Fireworks, key-lime pie, hamburgers – you know the deal. America’s Independence Day (4 July) is fast-approaching, and we’ve rounded up the best places for groups to celebrate
Capacity 35
USP There’s a pie-eating competition…
Blues Kitchen’s three London venues are all celebrating Independence Day with a splash, but if you’re looking for a PDR, we would opt for the one in
Shoreditch. The ultra-American venue will mark the day with deep-south barbeque eats and drinks, all to a soundtrack of the finest American blues, swamp and rock. Still not convinced? If you’re an American citizen, you get a free beer on arrival if you bring your passport AND they have pie-eating competitions going on throughout the day.
Capacity 130 (restaurant), 30 (PDR)
USP Seriously good Jack Daniel’s whiskey
Drinks will be flowing like a 1930’s speakeasy at
Red Rooster for this all-day party sponsored by Jack Daniel’s. Already renowned for its Harlem-inspired live music performances, the venue will be ramping it up on the big day with a live brass band. We’ve saved the best part till last: at 7pm, the man or woman who can eat a pound of chicken wings the fastest will win a night stay for two at
The Curtain Hotel!
Capacity 40
USP Some of the best American food in town
This Covent Garden gaff will be serving a week-long special menu in honour of 4 July. Some of the best stateside dishes are on offer, such as barbecue pulled pork, surf’n’turf and peanut butter blondie brownies. The handsome Grade II-listed Victorian building will also send you straight back to 1776 (the independence year, in case you haven’t been paying attention in history class).
Capacity 100
USP The Coyote Ugly, girls-in-leather-trousers-dancing-on-the-bar vibe
This late-night bar is all about the fun and all about America – cocktail happy hour, karaoke and an American-themed playlist. Inspired by Clint Eastwood’s iconic film, you’ll find dancers in cowboy hats and ‘Do you feel lucky, punk?’ written in neon on the wall. If you’re looking to party, look no further.
Capacity 50
USP Classic American cocktails
The American comfort food and booze at this place will make any US citizen based in London feel at home. The restaurant and its PDR have the atmosphere of a classic Harlem bar – dimly lit and brick walls covered with art.
Capacity First-come, first-served
USP Its simple menu
Burger or lobster? Or why not both? That’s about the only choices you have at this non-fuss Soho restaurant that has seen hour-long queues around the block. Celebrate America’s independence with the country’s most exclusive produce (Nova Scotia lobster) and its most low-end product (juicy burgers).