The UK is home to some of the most exciting food festivals, celebrating everything from street food and fine dining to craft beer and artisanal cheese. Whether you’re a foodie looking to indulge in gourmet cuisine or simply want to explore new flavours, these food festivals offer a fantastic experience. Here’s a guide to some of the best food festivals in the UK that you shouldn’t miss in 2025.
1. Taste of London (June & November – London)
📍 Location: Regent’s Park (Summer) & Tobacco Dock (Winter)
🎟️ Best For: High-end dining & celebrity chef experiences
Taste of London is London’s premier food festival, bringing together the city’s best restaurants, renowned chefs, and innovative food producers. Expect live cooking demonstrations, hands-on masterclasses, and the chance to sample signature dishes from top restaurants like Dishoom, Hawksmoor, and Trishna. The winter edition in Tobacco Dock adds a festive twist, with seasonal cocktails and Christmas treats.
2. The Big Feastival (August – Cotswolds)
📍 Location: Alex James’ Farm, Kingham
🎟️ Best For: Family-friendly vibes, street food & live music
Hosted on Blur bassist Alex James’ farm, The Big Feastival blends music, food, and family-friendly entertainment. With performances from big-name artists and appearances by celebrity chefs like Jamie Oliver, it’s the ultimate summer festival for food lovers. Expect gourmet street food, cooking workshops, and even a dedicated kids’ cookery school.
3. Ludlow Food Festival (September – Shropshire)
📍 Location: Ludlow Castle
🎟️ Best For: Traditional British food & local produce
Set within the stunning Ludlow Castle, this festival is a paradise for lovers of artisan cheeses, cured meats, craft beers, and regional delicacies. Ludlow has long been known as a foodie hotspot, and this festival showcases the best of Shropshire’s local produce, with tasting trails, food debates, and chef demonstrations.
4. Abergavenny Food Festival (September – Wales)
📍 Location: Abergavenny, Monmouthshire
🎟️ Best For: Gourmet food lovers & Welsh cuisine
Regarded as one of the UK’s best food festivals, Abergavenny Food Festival attracts Michelin-starred chefs, food critics, and thousands of food enthusiasts. From masterclasses on fermentation and foraging to tastings of Welsh lamb, cheese, and cider, this festival is a haven for those passionate about high-quality food and sustainability.
5. The Great British Food Festival (Various Dates & Locations)
📍 Locations: Held at historic venues across the UK (Chatsworth House, Harewood House, etc.)
🎟️ Best For: Budget-friendly foodie experiences & family days out
This travelling food festival stops at stately homes and historic estates, offering a mix of food stalls, cooking demonstrations, and local artisan producers. It’s a great option for those looking for a relaxed day out with good food, live entertainment, and activities for kids.
6. Edinburgh Food Festival (July – Scotland)
📍 Location: Assembly George Square Gardens
🎟️ Best For: Scottish cuisine & festival atmosphere
Taking place in the heart of Edinburgh during the city’s famous festival season, this event highlights the best of Scottish and international food and drink. Expect whisky tastings, Scottish seafood, and haggis-inspired street food, as well as talks from leading food experts.
7. Meatopia (August – London)
📍 Location: Tobacco Dock, London
🎟️ Best For: Barbecue & meat lovers
For those who love fire-cooked meats, craft beer, and live music, Meatopia is a carnivore’s paradise. Founded by legendary chef Josh Ozersky, this festival celebrates ethically sourced meat, cooked over open flames by some of the world’s best chefs. The smoky aromas and sizzling grills make this one of the most atmospheric food festivals in the UK.
8. Pommery Dorset Seafood Festival (July – Weymouth)
📍 Location: Weymouth Harbour
🎟️ Best For: Seafood lovers & sustainable fishing
Set against the backdrop of Weymouth Harbour, this festival is a must-visit for fans of fresh seafood. Enjoy oysters, lobster rolls, and fish tacos, along with live cooking demonstrations from top chefs. The event also promotes sustainable fishing practices, making it a great choice for environmentally conscious foodies.
9. London Coffee Festival (April – London)
📍 Location: The Truman Brewery, Shoreditch
🎟️ Best For: Coffee enthusiasts & caffeine addicts
If you love specialty coffee, this is the ultimate event. Featuring barista competitions, latte art workshops, and tasting sessions, the London Coffee Festival is perfect for those looking to explore single-origin beans, cold brew trends, and the latest in coffee technology.
10. St Ives Food and Drink Festival (May – Cornwall)
📍 Location: Porthminster Beach
🎟️ Best For: Beachside food experiences & Cornish delicacies
Held right on the beach, this festival offers fresh seafood, Cornish pasties, and local ciders, with live music and fire pit cooking demos. It’s an amazing way to experience Cornwall’s famous food culture while enjoying stunning sea views.
Final Thoughts
From Michelin-starred chefs to sizzling street food, the UK’s food festivals offer something for everyone. Whether you want to sip fine wines in Ludlow, devour barbecue at Meatopia, or taste the freshest seafood in Dorset, there’s a festival to satisfy every craving.
So, which one will you be heading to first? 🍽️✨