There has certainly been no shortage of pop-up food and drink experiences in London over the years.
From the innovative, like when Dalston’s Jones & Sons teamed up with PokerStars to create the “All-In Kitchen” to the downright distasteful (death row dinners anyone?). Londoners have seen, eaten, and drunk it all! And though there’s been a vast array of pop-ups running throughout the city all summer, things are set to continue into autumn.
Here’s the lowdown on some of the best pop-up dining experiences starting this month.
From now until September, the rooftop of Oxford Street’s John Lewis is covered with astroturf, wild herbs, vegetables, and white picket fences as well as the venue for a taste sensation. Designed by award winner Tony Woods, the garden showcases some of the best British restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Elephant restaurant in Devon. Serving until the end of September, Elephant’s head chef Simon Hulstone has put together a selection of dishes featuring Paignton crab, ginger-cured trout, curd scattered lamb served with lovage, and chicken crackling. The garden is also serving up some craft ales courtesy of The Gardener’s Arms micro pub and even holds early-morning boxing classes! As with all limited things, its best to book a table ahead, so visit the John Lewis website for more information.
This year, on Friday, August 11th at the picturesque Brunel Museum, Midnight Apothecary’s Campfire Cocktails will hold its annual pop-up event, which has been running since 2012. The rooftop garden serves as a unique oasis by the Thames, inviting visitors to get together with friends, toast marshmallows, and watch the sunset. Campfire Cocktails serves seasonal, Botanic cocktails made with local spirits, brews, and ingredients grown in the rooftop garden. A light bar menu is also available but largely depends on the produce grown in the garden. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and last call is at 10 p.m., tickets start at £5 and include entry to the roof garden, Engine House, and Brunel’s Grand Entrance Hall. Visit the Brunel Museum website to book a reservation at this adult only establishment.
Coming to the Southbank this October, the Great Nordic Feast is not to be missed. Many of the culinary trends currently in vogue have originated in the Nordic nations, and this three-day festival brings the best and brightest talents to British shores. Niklas Ekstedt, who cooks on open-fires and doesn’t have an oven in his kitchen in Stockholm, and Titti Qvarnstrom, the first Swedish female chef to receive a Michelin star for her Malmo Restaurant, will be visiting along with culinary wizards from Denmark, Greenland, Finland, Norway, and Iceland among others. The Great Nordic Feast is sure to be a culinary and cultural spectacle and kicks off with a big welcoming breakfast on October 20th and will run to October 22nd at the Southbank Centre on Belvedere Road. Tickets start at £19 and are available to purchase from The Great Nordic Feast official website.
Lastly, Rich Mix in Shoreditch will transform into Twump Towers from August 17th to 19th. This replica of a certain well-known, orange haired personality’s New York residence is resplendent with gold gilt mirrors, chaise-lounges, a mock French renaissance bar, and as much bad taste as you can imagine! Advertised as a “place to take a breath, have a drink, and feel like you’re doing something positive” £50 from every drink purchased at Twump Towers will go towards a choice from local and international charities. It’s humorous, limited, and all in the name of a good cause or two. Visit the Twump Towers’ official site for further info and to book a reservation.
