National Geographic Traveller Food Festival offers Londoners a world tour for their tastebuds on 20 and 21 July

From the 20^th to 21^st July 2019, the Business Design Centre in Islington will be hosting the National Geographic Traveller Food Festival, an event aiming to bring all manner of global culinary delights to the British capital.

In the main hall, visitors will be able to get their hands on samples from an assortment of exciting food stalls offering delicacies from all over the world, spanning as far as Dominica, Israel and Thailand. On top of this international taste adventure, two new masterclass venues, the Tarragon and Cinnamon theatres, have been announced, giving participants the opportunity to find out how world-class dishes are created – from inventive crepes and tortellini to vegan burgers.

On the main stage, there is a chance to meet the chefs, with a programme of interviews and live demos from renowned names such as French culinary icon Raymond Blanc, British sensation Adam Handling of the Frog Group, pioneering Italian chef and restauranteur Gennaro Contaldo, MasterChef’s John Torode and food personality Andi Oliver, to mention just a few. 

Handling told us: “Any opportunity to travel, I take it. My style is British food inspired by London, which is the most multicultural city in the world. Events like these are wonderful as you get to meet fantastic people and discuss what’s going on in the industry. The British gastronomic name has been tainted for years, people identify us with fish and chips and roast beef. Over the last decade, however, British restaurants have become something fantastic. But it’s going to take time for this phase to supersede the old one.”

When asked whether we’ll see British restaurants abroad in France or Italy one day, the Scottish chef said: “Yes, and I will be opening restaurants around the world, doing the same that I’m doing in Covent Garden. It’s all about the products and the simplicity, that’s what British food is about. We’ve just opened in Chelsea, Covent Garden’s is the best it’s ever been, and also our bars are doing great. National Restaurant Awards named Eve the best spot for bar food. Things change and get better. Now I’m a restaurateur, some days you see me in the kitchen, some days you see me on the floor running a service.”

Speakers Corner will allow guest to listen to seminars from celebrated cookbook authors and food writers such as Kay Plunkett Hogge, Asma Khan, John Gregory Smith, Tommy Barnes and Theo Michaels.

The festival is open from 10am-6pm on Saturday, and 10am-4.30pm on Sunday. For just £22 you can gain entry to the event along with access to all interviews, Q&As, panel sessions and demonstrations, not to mention free samples and invaluable learning experiences.

The editorial unit

National Geographic Traveller Food Festival is at the Business Design Centre from 20^th until 21^st July 2019. For further information or to book visit their website here.