An American’s Guide to Remote 4th of July Celebrations
Festivities to transport you across the pond in spirit
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Happy 4th of July! *tumbleweed*
Its not uncommon for an American abroad to wake every 4th of July to the dreamlike sounds of someone cannonballing into a pool – only to realise its a flatmate showering and that the immediate future holds only the tube (essentially the opposite of cannonballing into a pool). Whether you’re an ex-pat, a grill master or simply someone who needs plans this Wednesday, read on for festive findings to honour the 4th of July in London.
An American’s Guide to Remote 4th of July Celebrations
Fourth of July Festival at Last Days of Shoreditch
There are no two brands better suited to hosting a major 4th of July do than the iconic American brands French’s Mustard and Frank’s RedHot. Get involved with pickleback shots, French’s mustard ice cream and Frank’s RedHot spicy peanut butter ice cream as well as American fun and games like beer pong, cornhole and foosball. Street food vendors will include Popdogs, Mac to the future, Crust Bros, Cheeky Burger and BBQ experts Smokey Tails. Tickets are £7.04, in honour of the date. eventbrite.co.uk
Independence Day Menu at Christopher’s
For a classy 4th of July meal, head for Christopher’s, the timeless American restaurant and bar in Covent Garden, where a week-long menu of specials will feature Stateside classics, such as BBQ Pulled Pork, Surf’n’Turf and Peanut Butter Blondie Brownies. The Independence Day menu will run from 2-6 July for lunch and dinner, priced at £38 for two courses, £45 for three. christophersgrill.com
Get Pied at Balthazar
The Covent Garden outpost of Balthazar restaurant, a downtown New York stalwart since 1997, will honour its roots by transforming into ‘The American Pie Shop.’ Now is your chance to get an actual pie in the face if its on your bucket list. Guests can also access authentic flavours without the air miles: chose from Key Lime, Banoffee, Apple & Blueberry, Pear & Plum and of course, New York Cheesecake. balthazarlondon.com
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Caramel London
To fit some 4th of July spirit into a busy day, unwind from work at the American inspired Caramel London on Brompton Road. A special offer of chicken wings and margarita for £20 is enough to get us hustling over despite the heat. caramelgroup.com
Bökan
For a more elevated 4th of July experience, head to sky-high Bōkan in Canary Wharf and pay homage to the USA with a traditional Bōkan burger (£17) – 225g of organic beef from the Rhug estate with bacon, cheddar, smoked mayo and fries. For an alternative, but equally respectable route, go for the Chilli Dog, free-range pork sausage with chilli con carne and melted cheddar (£17). bokanlondon.co.uk
The Smith & Wollensky Independence Day Wine Extravaganza
Nothing says Independence Day like having the independence to sample 70 wine offerings at Smith & Wollensky. On the 4th of July between 12pm and 7:30pm, this summer wine fair will have experts on hand to answer any questions. Tickets to the fair and to sample the selection of wines are £25. To enjoy the samples over a 3-course set menu, tickets cost £60. smithandwollensky.com
Asta
Coming up at Marylebone’s revolving creative hub Carousel is Asta from Boston. This week-long residency, running over the 4th of July, will feature ingredients from the American north-west, which have been reinvented into fine dining dishes by head chef Alex Crabb, previously of French Laundry and Noma and L’Espalier. A 4th full of the finer things it shall be with plates such as Shrimp Terrine, Buttermilk, Green Onions and Nasturtium Flowers and Cold Strawberry and Tomato Soup. Tickets for the residency are priced at £39.50 and can be purchased online. carousel-london.com
Rumpus Room
Mondrian London’s Sea Containers restaurant and rooftop bar Rumpus Room is will tap into 4th of July spirit with a special menu including ‘Maryland Crab Cakes’ and ‘All American Barbecue Ribs’. Rumpus Room will also be the location for a huge Independence Day party, featuring retro-themed cocktails from Maker’s Mark and Jim Beam, a live band performing a variety of American cult classics and a beer pong tournament. Bookable online. rumpusroomlondon.com.
Whiskey 101 at The Gallery
Busy on the day itself? There’s hope yet for transatlantic festivities. Join Whiskey 101 at The Gallery for a Southern American style feast of pulled pork sliders and crispy fried chicken. Kentucky whiskey distiller, Heaven Hill and London-based beer brewers FourPure will provide refreshments and ambassadors for both will share knowledge about the processes of bourbon and beer making. American rock n’ roll, funk and soul DJs will be on the decks, naturally. Tickets cost £15 and are bookable via email [email protected]. ilovethegallery.com
