As part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations the Tower of London’s moat has been transformed Into a field of wildflowers. Twenty million seeds have been sown, creating an ever-changing view of shapes and colours as different flowers bloom throughout the summer.
The native flowers have been specifically chosen to attract pollinators and this planting is the first stage of a project for a permanent haven for wildlife at one of the city's most famous landmarks. There is a free viewing area but for a more immersive and relaxing experience you can wander through the moat admiring the flowers up close, and listen to the soundtrack that has been specifically written to accompany it. Tickets for Superbloom are available here.
Walking through the countryside always makes me hungry and Superbloom is as close as I'm likely to get this summer. Happily then there is a KERB market of street food superstars lined up along the Thames as you leave. Offerings include Oli Baba's, the home of halloumi fries, Truffle Burger, Wave Gelato and the fabulously named Curry on Naanstop.
We decided on a buttermilk fried chicken strip box from Lucky's Hot Chicken. You get to choose sides - we went for fries, obviously - and the heat level of your seasoning, from Country (basically plain) through Cajun, Medium, Hot and XXX to the ominous-sounding Good Luck. Deliciously tender chicken and proper piping-hot chips, freshly-cooked and dusted with spice.
We also tried a couple of dishes from Oshpaz, a trader selling Uzbeki plov (a rice pilaf with slow-cooked lamb) and dumplings. It was my first taste of plov and it's a perfect street food dish: fluffy rice with a generous pile of crispy-edged lamb, fresh salad, cooling tzatziki and a scattering of fresh herbs. Full of lovely contrasts in flavour, texture, temperature and freshness, every mouthful was interesting and different.
The dumplings are also served with shredded carrot salad, yoghurt and a drizzle of chilli oil. To be fair I've never met a dumpling I didn't like, but these were good.
KERB food market will be open 7 days a week late into the evening until the 18th of September, open to Superbloom ticket holders and members of the public. Full details are available here.
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Deputy Editor, Chatting Food London: Amanda David
Amanda David is a freelance food writer specialising in London’s restaurants, bars, exhibitions and events. She is the Events Editor for London Cheapo and a regular contributor to Palate Magazine.
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