We’re hugely proud of our Waterloo home and always keen to get involved with local community projects and events.
Now in its 12th year, Waterloo Food Fortnight is a big, fat celebration of the culturally diverse and (insanely tasty) Food & Beverage offer available in the local area.
From Ethiopian to Polish, Portuguese to Korean, the Waterloo neighbourhood offers something for every taste bud.
Taking place from 27th June to 12th July, Londoners are invited to explore their palettes via masterclasses, demonstrations, workshops, happy hours and special offers taking place in tonnes of Waterloo spots, including Leake Street Arches.
With so much going on, we’ve provided a guide to some of the key events to get involved with over the two week festival.
10. A 90s Themed Street Party
Set to be the street party to end all street parties, this launch event for Waterloo Food Fortnight will see Londoners descend on Lower Marsh for a night to remember. A giant screen will play a montage of the best Glasto sets from the 90s as well as a screening of Space Jam. Make-up artists will be on hand to add glitter to faces while retro gaming stations will offer a trip down memory lane. In the DJ area, mid-way down the street, DJ TBX and guest DJ Prime Cuts will cover all genres of 90s music from Brit pop classics to old skool hip hop vibes. At the other end of Lower Marsh, Cubana’s live music stage will provide the perfect soundtrack to their mojito making workshops (the drink they helped introduce to a UK audience in the 90s). Lower Marsh Market traders and Waterloo businesses will be selling street food throughout, providing the perfect accompaniment to the beers served via the Brooklyn Brewery and London Fields Brewery Pop Up bars).
When: Thursday 27th June, 5pm to 9pm Where: Lower Marsh Cost: Free More info: http://wearewaterloo.co.uk/event/waterloo-food-fortnight-2019-launch-party
9. Brit Pop vs Hip Hop After Party at Café del Marsh
For those who want to carry on the Launch Party celebrations late into the night, there will be three official 90s themed after-parties. Based on Lower Marsh, Café Del Marsh will be hosting their Brit Pop vs Hip Hop night in their private garden.
When: Thursday 27th June, 9pm til late Where: Café del Marsh, Lower Marsh Cost: Free More info: http://wearewaterloo.co.uk/event/brit-pop-vs-hip-hop-after-party
8. Chocolate Truffle Workshop
Enjoy an evening of decadence at this Chocolate Truffle workshop let by Eden Caterers. Attendees will be guided through making velvety smooth chocolate truffles, creating a rich cream chocolate mousse and making simple chocolate disks to take home once made.
When: Various Where: Eden Caterers Cost: £15 per person More info: http://wearewaterloo.co.uk/event/chocolate-workshop
7. Pierogi Making Masterclass at Mamuska
Here at Leake Street Arches, Mamuska Polish Bar and Kitchen will be teaching people what it takes to make the perfect Pierogi (Polish Dumpling). Gain some new culinary skills to make Mama proud.
When: Various Where: Mamuska Polish Bar and Kitchen Cost: Free More info: http://wearewaterloo.co.uk/event/pierogi-making-workshop
6. Cocktail Masterclass at Hello Darling
Hello Darling is the newest kid on the Waterloo block and Waterloo Food Fortnight is the perfect opportunity to see what they’re all about. A collaboration between theatre set designers Darling & Edge and Vaults Theatre, the menu at this playful restaurant and botanical bar has been designed by previous Masterchef winner, Natalie Coleman. This fun, playful cocktail masterclass will teach guests how to make two cocktails, along with a few inside mixology secrets.
When: Various Where: Hello Darling Cost: £30 per person More info: http://wearewaterloo.co.uk/event/cocktail-masterclass
5. Malbec Social at Paladar
This unique and informative discovery of top quality Argentine Malbec wines and creative Latin American cuisine will be led by Sommelier Rafael Cabezas-Castro at the award-winning Paladar Restaurant. Meet other wine lovers and discover the versatility of the Malbec grape variety with five superb wines from Argentina.
When: Saturday 6th July Where: Paladar Cost: £75 per person More info: http://wearewaterloo.co.uk/event/malbec-social
4. Retro Wine Tasting at Unwined
Unwined have pulled out all the stops for Waterloo Food Fortnight, hosting an impressive six events during the festival! They include supper clubs with their current chefs-in-residence (Klose & Soan), BBQs on the Terrace and Cheese and Wine Pairings. But (in keeping with the 90s themed launch event) we’ve chosen to highlight their Retro Wine Tasting. Join them to step back in time and taste popular wines of the past with a modern twist.
When: Tuesday 2nd July Where: Unwined Cost: £15 per person More info: http://wearewaterloo.co.uk/event/tastetuesday-wine-chat-retro-tasting
3. Beer and Board Games at Draughts
Part of a series of beer tasting events being led by Waterloo Food Fortnight’s alcohol sponsors, Brooklyn Beer and London Fields Brewery, this event is being held at Draughts board games café here at Leake Street Arches. A beer tasting expert will be on hand to talk attendees through a selection of beers before guests head to the board games library to choose a selection of games to play for the evening.
When: Wednesday 3rd July Where: Draughts Waterloo Cost: £6 per person More info: http://wearewaterloo.co.uk/event/brooklyn-brewery-beer-tasting
2. Bottomless Cake and Prosecco Night
Those with a sweet tooth will love this event being held by Konditor. Enjoy their most popular cakes, including the legendary Curly Whirly, Chocolate Noisette and Lemon Chiffon, and make the most of two hours of free flowing prosecco.
When: Thursday 4th July Where: Konditor Cost: £25 per person More info: http://wearewaterloo.co.uk/event/bottomless-cake-prosecco
1.‘Sobriety over Hangxiety’ influencer panel discussion
This influencer panel discussion with some of the UK’s leading sober and sober-curious influencers will explore the fact increasing numbers of people are binning the booze in a bid to take control of their mental health. Part of WeAreWaterloo’s PowWow series of talks (designed to provide safe spaces to have challenging conversations), panellists will include Former Sunday Times Style Features Editor and author of ‘Sober Curious’ (Ruby Warrington), Mental Health champion and founder of Welford Wellbeing (Rachel Welford), owner of nonalcoholic spirit brand Caleño (Ellie Web), writer of ‘The Boy Who Drank Too Much’ (Scott Pearson), founder of alcohol-free drinks brand Outfox (Jessica Hook) and Writer of Girl and Tonic (Laurie McCallister).
When: Weds 10th July, 6.15 to 9pm Where: The Platform Southwark Cost: £10 per person More info: http://wearewaterloo.co.uk/event/sobriety-over-hangxiety-binning-gin-and-taking-control-your-mental-health