert and an ice-cold beer by BrewDog.
Restaurant-Hopping Tours
Other ‘Trending’ events include the super popular Restaurant-Hopping Tours, which take you on a foodie circuit around different neighbourhoods of London, giving you the chance to visit four restaurants in one evening in either Connaught Village or St Katharine Docks.
Masterclasses
If you want to expand your own culinary skills, check out the Masterclasses. Craft dim sum alongside Andrew Yeo, renowned chef at the helm of Hakkasan and Yauatcha, or learn how to make authentic Italian pasta while floating on a pontoon in St Katharine Docks.
Ones to Watch
The Ones to Watch series shines a spotlight on restaurants breaking the tradition and trying new things. On this year’s line-up you can find Studio Gauthier, the new opening by vegan chef Alexis Gauthier amongst others.
Neighbourhood Nights
Neighbourhood Nights is also back for the summer. This popular event features independent restaurants in zones 2, 3 and 4, all offering local dining experiences. The Laundry in Brixton, Noci in Islington, and Townsend in Whitechapel are just a few of the neighbourhood gems taking part.
Access to Some of the Best Entertainment, Events and Experiences
The ‘Classic’ events include an LRF fan favourite: Top Ten Cuisines, a series of ten evenings hosted by best-in-their-field chefs:
- Florence Mae Maglanoc’s Filipino cuisine at Donia
- Indian regional delights from Avi Shashidara at Pahli Hill
- British classics from Lisa Goodwin-Allen at The Game Bird
- Thai fusion with Andy Oliver at newcomer Kolae
- West African marvels at Akara Ramael
- Scully’s Asian fusion at his namesake, Scully in St James’ Market
- Sophisticated Italian from Stephano Lorenzini at LAVO
- Modern Turkish from Istanbul-born Civan Er at Yeni
- Authentic Mexican flavours from Ximena Gayosso of Ixchel London
- Traditional French dishes elevated by Matthew Ryle of Maison François
Top Ten Cuisines evenings include a welcome glass of Champagne Henriot and a bespoke four-course menu. Book your seats here.
Tasting Menu
You could try bespoke menus created especially for the LRF at the Tasting Menu events. All Tasting Menu meals are good value and offer a chance to dine at highly sought-after restaurants. Enjoy eclectic seafood at Faber by Ollie Bass, or Peruvian fare from Chicama in Chelsea, plus many others.
Festival Highlights
Festival Highlights feature one-off experiences, such as an evening at the National Theatre seeing romantic thriller London Tide, before enjoying dinner overlooking the Thames at Lasdun. Or partaking in a mini cheesecake masterclass at La Maritxu in Connaught Village, then meandering through the area’s art and photography galleries on a self-guided tour.
Visit Londonrestaurantfestivalsummer.com to read more about the events and book your tickets.
Allergens and Dietary Requirements: Allergens and dietary requirements can be catered for at the restaurants, providing LRF are notified in advance of the event. Any exceptions will be made known, before point of ticket purchase. For full T&Cs please visit https://londonrestaurantfestival.com/terms_and_conditions/
Not a Cardmember yet?
Come join us!