Why celebrate the French Revolution only in France? If you don’t know where to spend Bastille Day, or le 14 juillet, in London this year, we have all the right addresses to help celebrate la fête nationale in the best way possible.
Brasserie Zédel
This brewery will give you the impression of being in the middle of Paris thanks to its distinctly French decoration. Every year since 2013, the restaurant organizes an all-day event, from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., to celebrate the capture of the Bastille. Small (or big) benefit, the restaurant will offer a free meal to those who come dressed in a marinière shirt and beret. However, it is too late to book a table, as the restaurant held a draw in June. Don’t despair, you can always come the same day and hope to snag a seat. — 20 Sherwood Street, London, W1F 7ED
Bermondsey Beer Mile
This essential spot for pub crawl enthusiasts will host seven French breweries spread over five different pubs (Partizan, The Barrel Project, Anspach & Hobday, London Calling Sweden and Bianca Road Brewery). There will also be cheese, charcuterie, street food, and French chocolate. There is the possibility to book a private beer or cheese tasting in Partizan with the cheese brand Mons Cheesemonger, or a beer and chocolate tasting at London Calling Sweden with Pierre Hermé. Families are obviously welcome, as there will be typical French games, such as pétanque or palets. — More information here
Le Pont de la Tour
For a chic July 14, the restaurant Le Pont de la Tour, located just above the famous Tower Bridge, will celebrate France all afternoon, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are £60 for a buffet of seafood platters, oysters and barbecue. There will also be a bit of bubbly, as the event is in partnership with Moët & Chandon, who will build a champagne tower and offer a glass of rosé to all the guests. — 36D Shad Thames, London SE1 2YE
Piccadilly Institute and Zoo Bar
The Facebook group Les Français de Londres is organizing not one, but two parties to celebrate July 14. The first will take place at the Piccadilly Institute on Saturday, July 13, and the second at the Zoo Bar on Sunday, July 14, both starting at 9 p.m. On the agenda are French music and tricolor decorations in private rooms, with discounts on alcoholic beverages. Admission to each party costs £10, but if you’re really in a festive mood, you can get tickets allowing access to both parties for £12! The organizers of the evening will be waiting for you at the entrance and will give you a bracelet that provides you access to the rooms in the two clubs. — Piccadilly Institute, The London Pavillion, 1 Piccadilly Circus, London W1J 0DA; Zoo Bar & Club, 13-17 Bear Street, London, WC2H 7AQ
