With the rain hammering on my office window and the sky a duller shade of grey, the evenings festivities weren't looking positive. However, as the clock struck 5 the sun suddenly broke through and shone it's bright sunny face. There was hardly a cloud in the sky by the time we'd jumped off the rush hour tube in to the now clammy and slightly muggy evening air. Joining the masses and following the excitable crowds we headed along from Baker Street tube to Regents Park and the Taste of London food festival we had been hungrily anticipating. A fluid and trouble free process we were swiftly met by a lady in pink selling "crowns" - the currency everyone had to use whilst in the park. A bit like Monopoly money which obviously made the whole experience that much more fun, making you much less canny with your dosh! We bought 4 books full (equivalent to £40), certain that we were going to be feeding our greedy tummies with lots of goodies. . . . and that we most certainly did.
The lay out of the event was similar to that of a small country festival, little and large marquees and awnings were interspersed around, groups of people gathering to grab the latest freebies being handed out. Whenever anyone saw a solitary person carrying a plate, they were then set upon on like a pack of wild hungry wolves, desperate to try whatever was on the plate!
A group of folk musicians stood by the entrance, in traditional style dress, playing in the queues of people entering, people were draped over beanbags in the background, drinking and eating pieces they'd got free and other bits they'd purchased, clinking glasses and taking in the last and only bit of the days sun.
The evening was awash with colour and sunshine, it could not have been a more perfect evening.
We were called over by a wine stand offering "free tasting"- and how could we resist? Piles of mature cheese cut for us, along side slithers of freshly cut meat, all accompanied by the piece de resistance- the wine. 8 large tasters of wine later and slightly fuzzy headed we bode our acquaintances farewell and set off in search of more alcohol- suddenly both having the taste for it!
Thinking sensibly and doing what we love best (eating), we stopped by an incredibly naughty but very inviting looking bakery goods stall and chose a nutty pastry and a cream doughnut to aid us on our way to finding our next alcoholic indulgence.
Our next stop was Element 29 Bar, a cocktail bar offering a selection of their most popular cocktails. I opted for the English Mule, a vodka and Ginger Beer based cocktail, which slipped down beautifully. No aftertaste or shudder- just a refreshing tipple! Being a massive lover of Gin, P went for the Elderflower Gin Fizz. Adamant to share, he allowed me "a sip" and I have to say- even though I am not a gin lover at the best of times, this really was delicious, the elderflower managed to take the bitter edge of the gin off but was still bursting with fizzy (from the soda water) sweet flavour. Element 29 Bar is definitely on our London Bar Bucket List for the near future!
Next stop, the Small Producers Market and more tasty goodies. This tent was packed with people all trying to get a glimpse at some of the most delectable treats on offer. I was immediately struck by Ganache Macaron, a tastefully decorated (in my favourite shabby chic style) stand with the most deliciously conspicuous coloured macaron's I have ever seen. At only £1.50 each these were the tastiest, most beautiful macaron's I have ever tasted. Like a kid in a candy shop and with an eye only for these sinfully sumptuous senoritas I purchased a few....ok, maybe a book of crowns worth. All. For. Me.
As we wondered through the crowds and in and out of the tents we stopped to observe some pretty impressive cooking demonstrations. These allowed the audience to get up close and personal with some of London's top Chefs. Not only did you get to see them perform their trade, but you got to taste their yummy creations afterwards.
Still managing to think of our quickly filling tummies, we stopped by The Spice Market for a Pork Belly Steamed Bun. This truly was unbelievable and ticked every box. The meat was perfectly cooked and flavoured with some delicious greens and onions and then the bun.....The BUN, now I don't know how this is made but it's like no bread P or I had ever tasted. It was pure dough goodness and was soft and springy to touch. This was definitely one of our biggest food highlights of the very successful evening.
Again, it did not disappoint, much heavier than the pork belly burger, this was very hearty and succulent, as one would imagine most of Jamie's famous dishes to be. It ticked all the boxes and was pretty much the final nail in the coffin. We were full to bursting.
Obviously we still allowed a small amount of room for some pudding, we walked passed a very beautiful display of flowers and grass made in to a skirt, worn by a girl. Unfortunately by the time I got to photo her most of the white chocolate coated strawberry on pop sticks had been grabbed and gorged, but you can see three of the last picked strawberries on her floral grass skirt.
As we were wondering around we had to stop by Frizzenti and their Prosecco van as it's one of our favourite drinks. This particular Prosecco was really a real thirst quencher, fresh and not too sweet.
Spread around the Taste vicinity were bandstands and the odd musician. We were most struck by Lula, a beautiful London based singer / songwriter whose soulful melodic voice added to the relaxed 'summer's evening vibe' perfectly.
Another great tent for freebies was the Lindt tent. I don't think my eyes could have grown any wider when I saw all the red balls of wrapped up wonder on a plate being handed outside the tent by an equally delicious looking man! (Don't tell P). Then, if that wasn't enough as we entered the tent there were even MORE chocolate freebies inside, all different flavours of my favourite chocolate, to be tried and tested. Obviously, being a chocolate fanatic I had to try all three of the testers- it's very rare to be given such a large square taster - usually tasters and cut in to mere insignificance but no, Lindt did the world of tasting- and my sweet tooth proud.
As the sun was starting to waiver we decided that we should attempt to walk off our over indulgence and wander through the sun kissed Regents Park, beside the stunning boating lake. A perfect end to a perfectly presented evening and a great start to the weekend ahead. We cannot wait to visit again next year and re-live a delicious experience . .
Did you go to the Taste of London Festival? Which stands did you enjoy most?
Emi x
