With 4 July fast approaching, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Independence Day 2018 in London. Whether you're an American ex-pat living in London, a London Yankophile, or just fancy tucking into some fried chicken and a milkshake (to apply a cliche), there's plenty going on, from eating contests to a pie feast. Read on to plan your American celebrations.
Rib eating contest at Big Easy
Not known for its small portions, Big Easy will be stretching its patrons' waistbands even further for Independence Day, with its 27th annual rib eating contest. Ten participants at each of the three London branches will have 30 minutes each to polish off as many ribs as possible. Baby back ribs are on the menu at King's Road, while it's Carolina pork ribs at the other two locations.
To put yourself forward to be one of the 30 participants (10 at each branch), send your contact details and preferred branch to [email protected], with the subject line '4th July Rib Eating contest'. Prizes include Big Easy vouchers and tours of Fuller's Brewery in Chiswick.
Other 4th July events will be going on at each location, including live music, special menus, drink deals and World Cup screenings. If you don't fancy entering the contest yourself, you're welcome to go along and witness the carnage from those who do.
Big Easy Covent Garden, Canary Wharf and Kings Road.
Independence Week menu at Christopher's
American bar and grill Christopher's is upping the stateside ante with a week-long special menu. BBQ Pulled Pork Tortilla and Philly Chilli Cheese Hot Dog are among some of the more predictable items on the menu, but Sweetcorn Risotto and Zucchini & Girolle Salad are a bit more unusual.
Blueberry pecan pie and peanut butter blondies are among the options for those with a sweeter tooth. We're tempted to order one of everything on the menu, to be honest.
Christopher's, 18 Wellington Street, Covent Garden. Special menu available 2-6 July 2018, £38 for two courses/£45 for three courses, book ahead
American Pie feast at Balthazar
Try not to think too much about that American Pie film scene as you tuck into the pies on offer at Balthazar. For five days, the brasserie is opening an American Pie Shop in its boulangerie, selling Key Lime, Banana Banoffee, Apple & Blueberry, Pear & Plum and New York Cheesecake pies for £3-£12.
On 4 July itself, Balthazar is hosting a game of Pie Face in Covent Garden Piazza, as well as a party hosted by US DJ Alexandra Richards.
Balthazar, 4-6 Russell Street, Covent Garden. American Pie Shop open 2-6 July 2018. You can preorder your pie. Other special events take place 4 July 2018.
The Hawaiian Style Hot Link hot dog at MeatLiquor
We'll be honest, we're big fans of MeatLiquor and its various other incarnations, but if you're not a fan of pineapple on pizza, look away now. It's teamed up with rum brand Sailor Jerry to produce the Hawaiian Style Hot link, a spicy hot dog topped with Sailor Jerry-infused pineapple chutney. Apparently it packs quite a punch.
It has also put together some new cocktails for the occasion. The Sailor Boy is a hard milkshake consisting of Sailor Jerry, banana and caramel. The Pink Ticket blends Sailor Jerry with lime juice, crème de cassis, ginger syrup and soda, while the House Grogg, is a secret mix of Sailor Jerry combined with light and dark rums. Get the hot dog and a cocktail for £15.
MeatLiquor and other brands (excluding MeatMarket Covent Garden), available throughout July.
Hot dog eating contest at Blues Kitchen
Blues Kitchen's annual hot dog eating contest is back — how many can you eat in 30 minutes (water and napkins provided, ketchup and mustard optional)? If you don't fancy taking part, head along to watch — there will be free popcorn, confetti cannons, a brass band parade, a best dressed competition, and a free drink for USA passport holders. Plus, the Shoreditch location has a Trump piñata, and a game of pin the toupee on the Trump.
Blues Kitchen Camden and Shoreditch, 4 July from 7pm (deadline for entering contest is 27 June)
Whisky 101 at The Gallery, Hampstead
West Hampstead's The Gallery turns its attention to whisky this Independence Day. Tuck into a Southern American meal including pulled pork sliders and crispy fried chicken, washed down with whiskies from Kentucky distiller Heaven Hell (or FourPure beers, if you prefer). Experts from Heaven Hill and FourPure will be on hand to talk about the brewing and distilling process, and there will be live music too.
The Gallery, £15 for food + one cocktail and beer, book ahead by emailing [email protected],5 July 2018
Red, white and blue pancakes at All Star Lanes
All Star Lanes bowling alleys have a themed addition to the brunch menu for one week only. The Fourth of July is a trio of red, white and blue American pancakes with fresh blueberries and strawberries served with whipped cream and maple syrup (£5.50), while The American Stack consists of a trio of red, white and blue American pancakes with treacle-cured bacon, maple syrup and whipped butter (£7). These specials are also available as part of the brunch package for one week.
<pAll Star Lanes (multiple locations), available 1-8 July
Other Independence Day 2018 events:
ROCKAOKE AT ROADHOUSE: Covent Garden bar Roadhouse adds an American theme to its regular Rockaoke event, with red, white and blue decorations, and an all-American music policy. Oh, and the event's sponsored by Jim Bean... Free entry before midnight, 4 July
BLOCK PARTY: Red Rooster in Shoreditch specialises in American comfort food. For one night only, it's hosting a Harlem-style block party with wing-eating contest and live music. Free entry, book a table, 4 July
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN PARTY: For something a bit more in line with the spirit of Independence Day, head to Benjamin Franklin House. Head to the museum in Charing Cross where the Founding Father once lived for cake, a glass of bubbly and a tour. £10, book ahead, 4 July
GOAT PARTY: Goat in Chelsea is throwing a red, white and blue themed party, including an American cocktail masterclass and American tunes playing throughout the night. Got American ID? Whip it out for a free cocktail. Free entry, just turn up, from 7pm, 4 July
Know anything we've missed? Let us know in the comments.
