Summer is the best time to get a taste of London, literally. This week is the semi-annual Taste of London Festival in Regents Park, but don’t fret if you’re not here. Top restaurants and hotels have lots of fun food and drink happenings all summer—even a menu inspired by the first-ever Major League Baseball series in Europe. London correspondent Emily Goldfischer rounds up some favorites.
Sample a bit of the best of London at Taste of London in Regent’s Park now through June 23, where hungry diners can choose from over 150 signature dishes from 40 of the London’s best restaurants—with Chinese buns and lobster rolls to frozen s’mores—there’s going to be something for everyone to devour, plus loads of masterclasses where you can delve deeper into local ciders, gin and other spirits.
For the first time in history, two Major League Baseball season games will be hosted in Europe at the London Stadium, and there are still tickets available, to watch the New York Yankees battle the Boston Red Sox the weekend of June 29-30. Whether or not you’re attending the game, The Beaumont in Mayfair hit a home run with a Boston-inspired London Series Menu created under the guidance of New England-based travel and food writer Larry Olmsted, bestselling author of "Real Food/Fake Food," who worked with The Beaumont’s executive head chef Christian Turner, on a few iconic dishes associated with Boston. Researching the best original recipes and historical sources, the menu features: New England Clam Chowder, Lobster Rolls, Fried Clams and Boston Cream Pie. The London Series Menu is available for lunch and dinner at The Colony Grill Room from Monday, June 24 to Sunday, June 30.
An incredible event in support of victims of the Sri Lanka attacks, coincides with a different game involving bats and balls—the ICC Cricket World Cup, happening July 5 and 6 at Lords Cricket Ground in London—when Sri Lanka’s legendary restaurant Ministry of Crab, one of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, comes to the Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London, for a two-day charity pop-up offering lunch and dinner. Chef Dharshan Munidasa will be preparing a five-course menu celebrating Sri Lankan cuisine featuring the restaurant’s most famous dishes—Baked Crab, Garlic Chili Crab and the iconic Pepper Crab—to be held in the hotel’s Sky Lounge on the 34th floor; and if you tire of the panoramic London views, the cricket matches will be playing live on large screen TVs. Proceeds from tickets sold for the The Ministry of Crab dining experience will be donated to those affected by the recent attacks in Sri Lanka. Guests can also book an overnight package, including two tickets to the ICC Cricket World Cup match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, two tickets to the dinner for the Ministry of Crab Charity Pop Up event on July 5 and an overnight stay for two at Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London inclusive of breakfast and guaranteed early check in. To reserve a table for the Ministry of Crab event email [email protected] or call +44 (0) 207-234-8067. To book the room night package, contact [email protected] or call +44 (0) 207-234-8088.
We love a bit of al fresco dining, which is why we’re super excited about the new Bar Boulud Garden Terrace menu at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London. Here, you’ll find a French-inspired menu with boeuf tartare and grilled octopus, plus the fanciest versions of American summer classics with a tunisienne hot dog and a deluxe American burger. Ooh la la.
We’re also excited about the return of one of our favorite summer pop-ups, The Beach Bar at The Montague on the Gardens, Complete with real sand, a beach hut-style thatched roof, refreshing cocktails, palm trees and a backdrop of a beautiful beach, it has more of an Ibiza vibe than the heart of central London! Open from noon to 10 p.m. daily, packages range from brunch to exclusive hire for 20 people or more.
Possibly the most fun to have in London on two wheels this summer is the Gin Safari by bicycle, which takes you on a juniper-fueled jaunt around London, visiting picturesque Dickensian architecture, while you quaff a selection of local gins from the GinCycle, a rickety Victorian gin parlor on wheels. Good to know: You will also stop at food markets and noteworthy landmarks along east London. Available Saturdays and Sundays all summer at 2 p.m.
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