Taste Of London Festival Preview

This week ONIN had a preview of some of the dishes that will be available at this year’s Taste of London Festival running 18-22 June 2025.

Every year, Taste takes over Regent’s Park for what is essentially a food-fuelled garden party. The five day festival showcases brings together the hottest London restaurants, food heroes, chefs launch their new items, cooking masterclasses and more. Alongside the week-long restaurants, there’s a line-up of Daily Specials giving us the chance to sample some of the city’s tastiest new concepts. I’ve been to Taste a couple of times now and it’s a great experience, wondering around and trying samples of foods or drinks, speaking to brands and trying delicious dishes.

The preview event was held at Oblix, a sophisticated and contemporary restaurant on the 32nd floor of the Shard with beautiful views of London. We felt classy sipping Piper-Heidsieck Champagne whilst admiring the view of the Thames and famous London landmarks.

For the event, there were five restaurants showing their dish. Each was paired with a cocktail that was matched using FlavorPrint Al. The secures below show the compatibility rating with the selected dish. FlavorPrint AI will be available at Taste to tailor to your unique preferences and designed to complement the delicious dishes found at Taste. As someone who sometimes struggles to decide what cocktail to have, this could be a game-changer.

Oblix served their crispy buttermilk fried chicken with chilli, lime and honey glaze. This was a a crowd favourite at Taste of London last Summer, and is returning this year. We can see why- we loved the chicken as did most people we talked to. It’s crunchy, sweet, spicy and sticky. We couldn’t resist a second bowl, and days after this event, I’m craving the chicken. The Captain Morgan Daiquiri was also our favourite cocktail of the night. The spiced character of the rum and sweetness of the lime and sugar from the daiquiri balances well- no wonder there’s a 93% compatible rating.

Bocconcino showcased truffle pasta served in Grana Padano PDP cheese will. It was fun watching as silky handmade tagliatelle was tossed in a parmesan wheel before being crowned with black truffle shavings. This really was Italian indulgence. At Taste, expect an Italian menu that’s all about bold flavours and luxe ingredients. It’s no surprise it was paired with a Tanqueray Negroni, given negronis are also an iconic Italian expression.

Lore of the Land, owned by Guy Ritchie, is a celebration of British cuisine showcasing seasonal dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, cooked over flame. It served up a British classic- slow-cooked leg of lamb, crispy roast potato, carrot, and braised red cabbage in a Yorkshire pudding with mint sauce and gravy. I love a roast and loved the smaller version of this. In keeping with a British theme, this was paired with a Tanqueray Green Giant. We liked how the mint from the dish was echoed in the cocktail.

From Empire Empire we were served a Kale Patta Chaat. This modern, upscale twist on traditional Indian chaat uses kale fritters lashed with yoghurt, tamarind and chickpea straws. At Taste you can expect more of this Indian flavour with a modern twist. This was paired with a Ketel One Espresso Martini and those who know me know I can’t resist one and it didn’t disappoint.

We then moved onto Chinese cuisine with an innovative twist. From Chai Wu, a contemporary Pan-Asian restaurant in Harrods, we had Wagyu and Taro Croquettes topped with caviar. These bites were creamy with an earthy flavour, contrasting with the crispness of the Ketel One Apple Collins.

Taste Festival runs 18-22 June at Regent’s Park. Each day during the festival, there are one or two sessions that last between four and five hours. Some of the sessions have different masterclasses and activities taking place, and m chefs appear on specific days and sessions. This year, there are eight delicious sessions:

Weds 18 June 17:30-21:30
Thurs 19 June 12:00-16:00 & 17:30-21:30
Fri 20 June 12:00-16:00 & 17:30-21:30
Sat 21 June 12:00-16:00 & 17:30-21:30
Sun 22 June 12:00-17:00

Tickets are available through the official website. There are a variety of ticket options

Taste Pass (£24) is entry into the festival.
Tasting Ticket (£39) includes 2 Signature dishes
VIP 2 dish package (£61) includes fast-track entry, access to VIP lounge, a glass of Piper-Heidsieck champagne, 2 signature dishes, complimentary snack bar and exclusive entertainment.
VIP 3 dish package- everything the VIP 2 dish package has plus 1 Exclusive dish.
Flexible single entry ticket (£32)- flexibility to choose the session you want to attend closer to the date.
Taste Lovers All Session Pass (£40) – join repeatedly throughout the week for as many sessions as you’d like
Party of 6 group offer (from £22.61) – save with a group booking.
Summer Party Hospitality Packages (£205) which includes VIP access, 2 signature dishes, 1 exclusive dish, private VIP Hospitality Lounge, premium chilled champagne, private VIP bar serving unlimited select drinks.

Website: https://london.tastefestivals.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tasteoflondon

Written by Caitlin Neal