London pop-up restaurants

London loves a good pop-up restaurant, and every week the foodie rumour mills buzz with news of a trendy new burrito van or burger diner springing up around the city. Whether it's in your favourite local, a random rooftop, or somebody's front room, where there’s a will there’s definitely a way when it comes to short-lived gastronomy.

You have to be quick though, as these temporary delights don’t hang about – blink and you’ve missed them. Yet despite their non-commitment, you can always guarantee tasty food coming your way, and usually, they are the coolest spots in town. That’s why we have put our ear firmly to the ground to find out where you should be dining this autumn.

One Night Stands

The singleton of the pop-up, these eateries will love you and leave you for one-night only.

Sho Foo Doh - Japanese Food in Hackney
Back for their fifth pop-up, Sho Foo Doh heads to the Pacific Social Club in Hackney the third Friday of the month. Venturing away from the traditional sushi and ramen, Sho Foo Doh will present rare delicacies such as Okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) in a Hiroshima style, Izakaya dishes (Japanese small plates), and ample amounts of Sake and Shochu. Don’t forget to BYOF – Bring Your Own Fan, obvs.
Friday 23rd November, Pacific Social Club, 8 Clarence Road, E5 8HB, booking recommended - email fumiotanga@gmail.com

Yummy Choo & Gin Garden – Winter Mauritian Wonderland in Maida Vale
Different from your usual Sunday roast, foodie fanatic Yummy Choo brings her delicious honest food to the tropics of Clinton Nurseries. Dine under a palm tree on pineapple and chilli salads, chickpea curries and creamy puddings. Punters can BYOB yet there are some fantastic gin cocktails on offer, as well as an insight into the ingredients grown at the nurseries.
Sunday 11th November, 1pm-4pm, 5a Clifton Villas, W9 2PH. Book through edibleexperiences.com

Temporary players

Slightly more committed, these supper clubs will stick around for few days or weeks.

Supper in a Pear Tree – Life art and supper club in Battersea
Popping up on the first Thursday of every month, the Partridge sisters have combined their love and talent for art and cooking to create this monthly supper club. Attendees can start their evening with a glass of wine and a drawing session around a nude model, followed by a delicious three course dinner in the surroundings of Lavender Hills Studio in Battersea. First Thursday of every month, 99-101 Lavender Hill, SW11 5QL . Tickets cost £30 and sell-out very quickly, email supperinapeartree@hotmail.co.uk

Forza-winter – Rooftop Fonduta restaurant  (pictured)
Forza Win was a huge summer success, feeding hungry Londoners with their authentic woodfire pizzas and mezes, washed down with some local lagers and a stunning rooftop view to boot. Now they are back for the winter season, the roof part remains the same but this time dressed with rugs, hot cocktails and heaters to combat the colder weather. The pizzas have been replaced with a traditional North Italian fondue dish, served with seasonal vegetables, meats and bread to dip – yum! The ticket price includes a hot drink on arrival, a three-course meal, and lots of entertainment and fun. November 7th – December 11th at a secret location revealed on booking, £30 per head book by emailing info@forzawin.com

Permanent(ish) Fixtures

Often a trial for more permanent fixtures, you can enjoy these pop-ups will be around for at least 6months.

Yalla Yalla – Beirut Street Food in Shoreditch
Building on the success of their ‘Summer Shack’ on the Southbank, Lebanese and Middle Eastern street food concept Yalla Yalla will be opening a restaurant in Shoreditch for six months. Popping up in a 30-foot long container, diners will feast under heated canopies and on cushioned low-level seating, with entertainment from belly dancers and Lebanese lounge music. Food will be al fresco so expect simple food full of quality such as hot and cold mezzes of scrummy humus, falafel, and tabbouleh. Opens mid-November on Shoreditch High Street. For more details visit yalla-yalla.co.uk

Disco Bistro – Simple Food in The City
From veteran pop-up curator Carl Clarke comes his new project Disco Bistro, taking over two floors of The Rising Sun pub in St Pauls. Using his expertise from previous ventures God Save the Clam and Rock Lobsta, Clarke will devise a comfort food menu for downstairs including the French-dipped burger (fried chicken wrapped in pig skin) and the lobster corndog. Upstairs will focus on fresh quality ingredients with dishes such as wild sea trout cooked over wood with crispy onions. The restaurant will be open Monday-Friday with a guest chef running a monthly Saturday dinner service. Opens 19th November at The Rising Sun, 61 Carter Lane, London, EC4V 5DY. For more details visit discobistro.co.uk

And finally…

East London has been abuzz with rumours of a brand-new chicken concept coming our way. The aptly named Motha Clucka has been springing up at various events in Dalston, delighting us with their delicious Sweet tea brined, twice fried, buttermilk chicken and fried pickles. Rumour has it that there are some Thanksgiving and Christmas events in the pipeline (buttermilk fried turkey anyone?!), as well as their very own ‘Cluck Truck’. Keep posted on their movements via facebook.com/cluckyoutoo

Words: Katie Grange

Photo: Forza Win by Danielrm.com

Read more restaurant news