This summer, London’s cult-favourite burger joint, Truffle Burger, known for slinging some of the juiciest bites in the city, is turning up the heat at London’s Southbank Centre with an epic new foodie pop up series all about big flavours, exclusive collabs and a summer to remember on the Thames. Introducing Truffle Burger & Friends.

The collab concept was thought up by Tom Bickers, Founder of Truffle Burger, who last year collaborated with the iconic New York food brand, 7th Street Burger in London for the first time. The collab saw Londoners and tourists queuing around the streets of Soho, and was a sold-out success – taking over Truffle’s flagship restaurant – attracting serious attention and prompting viral social media content.

This year’s series aims to take the concept even bigger and even bolder. Truffle Burger & Friends will take place in prime real estate on the South Bank, in between the iconic skate park and London Eye. The series of collabs will play host to a major lineup of cult-status food brands and viral restaurants from across the globe. We’re talking major chefs, street food legends and TikTok’s viral brands, all touching down in the UK for the very first time!

Kicking off the series is Charles Pan Fried Chicken, a Harlem institution with a cult following, synonymous with soulful southern American comfort food. Founded by Chef Charles Gabriel in 1990, he quickly became a legend in the New York City food scene by serving guests with an authentic taste of the deep south. Joining forces in 2021, Head Chef Quie Slobert leads the charge, alongside Charles.

Born in North Carolina and raised in a family with 19 siblings, from a young age Charles learned the art of pan-fried chicken under the guidance of his mother, cooking for his family after long days working in the cotton fields of Huntersville. At eight years old he was responsible for preparing the family’s chicken dinners and through his continued commitment and dedication to his family responsibility, juxtaposed with his mothers tutelage, Charles mastered the art and skill set of this cooking style.

Returning to London for the first time since his honeymoon in 1975, Charles and his Pan Fried Chicken will fill the hungry mouths of London with the essence of the deep south. On the menu is Harlem’s finest soul food combos of pan-fried chicken, baked mac & cheese, collard greens, and cinnamon citrus infused yams. Alongside is an iconic banana pudding for dessert – a dessert that drives New Yorkers wild.

Chef Charles Gabriel said; “London, we are about to bring you some real Harlem flavour! We’re packing up the soul of our kitchen and bringing the best of our menu straight across the pond to your beautiful city. This is food that comes from the heart, recipes passed down, pan fried with love, and served up with that signature Harlem hospitality. We cannot wait for you to try our food. London, get ready – hope you’re coming hungry!”

Other friends of Truffle Burger who will be popping up at the South Bank over the summer include the world’s best lobster rolls straight from France, Homer Lobster, which will be available in the UK for the very first time ever. Forsyth Fire Escape, an iconic New York City institution that originated during the COVID-19 lockdown will also take residency. Founder, Isabel Lee gained a cult following by lowering burritos down from their fire escape to serve their community during a time of isolation. Moving down to the South of the states, Nixta Taqueria will join the team from Truffle Burger. Owners and lovebirds, Sara Mardanbigi, and Chef Edgar Rico, are transforming the landscape of Mexican-American cuisine teaming together imaginative creations steeped in technique, history, and a maíz revolution.

Also popping up at the South Bank will be Bodega Truck, NYC’s first and only specialty chopped cheese food truck bringing guests the old school nostalgic feel of a vintage bodega and the legendary. Utopia Bagels will also come straight from Queens NYC, who will bring their handmade bagels to the Southbank. There will be even more viral food brands to be announced across the summer too.

Truffle Burger’s Founder, Tom Bickers adds; “Drawing on from new friends made in NYC, and around the globe, plus the added success of the transatlantic burger collaboration with 7th Street, we came up with the concept here at Truffle Burger to share both good food and independent brands we love with the streets of London this summer. We invite you down to South Bank to try out some of our favourite food, flavours and friends from around the world.”

Alongside Truffle Burger and the series of pop ups, guests can also shop vendors on the site including Frank!, the Americana style hotdog brand, whilst getting a refreshing beverage from Bar Under the Bridge, which will be serving up drinks from Gipsy Hill Brewery. Following a dark and gloomy winter, the sun is coming out to shine on the South Bank, and Truffle Burger & Friends will be the top cultural hotspot for foodies living in or visiting London.

The Truffle Burger & Friends series launches along the South Bank on Friday 2nd May at 11am and will run until Sunday 21st September. For more information visit: https://www.truffle-london.co.uk/