Night Market

Mixed Cuisine

Perks Field, Kensington

7 JUNE - 18 JUNE 2017

£

Amidst the beautiful sunshine we have been blessed with recently, we have also been blessed with 12 nights of delicious food, alfresco dining and an original experience. The Evening Standard chose to celebrate Food Month with the biggest food festival London has ever seen. Luckily, Tom knows that the way to my heart is through my stomach, so surprised me with two tickets.

A compilation of street food vendors, bars and music, the Night Market was a lovely way to spend a warm summer's evening after a long day at work. Monday-Thursday the market opens at 5pm and closes at 10:30pm, whilst Fridays and Saturdays see it open until 11pm. We got there around quarter past 6, went to get ourselves a couple of beers (none of your own allowed in) before having a wander around the various food stalls to see which took our fancy.

There was plenty to choose from, 50 to be precise, including: Angela Hartnett, Andina, Fortnum & Mason, Patty & Bun, Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen, Le Bao, Mama’s Jerk, Muffin Man & Co, Rainbo, The Cheese Truck, Vinn Goute. Tom went for the Greek stand, getting a very hefty wrap, whilst I opted for Le Bao. My two Bao's were filled with fried chicken in one and pork in another. They were tasty, but quite small for the price (£9 for two) and the meat was a bit fatty, meaning they ended up being even smaller once you spat that bit out (she's a lady...)

Neither of us were wholly satisfied with our choices, so we decided to share a dish from Le Raclette - gooey cheese on chorizo, potatoes and a tomatoey sauce. It was nice, sure, but nothing to write home about, and again a rather steep £9 for a small plate. Each place had a decent que of around 20 minutes, as well as the bar, but this didn't matter too much and gave you time to work up an appetite.

After the food purchases, we went to take our seats in the Open Air Cinema (have to book tickets on top of market entry). This was really lovely - headphones, popcorn (free), blankets, deck chairs and a glorious sunset to go with a backdrop of 'Pretty Woman'. A very nice touch, but needed to get there early as some proper keenos went in as soon as it opened - and some pesky bastards reserved the front row. Elitism shouldn't be allowed in Night Markets.

Overall, the evening was really pleasant. Sure, the food could have been slightly more impressive for a 'Food Month' festival, but there was variety and maybe I just picked the wrong stalls. I would recommend going to celebrate the best thing on earth with like minded fattys and gorge on London's diverse tastes.