The ultimate street food throwdown is coming to Hackney Bridge

For three days in August, the multifaceted Hackney Bridge venue next to the Lee Navigation canal will host the finals of this year's British Street Food Awards.

Turning Hackney Bridge into a street food mecca, the British Street Food Awards will celebrate the best street food from all corners of the country, selected after a series of regional heats. The top 15 food traders will go head-to-head to determine the UK's favourite street food dish, with the winner not only getting a nice prize and eternal bragging rights, but also the chance to represent the UK at the European Street Food Awards. Furthermore, previous winners include Wingmans, Bao, and Meatliquor, now household names, so the award really is a Big Deal™. 

The competition will be judged by a celebrity panel including dancefloor queen and (TIL) cookbook author Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Chef Patron Andy Beynon of the Michelin-starred Behind, and Tom Brown of the likewise Michelin-starred Cornerstone. Whatever the final outcome, however, the real winners here are London foodies, as we'll have the opportunity to sample some of the best street food in the country, not just London. This includes Iraqi fusion from Amani Kitchen in Hitchin, char siu pork and tiger prawn rolls from the Isle of Wight's Smoking Lobster, Cajun chicken bowls from Bath's LJ Hugs, and more. Visitors will also be able to cast their vote for their favourite and help them win the public prize. In addition, all sorts of events, entertainment, and competitions will be running throughout the weekend to add to the fun.

Hackney Bridge will host the British Street Food Awards from Friday 18 August to Sunday 20 August. Tickets cost £8 in advance or £10 on the day, and you can book them here.