[title]
Move over, Cross the Tracks, All Points East and Field Day: there’s a new festival in town. And this one’s dedicated entirely to pickles.
Yep, you read that right. On September 12-13, east London will be awash with glorious green pickle juice for a weekend of live chef demonstrations, workshops and tunes as funky as a wild ferment, all in celebration of the art of brining.
Clarice Downes and Emma Winstanley, the brains behind The Big Brine, are so passionate about pickling that they and their team are self-funding the launch of the brand new festival.
The Big Brine will take over Hackney Bridge, hosting artisanal kimchi makers, experimental fermenters and some of the UK’s hottest chefs whipping up dishes with a vinegary twist. Among those pickle-masters will be Mob Kitchen’s Ayala Daly, who is set to host a dedicated demo stage for anyone curious about what makes for the perfect pickled aperitif.
Plus, as the sun sets on Saturday (Sep 12) night, prepare to dance your heart out in ode to the crunchy cornichon with live DJ sets and drag queens booked ’til late into the night.
You may be shocked to hear that The Big Brine isn’t London’s first pickle festival. There’s already a ferment-focused event hosted by Deptford’s Dog & Bell every autumn.
The Big Brine will take over Hackney Bridge (Units 1–28, Echo Building, East Bay Lane, E15 2SJ) on September 12-13, 2026.
Tickets are priced at £20 and will go on sale on April 28.
Did you see that legendary sushi chef Endo Kazutoshi is popping up in Mayfair?
Plus: the ‘world’s coldest martini’ is now served at a London bar.
Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.