To mark the beginning of the month-long festivities, local venues showcased their specialities with highlights from their summer menus and free samples.

Imbibe introduced their ‘Summer Spit Roasts’ with a giant roast lamb, whilst The Stage Door offered mussels and home-made burgers from their summer menu. Local foodies were also treated to Latin street dishes from Cubana and a range of barbecue and bakery goods from Greensmiths, whilst Wedge’s chocolate cakes disappeared within the hour.

Eclectic folk band Candythief accompanied the event with folk tunes, fiddle playing and songs from their latest album, which had toes tapping around the Gardens.

Chefs Unite also ran a special promotion of online raffles to win prizes donated by celebrity chefs to raise money for Children with Leukaemia.

Events still to come include:

Spanish Fiesta comes to Waterloo: Wednesday 14 July
Emma Cons Gardens
12-2pm and 5-7pm FREE

A celebration of all things Spanish: paella making demonstration, authentic Spanish foods and a live band with traditional Flamenco dancing hosted by Meson Don Felipe, Waterloo’s authentic tapas bar.

An evening of traditional British meats from The Ginger Pig: Thursday 15 July
Greensmiths, 27 Lower Marsh, SE1 7RG
5-7.30pm FREE

Enjoy BBQ bangers, burgers, ribs and sauces from The Ginger Pig farmers and butchers.

Learn to cook Eastern European Cuisine: Tuesday 20 July
Emma Cons Gardens
12-2pm FREE

Watch the head chef from Baltic in a live cookery demonstration as he cooks a range of dishes from the Baltic to the Adriatic. Plus there’s a chance to win dinner for two at the restaurant for one lucky member of the audience.

Continental Cheese tasting: Thursday 22 July
Greensmiths, 27 Lower Marsh, SE1 7RG
5-7.30pm FREE

Sample a range of cheeses from the ‘secret basement cheese counter’ found at Greensmith’s, Waterloo’s local food store.

Summertime Jazz Evening: Thursday 22 July
Waterloo Brasserie, 119 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8UL
From 7.30pm FREE

Enjoy a soulful evening of good food and musical ambiance at Waterloo Brasserie.

Live Music Night: Saturday 24 July
The Stage Door, 28-30 Webber Street, London, SE1 8QA
From 7.30pm FREE

Sample The Stage Door's new menu while relaxing with some tunes. 

To make the most of the various special offers and competitions pick up a Gastro Passport: a guide to all the events, daily deals and giveaways on offer during the Festival.

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