West London is poised to become a significant hub on the national culinary map with the advent of WestFest, an inaugural festival set to host the grand finals of the prestigious British Street Food Awards (BSFA).
WestFest: A New Culinary Beacon for West London
Scheduled for September 28th at the Food St market in Chiswick, West London, WestFest promises a vibrant celebration that aims to showcase the region’s burgeoning craft beer and distilling scene alongside the nation’s most cutting-edge street food vendors. This event marks a historic shift for the BSFA, as it moves its finals from East London to the west of the capital for the first time in its 15-year history, signalling a deliberate effort to highlight and elevate West London’s gastronomic offerings. The festival is the brainchild of Richard Johnson, founder of the British Street Food Awards and a former restaurant critic, who envisions WestFest as a key event in redefining the capital’s foodie landscape. Entry to the festival is free, with attendees encouraged to “Eat Drink Vote”.
The British Street Food Awards: A Platform for Innovation
Founded in 2009 by Richard Johnson, the British Street Food Awards have become a vital platform for discovering and celebrating the UK’s most innovative and exciting street food talent. The awards have a strong track record of identifying future stars, with past winners like Wingmans and Meatliquor going on to achieve wider success. The BSFA’s mission is to elevate street food beyond its humble origins, championing dishes that are affordable, fresh, and crafted with exceptional skill. The competition is part of a global network, leading to representation at the European Street Food Awards and even the USA Street Food Awards, making it the biggest street food competition worldwide.
Judging the Best: Culinary Luminaries at the Helm
Tasked with identifying the champions among the nation’s finest street food traders will be a distinguished panel of judges. Among them are Greg Wellman, head chef at the Michelin-starred La Trompette, and Gaetano Farucci, head chef at the Michelin-starred Caractère. Farucci brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at esteemed establishments, including Le Gavroche. These culinary experts, alongside other notable figures, will assess the finalists based on creativity, execution, and taste, ensuring that the winners truly represent the pinnacle of British street food.
West London’s Foodie Renaissance
The selection of West London as the host for this significant event underscores a broader trend of culinary evolution within the capital. While London has long been a global gastronomic powerhouse, WestFest aims to specifically shine a spotlight on the western boroughs, celebrating their independent spirit and growing food culture. Street food, known for its agility and ability to respond to trending flavors and dietary preferences, plays a crucial role in this modern food scene. WestFest, by bringing the BSFA finals here, is set to redraw the foodie map, positioning West London as a destination for high-quality, diverse, and innovative food experiences. The event will feature local craft beers from breweries like Perivale Brewery and Fuller’s Griffin Brewery, and gins from Sipsmith, complementing the diverse food offerings.
What to Expect: A Feast for the Senses
Attendees at WestFest can anticipate a rich tapestry of flavors, with the nation’s top street food vendors converging to offer their signature dishes. Visitors will have the opportunity to sample a wide array of cuisines and cast their vote for the People’s Choice award. The main winners will not only gain the title of British Street Food Champion but will also earn the chance to represent the UK at the European Street Food Awards in Munich. This creates a compelling narrative of local talent rising to international acclaim. Beyond the competition, the festival is designed as a celebration of West London’s dynamic lifestyle, merging the passion for craft drinks with the excitement of discovering the next big thing in food news.
