6 Exciting Things To Eat & Do In August

The weather’s muggier than a Love Island recoupling and if you see another Uniqlo bum bag you might scream. With summer fatigue hitting, it’s time to seek out some of the tastiest and most exciting things to do this month, to restore your faith in London’s summer. 

Lose Your Friends At London’s Biggest Street Party

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

It’s that time of year—steel drums beat, fabulous feather outfits start malting on sweaty trains, and the smell of jerk chicken and Guyanese pepper pots perfume west London streets. Notting Hill Carnival is one of London’s biggest summer events, and this year it’s on the 27th and 28th of August. And we have a hack for avoiding the steamy portaloo situation…

Sink Pints At The Docks

photo credit: Nic Crilly-Hargrave

Beer is included with your ticket at this year's London Craft Beer Festival—which means the chances of someone climbing the rigging of a nearby boat are high. Head to Tobacco Docks in Wapping from the 11th to 12th August to sample beers from over 100 brewers—including 40FT, Exale, and Pretty Decent Beer Co. There’ll be food stalls, dancing, and plenty of hop-based chat. 

Show Your Pride In Stratford

photo credit: UK Black Pride

Finally, something better to do in Stratford than getting involved in a Westfield stampede and crying in the food court. UK Black Pride is the world’s biggest celebration for African, Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American, and Caribbean-heritage LGBTQIA+ people. It takes place on 19th August in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Keep an eye on the event Instagram page for announcements about performers, food vendors, and the all important theme for 2023. 

Summer? Completed It, Mate

photo credit: Karolina Wiercigroch

Tick off our bucket list of 25 things to do in the city before summer is over. You won’t win a prize, but you will have a warm, smug feeling from having nailed the sunny season. From the serene Thames-side courtyard where Japanese linen fits flutter, to foliage-free party patios where you can swap your Optrex bottle for a rum cocktail, there’s something for everyone. 

Eat The Screen At The Barbican

photo credit: Karolina Wiercigroch

If you’re the type of person who likes to argue with friends that the bacon in Howl’s Moving Castle looks tastier than the ratatouille in Ratatouille, you’ll love the Barbican’s Eat The Screen event. It’s a month-long (until 24th August) screening of short films, features, and documentaries all about food. The idea is to spark conversations about food waste, farming, and food sovereignty—and presumably make you very hungry too. We have a guide on places to eat nearby for when the hunger hits. 

Eat Focaccia And Pasta, Cooked By Your Kids

photo credit: The Langham

Calling all pushy parents—imagine the bragging rights if your teenager spent the summer not just playing Diablo IV, but learning to make focaccia with Michel Roux Jr too. The chef’s cookery school has two courses running out of The Langham Hotel this summer. One will teach 12 to 16 year-olds to make pasta and the other will teach baking skills. Both include a light, seasonal lunch, goodies, tote bags, and a Langham apron. Plus, those all important bragging rights.