16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
What is Black Eats London? The UK's first and only Black-owned food festival
A Hackney festival has been championing Black-owned food and culture for five years and it's back bigger than ever. But firstly, what is the Black Eats LDN event everyone is talking about.
If you're a foodie in London, chances are you've heard whispers about Black Eats LDN. The festival has been around for five years, showcasing and celebrating Black food and culture, dedicating its platform to making noise about businesses that too often go unheard.
From July 25, the food festival returns to its original venue in Hackney, bringing culture, music and incredible food together under one roof for three days straight.
What is Black Eats Ldn?
Black Eats LDN launched in August 2020 after founder Jackson McLarty noticed a clear lack of spotlight on Black‑owned restaurants despite London being one of the most multicultural cities in the world. His goal is to inspire sustainable support for Black food and hospitality businesses, and boost the UK's Black food scene.
Just two months after launching, he secured Uber as his first paid client. Today, the brand regularly curates line‑ups at major festivals like City Splash and Cross the Tracks and its own flagship festival now features more than 300 restaurants, with big‑name partners including Uber, Apple and Bacardi.
What sets the Black Eats LDN Festivalapart?
At first glance, Black Eats might look like any other summer food festival - crowds of Londoners lining up for mouth‑watering street food, soaking up the sun with friends and family. But there's intention behind every detail. Black Eats is a platform built to celebrate and uplift Black‑owned businesses that deserve recognition.
The festival combines food and culture in one experience because for many of us, food is more than just a meal. It's social, it's a hobby, and it's a direct connection to cultures around the world. Black Eats makes it easy for all kinds of foodies to discover businesses and experience the richness of our culinary communities.
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And it's not just about the food. The festival also showcases Black‑owned retail brands, bookshops, and live DJs - truly a full‑culture experience.
Even if you can't make it to Hackney, Black Eats runs an online directory with more than 500 restaurants, cafés, bars and street food spots across the UK - complete with reviews and recommendations carefully selected by the team.
When and where is Black Eats LDN Festival?
Black Eats LDN Festival runs from 25th of July to 27th of July at Hackney Bridge. If you're looking for incredible food, good vibes and a chance to support Black‑owned businesses doing brilliant things, it's worth checking out.
The event will split the day with a daytime session between 12-5pm suitable for all ages and a night time session from 5-9pm specifically for 18+.
