LONDON/Ruby Hyder LP correspondent/ – London’s largest and longest-running food festival is set to return to Regent’s Park this summer, celebrating its 20th anniversary. The Taste of London festival will take place over five days, from June 12 to June 16.
This year’s festival promises an array of over 120 delectable dishes, exclusive culinary experiences, and a vibrant atmosphere with DJs and live entertainment. Taste of London will showcase exclusive, never-before-tasted treats from the city’s finest chefs and newest restaurants.
Newcomers for 2024 include Le Petit Beefbar, renowned for its steakhouse offerings; Oblix from The Shard, specialising in urban rotisserie and grill-inspired dishes; and Kolamba, bringing Sri Lankan-style home cooking to the festival.
Other highlights include Japanese Robatayaki dining by Roka,Andong City and the Korea Foundation For Cultures and Ethics (KFCE), Big Mamma Group’s Italian spectacle Circolo Popolare, and the Sicilian-inspired favourite, Norma.
Cecile Rebbot, Vice President of Culinary, Arts & Entertainment at IMG, expressed her excitement: “We’re thrilled to be returning to Regent’s Park for another week of amazing food by some of London’s most-loved restaurants. As Taste of London celebrates its 20th year, it’s a testament to the continued culinary magic here in London. It’s great to see some Taste veterans returning alongside restaurants showcasing their cuisines for the very first time. With the UK’s best chefs, exclusive culinary experiences, and live entertainment, we can’t wait to celebrate the best of what the city has to offer at Taste again this summer.”
The festival will also feature a coffee wonderland with illy as its exclusive coffee sponsor. Highlights include interactive coffee masterclasses hosted by Università del Caffè, summer special coffee cocktails, desserts, and cold brews.
Returning for 2024 is the ‘fiery adventure’ at The Taste Fire Pit, hosted by DJ BBQ and Simon the Butcher, promising an unforgettable experience for attendees.
Taste of London continues to be a hallmark of the city’s vibrant food scene, offering a feast for the senses and a celebration of culinary excellence.
Discover Andong: A Korean Gem at London’s Premier Food Festival
Andong City, in collaboration with the Korea Foundation for Cultures and Ethics (KFCE), will participate in the ‘Taste of London’ festival at Regent’s Park, aiming to introduce and promote Andong as a premier tourism hub.
Andong is renowned for its cultural and universal values, boasting recognition in all three UNESCO categories: World Heritage, Documentary Heritage, and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Noteworthy sites include Hahoe Village, Bongjeongsa Temple, Dosanseowon Confucian Academy, Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy, and the Hahoe Byeolsin Gut Mask Dance.
Hahoe Village, a traditional Korean village where the Ryu family has resided for over 600 
years, preserves traditional performances like the ‘Hahoe Byeolsingut Mask Dance’ and ‘Hahoe Seonyu Julbul Nori’. Bongjeongsa Temple, the oldest wooden structure in Korea, has maintained Buddhist culture for over 1,300 years, showcasing the country’s traditional beauty. Dosanseowon Confucian Academy, built to honour Yi Hwang, is noted for its simple and modest decoration.
Andong is vibrant year-round with seasonal festivals. Spring features the General Chajeon and Princess Noguk Festival, as well as the Andong Cherry Blossom Festival. Summer brings Su-festa and the Wolyeong Night Trip. Autumn is highlighted by the Andong Maskdance Festival, and winter by the Amsan Ice Festival.
The city’s culinary offerings include ‘Andong Jjimdak’ (chicken simmered with vegetables and seasonings), ‘Salted Mackerel’ (grilled or braised), ‘Andong Hanwoo’ (high-quality beef), and ‘Heotjesatbap’ (a unique dish with ingredients similar to those used in ritual foods).
At ‘Taste of London’, Andong City and KFCE will showcase the city’s rich tourism resources, including its cultural heritage, festivals, and food, to enhance recognition and attract potential European tourists.
