September doesn’t have to mean back to school, back to work and putting away your summer things. With the UK heatwave forecast to continue, and September often a great month for a European getaway, how about packing your passport, and some loose clothing to enjoy a trip to one of these food and drink events happening in the UK, Europe or USA
London Brunch Fest, 1-2 September
It’s no secret that Londoners love brunch. You only have to look at the day long queues outside any branch of the Breakfast Club to see that. So why not indulge in a full weekend of the best of London’s many brunch menus?
That’s the pitch behind the first ever London Brunch Fest which will take place at the Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane on the first weekend in September. Granted you might not need a ticket to four back to back sessions of hardcore brunching, but with all the fry-ups, cocktails and masterclasses on offer, you might just be tempted.
www.londonbrunchfest.com. Tickets from £15.
Budapest Wine Festival, Hungary, 6-9 September
Hungarian wine is about more than just Tokaji, and where better to discover it than in the capital city – especially when it is taken over for three days each year in a riot of performers, organised tasting and a whole lot of local colour.
The Budapest Wine Festival attracts thousands of visitors each year and is a major event on the European wine scene. So why not find a cheap flight to Hungary and learn to tell your Bull’s Blood from your Kékfrankos?
www.aborfesztival.hu. From €7.
Aarhus Food Festival, Denmark, 7-9 September
While we’re on the road in continental Europe, why not swing a left and head for Europe’s largest food festival – the Aarhus Food Festival in Denmark. This historic coastal town boasts no less than four Michelin stars, so it’s fair to say it deserves its reputation as one of Europe’s tastiest destinations.
The festival is a big hit every year with around 30,000 flocking to learn more about the cooking culture of northern Europe. With a focus on ecology and history as well as cooking, this is your chance to participate in ‘seaweed safaris’ and ‘cabbage workshops’ and watch as the Danish Hot Dog Champion is crowned – sadly the Danish Hot Dog Championship is not under any circumstances to be confused with the Danish Hot Dog Eating Championship (no, this isn’t a tortured attempt at a Monty Python reference; and yes, the current record is 35, since you asked).
www.foodfestival.dk/en. From DKK 65
London Mezcal Week, UK, 10-16 September
Back for a second year, LMW aims to inspire and educate with a host of traditional mezcal brands, pop-up mezcalerias and parties across the capital celebrating Mexican culture, art and food as well as the smokey agave spirit. With top DJs and mariachi acts providing the back drop, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported to Oaxaca – although that may just be the oft-claimed hallucinogenic effect of the seventh mezcal of the weekend…
Various events listed at www.londonmezcalweek.com