Celebrate France’s national day without leaving London with a host of Bastille Day events, from Parisian-inspired parties and Champagne cocktails to French feasts, free baguettes and exclusive dining menus.
On 14th July, France celebrates Bastille Day, a day dedicated to French culture, history and the spirit of joie de vivre. While the celebrations may be rooted in Paris, London is embracing the occasion with its own line-up of French-inspired events, bringing together everything from classic cuisine and cocktails to live entertainment and plenty of Gallic flair.
Whether you’re looking for a stylish dinner, a lively party or simply an excuse to enjoy a glass of Crémant and a fresh baguette, these are the best Bastille Day celebrations happening across London this summer.
For Cocktails, Cabaret and French Flair: Brasserie Zédel
What: One of London’s most iconic French restaurants, Brasserie Zédel, is returning with its annual Bastille Day celebrations, bringing a taste of Paris to Piccadilly from 12th–14th July. Known for its grand interiors and lively atmosphere, the brasserie will host a four-day celebration featuring live entertainment throughout the venue, including roaming accordion performances, cabaret shows at Crazy Coqs, close-up magic and tributes to French musical icons. Guests are encouraged to embrace the occasion with Brasserie Zédel’s much-loved Best Dressed competition, celebrating the most stylish French-inspired looks. Alongside the entertainment, guests can enjoy a limited-edition cocktail menu created in partnership with Lillet, available from 1st–14th July. For dinner, expect classic French favourites including Escargots au Beurre Persillé and Boeuf Bourguignon, perfectly paired with a celebratory French cocktail.
Where: 20 Sherwood Street, London, W1F 7ED
For a French Feast in Mayfair: Mazarine
What: For a more refined Bastille Day celebration, Mayfair’s Michelin Guide-recommended seafood restaurant Mazarine will mark the occasion with a week-long French dining experience from 13th–19th July. Created by Executive Chef Thierry Laborde, the limited-edition menu celebrates France’s culinary heritage with seasonal ingredients and traditional dishes. Highlights include Yellowtail with Occitanie Cherries and Lemon Vinaigrette, a fresh summer starter inspired by southern French flavours. The centrepiece of the celebration is Le Grand Aïoli, a Provençal sharing feast featuring langoustine, salted cod, eggs, clams, carrots, fennel, celery, radish, wakame and house-made aïoli mayonnaise. Dessert comes in the form of a classic Strawberry Millefeuille, combining crisp pastry, Chantilly cream and seasonal strawberries. To drink, guests can enjoy a collection of French 75 cocktails A stylish celebration of French food, Champagne and convivial dining.
Where: 22 Hanover Square Mayfair, London W1S 1JA
For a Alfresco Style Celebration: Bar Antoine
What: For a taste of the French Riviera in London, Bar Antoine is hosting an alfresco Bastille Day celebration on 14th July from 6pm. Set on its Côte d’Azur-inspired terrace in Mayfair, guests can enjoy an evening of French summer dining featuring a barbecue feast created by Michelin-starred chefs, free-flowing Maison Minuty rosé and traditional games of pétanque. The sharing menu (£65pp) includes French favourites such as vegetable fritto misto, beef tartare and signature Pissaladière, followed by BBQ dishes including Wagyu flank steak, grilled shrimp skewers and barbecued ratatouille, finished with strawberry salad or profiteroles. Guests can also enjoy 90 minutes of unlimited Maison Minuty rosé (£25pp), alongside Bar Antoine’s signature cocktails, including the Cornichon Martini and Peach & Mustard Margarita. Combining French cuisine, Riviera-inspired style and plenty of joie de vivre, Bar Antoine offers a chic Bastille Day celebration in the heart of Mayfair.
Where:Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, Hamilton Place, London, W1J 7DR
For a Parisian Street Party at Galvin Bistrot & Bar
What: Spitalfields will transform into a slice of Paris this Bastille Day as Galvin Bistrot & Bar hosts its annual French celebration on 14th July. The restaurant will bring a street party atmosphere to Bishopsgate, complete with French-inspired dining and a special three-course menu created exclusively for the occasion. Priced at £35 per person, the menu offers guests the chance to celebrate France’s national day with classic flavours in the heart of the City. The event continues Galvin’s tradition of hosting one of London’s most-loved Bastille Day celebrations, combining French cuisine with the restaurant’s signature warm and convivial atmosphere.
Where: Entrance on Bishops Square 35 Spital Square London E1 6DY
For Free Baguettes and Drinks: PAUL
What: For a more casual celebration, French bakery PAUL is marking Bastille Day with a day of giveaways across London. On Tuesday 14th July, customers wearing stripes can start the day with a complimentary barista-made drink. From 8am–9am, the first 50 customers at each participating PAUL store wearing French-inspired stripes — from Breton tops to scarves and berets — can claim a free drink. Later in the day, PAUL will host its own “Storming of the Baguette”, giving away 1,000 freshly baked baguettes from 3pm until closing. There will also be the chance to win a year’s supply of baguettes by sharing a Bastille Day photo online.
Where: Closest Paul here
Host Your Own French Celebration with Crémant de Loire
What:If you’re celebrating at home, raise a glass with one of France’s most elegant sparkling wines: Crémant de Loire. Offering the sophistication of Champagne at a more accessible price point, Crémant is the perfect choice for a summer gathering, picnic or French-inspired dinner. Pair it with seafood, cheese boards, charcuterie or classic French dishes for an effortless Bastille Day celebration.
Standout bottles include:
Domaine de Haute-Perche, Crémant de Loire Blanc Brut NV £22.95
This Crémant de Loire produces a lively, full mouse with tangy citrus, slatey minerals and racy acidity. Pairs well with rich or fatty foods, or with oysters or olives.
Founded in the 1960s and acquired by wine enthusiast Thierry Denjean in 2019, the winery is a model of social and environmental responsibility, practicing sustainable viticulture and winemaking practices using precise, non-intrusive techniques and minimal sulphur. Thierry is committed to achieving carbon neutrality with initiatives such as solar panels, bottle reuse and rainwater collection. The wines from Domaine Haute-Perche are a classic expression of Anjou, offering clean, mineral and saline profiles with elegant fruit and vibrant acidity,
Domaine Breton Vouvray Brut NV – Dilettante, Loire £27.50
Produced in the Vouvray region, which is renowned for its high quality Chenin Blanc grapes, this wine is produced in the Méthode Champenoise resulting in fine bubbles and an exquisite bouquet. The aroma is fruity and floral with notes of citrus, green apple and honey. On the palate the wine is crisp and well-balanced with a lively acidity and a creamy mouthfeel.
Celebrate Bastille Day the London Way
From grand brasseries and Champagne cocktails to free baguettes and French feasts, London is embracing Bastille Day with plenty of style.
Whether you’re dressing up for a Parisian-inspired evening, gathering friends over a Provençal feast or simply enjoying a glass of something sparkling, these celebrations offer the perfect excuse to bring a little French joie de vivre into your summer.
Vive la France!
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