May in London is when the city’s food scene starts to loosen up. Less about the usual bookings, more about one-offs worth seeking out. There’s a run of chef collaborations, kitchen takeovers, and short-term residencies that are not to be missed. Here are our five faves:

1. For an Evening of Fire and Flavour: JOIA Rooftop

What: A new offshoot of Taste of London will debut this year with Taste of the City, a programme of one-off dining events celebrating the capital’s breadth of cooking. Among them is Fire Feast at JOIA Rooftop in Battersea, where four of London’s leading chefs will host a one-night gathering centred on open-fire cooking and bold, seasonal flavours.

The Event: Enjoy innovative dishes cooked over the legendary Big Green Egg, sweeping Battersea views, and a live DJ setting the scene. Leading the charge is JOIA’s own Concept Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, one of Portugal’s defining culinary figures and chef behind two-Michelin-starred Alma in Lisbon. Joining him for the evening are Chris Golding, Executive Chef of NIJŪ in Mayfair, Carolyn Or, Head Chef of Chet’s at The Hoxton, and Juan Riaz from Prince Arthur Belgravia.

When: Thursday 7th May, 6pm

Where: 5th Floor, 1 Electric Blvd, Nine Elms, London SW11 8BJ

Book tickets here

2. For an All-Star Chef Collaboration: The Cinnamon Club 

What: As part of The Cinnamon Club’s 25th anniversary celebrations, Executive Chef Vivek Singh brings together some of the UK’s most exciting Indian chefs for a one-night-only All-Star dinner. For one night only,  The Cinnamon Club is welcoming Chet Sharma (BiBi), Cyrus Todiwala (Café Spice Namasté), Dipna Anand (Brilliant Gastro), and Sameer Taneja (Benares).

The Event: The exciting five-course menu is a deeply personal tribute, with each chef creating a canapé and dish inspired by their relationship with Vivek, paired with a story that reflects both their individual journeys and the restaurant’s enduring legacy. Designed to reflect each chef’s distinct culinary identity while united by a shared spirit of innovation, the menu celebrates the creativity and ongoing evolution of Indian cuisine in the UK.

When: Friday 15th May, 6:30pm

Where: The Old Westminster Library, Great Smith St, London, SW1P 3BU

Reserve your table now

3. For a Celebration of Mexico: Tequila and Mezcal Show

What: From bright Tequilas to smoky Mezcals and the rustic character of the lesser-known Raicilla, agave spirits have captured the imagination of drinks enthusiasts like never before. Following the successful 2025 debut, the Tequila & Mezcal Show returns this year for another celebration of Mexico’s vibrant spirits culture.

The Event: At the heart of the show is a focus on education, with guests invited to discover the stories, traditions and craft behind each pour. The show will feature a programme of main stage talks and guided tours, alongside brand ambassadors and category experts on hand throughout the event to share their knowledge. Beyond the spirits themselves, guests can explore the creativity and flavour that surrounds Mexico’s drinks culture, with Mexibrits, the UK directory for all things Mexican, once again bringing a curated selection of Mexican food and craft stalls to the show, alongside Mariachi performances.

When: 15th May (from 5:30pm) and 16th May (from 12pm)

Where: 9 Montague Cl, London SE1 9DD

Tickets here

4. For a Nostalgic Dinner: Nessa x Ramsbury Gin

What: Nessa Soho will host a 1960s Supper Club and Gin Tasting in partnership with Ramsbury Gin, capturing the decade’s shift towards a more relaxed, sociable and indulgent dining culture.

The Event: As the hero dish of the decade, Nessa will serve a classic Beef Wellington, a quintessential dinner party dish in the 1960s. Alongside this, guests will be served a feasting menu, celebrating the bold, evolving flavours of the 1960s through a contemporary lens, with dishes such as Oat Soda Bread, Smoked Salmon Crudo and a whimsical Rhubarb and custard trifle. Accompanied by bespoke cocktails that reflect the era’s elegant pours, including the mint-laced classic Grasshopper and a crisp Freezer Martini. The evening will centre around a guided Ramsbury Gin tasting, offering guests the chance to sample a curated selection of British gins.

When: Monday 18th May, 6:30pm

Where: 86 Brewer St, London W1F 9UB

Bookings can be made here

5. For a Residency: Alvin Cailan x Chet’s at The Hoxton, Shepherd’s Bush

What: Chet’s at The Hoxton, Shepherd’s Bush, welcomes much-loved American-Filipino chef and author, Alvin Cailan, to join Chet’s & Friends: a seasonal celebration of community, creativity and collaboration. Alvin, known for founding some of the US’s most loved dining concepts – including Egg Slut, Amboy Quality Meats & Delicious Burgers and Burgers by Alvin Cailan – will bring three of his burgers across the pond to West London.

The Event: Expect Alvin’s Green Light burger comprising two smashed patties with Chet’s signature beef blend, American cheese, caramelized and raw onions, and herby hot sauce on a seeded bun; LA-style chili burger made with two smash patties, American cheese, all beef chilli, crispy onions, mustard; and Spicy crispy eggplant sandwich – golden and crispy aubergine topped with crackly Thai basil, slow roasted tomato.

When: From Wednesday 27th May

Where: 65 Shepherd’s Bush Grn, London W12 8QE

Book a table here