Whether you're an American expat, an US aficionado, or just fancy tucking into some fried chicken and a milkshake (to apply a cliche), there's plenty going down for Independence Day 2023 in London. Read on to plan your 4 July celebrations.
Independents Day whiskey tasting
No, that's not a typo; this whiskey tasting event at Ignition Brewery in Sydenham kickstarts the Independence Day celebrations early with a tasting of independent and small-batch whiskies. Sample five Bourbon and Rye whiskies from across the USA. (American-horror themed taproom Werewolf Beer is also hosting a special Bloody Americans session from 29 June-2 July.)
Independents Day whiskey tasting at Ignition Brewery. £19.19 per person. 1 July.
A Taste of Texas at Blues Kitchen
Though not specifically for 4 July, the launch of The Blues Kitchen's eight-week celebration of all things Texan is serendipitous timing for anyone looking for a taste of the USA this Independence Day.
The finest music, food and drinks from Texas are celebrated with special menus and events, including partnerships with Texas restaurants Beto & Sons and Nitro Burgers to curate a limited-edition menu.
Texas brisket and beer battered salmon tacos, and a Big Texan Beef Burger are among the special dishes — paired with a new margarita menu featuring strawberry & jalapeno, and prickly pear flavours.
A Taste of Texas at Blues Kitchen: Camden, Shoreditch and Brixton. 1 July-31 August.
An American in London guided walk
Love London Tours guides Phil and Caroline offer a special (pre-)Independence Day walk around Mayfair, paying special attention to links between London and the USA. Topics covered include the short-lived Republic of Texas, Wallis Simpson, and Churchill and Roosevelt's joint efforts to defeat Nazi Germany.
An American in London guided walk. £15 per person. 2 July.
Independence Day at Benjamin Franklin House
Benjamin Franklin House — the former London home of the American Founding Father — hosts Independence Day celebrations, in additional to the usual Historical Experience which gives an insight into the 16 years Franklin spent living here. It's a chance to see the house dressed and decorated for the occasion, and tuck into American drinks and snacks.
Benjamin Franklin House. £15 per person. 4 July.
Old Fashioned masterclass at Homeboy Islington
Kentucky-based bourbon brand Wild Turkey takes over Homeboy Bar in Islington for an Old Fashioned Masterclass with whiskey ambassador Chris Dennis. Start with a complimentary Longbranch Highball, followed by a sample of Wild Turkey Rye and Wild Turkey 101, and finish with the hero serve: a 101 Old Fashioned.
Americana-style food is available to buy from the bar all night.
Old Fashioned masterclass at Homeboy. From £10 per person. 4 July.
American whiskey tasting night
Join the North London Whisky Club for an evening spent tasting five diverse examples of American whiskey, and learning the history of each variety. They hail from both the traditional whiskey heartlands of Kentucky and Tennessee, and from innovative artisanal craft distillers. No previous whiskey knowledge is required.
Whiskey tasting at The Old White Bear, Hampstead. £25 per person. 4 July.
Country Bottomless Brunch at The Anthologist
The Anthologist bar and restaurant near Bank celebrates the land of stars and stripes (and cowboys) with a Country Bottomless Brunch, in cahoots with pop-up country music bar Buck' N Bull Saloon. Stetsons and cowboy boots are very much encouraged for an afternoon of line-dancing classes, a rodeo bull, and all-American food and drink.
Ticket options include entry only; 90 minutes of bottomless drinks plus one main and two sides; or two cocktails, one main and two sides. Food options include burgers, fried chicken and waffles, mac and cheese, and onion rings. Plus, desserts are available, such as pecan pie, or blueberry cheesecake sundae. Yeehaw!
Country Bottomless Brunch at The Anthologist. From £10 per person. 8 July.
