This is a sponsored article on behalf of Taste of London.
Mulled wine season is nearly upon us and if there's one thing that's going to get Londoners in the — dare we say it — Christmas spirit, it's the return of Taste of London's massive festive foodie festival, held at Wapping's Tobacco Dock.
The gorgeous Grade I listed building will be filled with a mouth-watering collection of more than 100 of the UK's finest artisan producers, with 22 top London restaurants laying on taster menus. Tuck into food from likes of cult Taiwanese restaurant BAO and Indian street food specialist Jamavar, as well as Middle Eastern fare from Delamina, Michelin-starred tapas from Barrafina and Anglo-Indian small plates from Kricket.
If you had any doubt that London was the culinary capital of the world, you won't after trying this lot. So gather your mates, and whatever you do, make sure you arrive hungry.
The four-day festival isn't just about stuffing your face though: take part in masterclasses and learn to cook up an impressive dish or shake up a cocktail or two in time for party season. Banish those soggy bottoms and perfect your puff pastry at AEG's baking sessions hosted by Gluts & Gluttony founder Kathy Slack and former Great British Bake Off Finalist, Richard Burr.
Once you've stocked up on cheese and other tasty treats from Burley Fudge, Urban Truffle, Meringue O Mania, Somerset Charcuterie, and Shawbury Vinters, take them to the Champagne Laurent-Perrier Club House, where you'll learn how to gift wrap the sophisticated way (with a glass of champers in hand, of course).
But a food festival wouldn't be complete without an awesome drinks selection and Taste of London doesn't disappoint. Wine, cocktails, spirits — whatever your tipple, there's a glass of something special for you. Get foraging for gin cocktail ingredients at The Botanist's urban herb garden, head to Monkey Shoulder for experimental whisky cocktails, or join the Craft Beer Trail for beer, cider and food pairings. And if all that gluttony has left you a little tired, head to illy for your caffeine fix.
You can also expect live cooking demonstrations from Le Creuset, a cheese competition (the largest and cheesiest on the planet), and a chance to hear about all the foodie trends of tomorrow at AEG's Taste Theatre in association with Ethiad Airways. Gracing the theatre stage are heroes of modern cuisine: Ollie Dabbous (Henrietta), Jackson Boxer (Brunswick House), Lee Westcott (Typing Room), Sebby Holmes (Ferang) and Sam Kamienko (Ellory).
With so much high-quality deliciousness in one place, the only problem will be fitting it all in and saving room for pud.
The festive edition of Taste of London takes place at Tobacco Dock, 16-19 November 2017. Tickets from £12+ transaction fees. Londonist readers can get 25% off tickets here using code LONDONIST.
