On Saturday 3rd June, London’s West End saw an increase in footfall with a celebration of food as Carnaby hosted Carnaby Street Eat, a one-day free entry international food festival and dining experience.
More than 30 of the areas restaurants and bars brought their dishes and drinks out onto the 13 streets of Carnaby, providing taster dishes from 30 global cuisines. The event, funded by landlord Shaftesbury saw thousands of visitors to this iconic destination.
Carnaby is the dining destination of choice in the West End due to its exceptional mix of over 60 independent restaurants, cafés, pubs, new dining concepts, affordable dining, al fresco courtyard and buzzing atmosphere.
Event highlights
Two exciting new concept restaurants previewed at the event ahead of their openings in Carnaby later this summer. Chef Asma Khan showcased Darjeeling Express with her authentic Indian dishes including Calcutta puchka, and Ugly Dumpling was launched by chef Ping Wong cooking her signature British/Chinese fusion dumplings.
Stall highlights included; Korean chicken burgers at Jinjuu cooked by celebrity head chef/owner Judy Joo, oysters and prosecco from Wright Brothers Soho and gourmet kebabs and fondue chips from Le Bab. Pizza Pilgrims served up their pizza fritta and limoncello granite from their Pococello van alongside, bhel puri chaat at Cinnamon Soho, pulled chicken BBQ baps at Whyte & Brown and chorizo rolls at Tapas Brindisa.
Tonkotsu ramen and steamed pork buns from Shoryu’s Wagon went down a storm on Kingly Street as well as chai tea from Dishoom, creative cupcakes at Crumbs & Doilies, fresh salads at The Detox Kitchen and authentic Hawaiian poké bowls from Island Poké.
Visitors flocked to Ganton Street to try BBQ delights at Dehesa, The Diner and SACRED Café, whilst Rosa’s Thai Cafe served papaya salad and fresh summer rolls. Kingly Court’s late night bar, Cahoots transformed Beak Street into a 1940’s British street party with live music and entertainment from The Hotsie Totsies, dance tutorials and a pop up cocktail bar.
Communal picnic tables lined Carnaby Street allowing visitors to dine al fresco in the Saturday sun whilst being entertained by a traditional Mariachi band and Steel Pan trio. The Newburgh Quarter was transformed into a chill out area hosted by London festival giants, LOVEBOX. Resident DJs provided summer chilled tunes, whilst visitors relaxed on bean bags on the grass lawn with drinks from The White Horse who joined forces with Meantime, sweet treats from Choccywoccydoodah and complimentary desserts from street food favourites Popping Licks and Blu Top Ice Cream.
A number of Carnaby’s retailers got involved with various experiential activations and food trikes including AQ/AQ, Pixi, Shinola, GH Bass, Benefit and Estée Edit. Shaftesbury’s property initiative stall Wild West End were on hand to inform visitors on their aim to enhance green space and biodiversity in London’s West End, whilst Trekstock were the official charity partners for the event.
Simon Quayle, Director, Shaftesbury: “Carnaby Street Eat is a great event to support and promote our amazing and diverse F&B tenants. As well as being the vibrant dining destination of choice in the heart of the West End, Carnaby continues to reaffirm its reputation for world renowned independent and flagship fashion & beauty concepts. We are proud to be home to so many exciting tenants with further exciting announcements this year.”