Set in the beautiful surrounds of Regent’s Park, Taste of London is a must for any food lover (or anyone who eats). With over 35 of the capital’s best restaurants, food and wine producers, this year’s festival, held last month, was the best yet.

Thankfully prayers for sunshine were answered and wellies and brollies were stowed away.  The combination of Michelin starred food, fizz, music and sun seemed to be just the ticket for over 50,000 punters.

Affectionately nicknamed the ‘Glastonbury of Food,’ (sans mud), Taste of London was opened by our lovely London Mayor, Boris Johnson and Chair of the London Food Board, Rosie Boycott. Boris was effusive in his praise of London restaurateurs, who are facing difficult economic challenges and encouraged all Londoners to eat out as much as possible to support the restaurant industry. He also called on restaurateurs to invest in the future of the industry by taking on apprentices.

Then it was off to try signature dishes from Benares, Le Gavroche, Bumpkin and Launceston Place before getting back on his bicycle (complete with helmet) and making his way back to City Hall.

The who’s who in the food and drink world got into the swing of things quaffing champagne and daintily nibbling on canapés whilst talking about the earlier security alert (why would anyone want to disrupt a food festival?). The evening finished at about 10.30pm when visitors wandered out of Regent’s Park, replete. For the chefs, it was the start to a glorious weekend. For Wild Card, it was a triumphant first day.

Nish