Whether you're an American ex-pat living in London, have American guests to entertain, or quite frankly just want to join in the annual celebration of the birth of the USA, Saturday 4th July will see a temporary takeover of London by the Yanks.
There will be dozens of celebrations of American Independence Day happening throughout the city: you're looking for some picnic games with politically-minded Americans, a spot of ten pin bowling at the All Star Lanes, or some good old American pecan pie at Planet Hollywood, get in touch with us to discuss your options and book your spot for the celebrations. Click here for a few more ideas to get you started.
The annual 4th of July picnic hosted by the London branch of Democrats Abroad UK promises to be an especially festive affair this year, now that their party is back in the White House. The event, in Portman Square Gardens (Portman Square, London W1H) from 15:00 to 19:00, will feature a range of traditional American-style activities and food, from picnic games to face-painting, watermelon to Ben and Jerry's ice cream; bring your own picnic. Tickets are are £5, and everyone - from families to singles - is welcome to attend, but the tickets must be paid for by a US citizen or permanent resident.
All-Star Lanes in Brick Lane (Old Truman Brewery, 95 Brick Lane, Shoreditch, London, E1 6QL) is marking the occasion twice: on Thursday, 2nd July with a chilli cook-off and on the 4th itself with a full-blown American party. The former gives guests the opportunity to judge the efforts of the UK's best chilli chefs; the latter will feature a fancy dress competition - come as an American icon for the chance to win £100 - as well as music from Guilty Pleasures DJ Sean Rowley and friends and, of course, bowling. Entrance is free but you must be on the guest list, so let us know if you'd like to attend.
As part of the Friday Lates series, the British Museum (British Museum, Great Russell St, London, WC1B 3DG) will host an American invasion on Friday 3rd July, with demonstrations of American sports (basketball and American football), live jazz and swing, American food and crafts, and a printmaking demonstration in conjunction with the American Scene exhibition. The night starts at 6:30 and admission to this celebration of the Land of the Free is just that.
The Strand branch of the American-style steakhouse Smollensky's (105-109 Strand, London, WC2R 0AA) is hosting a big party on the 4th, with live music and a DJ until late to complement the usual menu of steakhouse favourites, including thick burgers and British-sourced steaks.
A special Independence Day menu will be available all weekend at the new Planet Hollywood London (57-60 Haymarket, St Albans House, London SW1Y 4QX), with dishes like corn on the cob, barbecued spare ribs and flame grilled rib eye steak, followed by pecan pie or apple cobbler. At the bar, munch on mini-burgers and buffalo wings. With a cinematic plasma wall and a great collection of Hollywood memorabilia, it's a fun, buzzy place to take the whole family. 'Planet Hollywood has recently been refurbished, and it's looking hot!' says Ten restaurant expert Hernan Castro-Vidal.
Christopher's American Grill (18 Wellington St, London, WC2E 7DD) in Covent Garden will be bringing back their annual Independence Day menu, with a range of classic American dishes, including New England clam bake, Missouri BBQ short ribs, and strawberry shortcake. Priced at £27 for two courses and £33 for three (with a further option of a glass of American wine to accompany each course for £15), it's a brilliant chance to try this most elegant of London's American restaurants.
