Table of Contents
Introduction
There are literally food festivals everywhere in London and the UK right now and some of them are worth going too and some of them are not. If you are on a look out for food festivals in London. Or you may be visiting London for a few days and want to go to a food festival. I have got news for you! I’ve shared a list of some of the best food festivals in London and the UK. Keep on reading and get your calander, phones out and save for the dates.
Since I was back in London for the summer last year, and wasn’t going to travel anywhere during the peak-time of travel, I knew I wanted to go to some food festivals and who would of known that there are so many summer food festivals to choose from.
I have already been to the National Geographic Food Festival before, but this year I wanted to push myself to try new ones. I barely go out unless I am going to the airport lol! So honestly I am really proud of myself for getting out and going to the Festival of African Cuisines, to the Patty Festival and even discovering community led events like Black London Eats, (which always happens every year so one to add to your summer food festivals list) it honestly felt like I was travelling the world without even leaving London.
NB: Some 2026 dates are still to be confirmed. I’ll keep this post updated as festivals release their schedules, so save this page for your plans!
In this post, I’ll share the best UK food festivals in London and beyond, along with a few other iconic ones across the UK that deserve a spot on your foodie bucket list. Whether you’re a London local looking for a new weekend plan or a traveller keen to add flavour to your UK trip, here’s your guide to the tastiest and best UK food festivals.
Read more about my key advise for London – 25 Things to Know Before Visiting London
Food Festivals For Your Summer
1. Jamaica Patty Festival in Battersea Park
If you love a flaky, flavour-packed Jamaican patty, then this Jamaica patty festival is a must. You will experience live music, vibrant vibes, and stalls selling patties stuffed with beef, chicken, and vegan fillings. I had lamb patty’s and I also got myself some jerk chicken with salad and plantain. You can subscribe to get tickets for the next one here.
Location: Battersea Park, London and Date: expect it to be August 2026 (date TBC).
2. National Geographic Traveller (UK) Food Festival in Islington
This one’s is my favourite food festivals, I have been three times so that says something. There are so many global cuisines, live chef demos, wine tastings, and even food photography workshops it’s as much about culture as it is about eating. You can read more about it on my website here.
Location: Business Design Centre, Islington and Date: expect it to be July 2026 (date TBC).
3. Festival of African Cuisines
Black-owned food brands and the depth of African. This was one of the new food festivals in London I cam across and it was pretty good. I would say that the Festival of African Cuisines one needs a bit more engagement, but it was nice to see a range of African countries represented from Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Cape Verde and more . But the Black London Eats is a running one and has been good every year.
Location: London (venue varies)and Date:Summer dates announced annually
4. Black London Eats
Another Black-owned food brand business bringing together both African and Caribbean cooking! I loved it so much here I would highly recommend. They had sugar cane juice, books by Black authors and so much more! When I went a few years back they held it in the heart of Hackney, the most recent one was in Woolwich. You can sign up here to be on the mailing list.
Location: London (venue varies)and Date: Summer dates announced annually
5. Taste of the Caribbean
The Taste of the Caribbean food festival bring together flavours and traditions of the Caribbean islands to life, a taste of Jamaica with the famous jerk chicken. I even tried Roti Shack, sugar cane juice, patties and more. There is also live music and even a cake competition where the crowd gets to judge (I got picked and voted lemon drizzle, obviously). Entry was around £15 and it had such a strong sense of community, which I absolutely love. There’s another one happening in Wimbledon Park this September, so get your tickets here.
I have also written a quick review here.
Location: London and UK-wide (venue varies) and Date: check here for upcoming dates.
Final Views On Food Festivals
And there you have it, a list of the best food festivals that you can now add to your pocket list for the summer this year!
One thing I love about food festivals is that they’re more than just a place to eat, try new foods etc, but a place for connection, culture, and storytelling through food. Going to these food festival events remind me of why I love to travel: because food is always at the heart of experiencing a new place or community.
Whether you’re tucking into patties in Battersea, or soaking up African flavours in East London, these festivals prove you don’t have to leave the London to take your taste buds on a journey.
So, next time you’re planning a trip or just a summer day out, why not let a food festival guide the way? Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Do you already have the list of the best food festival in London that you are going to now? If you want more than you need to follow the website and subscribe to the blog now. You will also get a free travel toolkit for your travels.
And finally, if you like to see the festivals visually check this video out on TikTok and Instagram.
Got a food festival in the UK?
If you're running a food festival in the UK and want to be featured on this list, get in touch and we can chat about an inclusion. Contact me here.
Speak soon,
MBV x
