This August, Hackney Bridge, the new eating and drinking canal-side venue in Hackney Wick, will host the final of the biggest street food competition in the world: the 2023 British Street Food Awards. Taking place from 18th to 20th August, this celebration of street food offers visitors the chance to try the best dishes from around the UK, and cast their vote to decide the UK’s favourite street food dish.
With thousands of entries from across the country following regional heats, the grand final will see 15 traders compete for the prize and the opportunity to represent Britain at the European awards. Dishes on offer this year will include Cajun chicken bowls from LJ Hugs; Char siu pork and tiger prawn rolls from the Isle of Wight’s Smoking Lobster; Beef cheek hash browns from Hash Hut and Iraqi fusion dishes from Amani Kitchen. The competition will be judged by a panel of foodies and experts, including musician and cookbook author Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Chef Patron of Hackney’s own Michelin-starred restaurant Behind, Andy Beynon, and Tom Brown of Cornerstone. Visitors can enjoy music from guest DJs throughout the weekend and drinks from event sponsor Cobra beer, who will be hosting a number of competitions and giveaways.
The British Street Food Awards are designed to give a platform to upcoming talent, with previous winners including the much-loved Meatliquor, Bao and Wingmans. Alongside the prize of being awarded Street Food Champion, this year’s awards will also crown the People’s Choice, Future Food Legend, Entrepreneur of the Year, Best Looking Award (sponsored by Majisign), Sustainability Award (sponsored by the Sustainable Restaurant Association) and Spice Award (sponsored by Cobra).
Richard Johnson, founder of Food Mutiny - which hosts the British Street Food Awards, European Street Food Awards and USA Street Food Awards - says: “Hackney was the birthplace of the street food revolution, so it feels appropriate to bring the very best of British street food talent – the winners of five regional heats – back to East London for the public, and our amazing panel, to vote on our champions”
Early Bird tickets to the British Street Food Awards are priced at £8 and include entry, a vote on the best street food dish and a free Cobra beer or mocktail on arrival. Tickets are available for Friday or Saturday evenings and Saturday or Sunday daytimes. Tickets are now available to buy HERE.
