London’s first ever pickle festival attracted more than 5,000 people last weekend.
The event at Hackney Bridge, called The Big Brine, saw more than 30 traders come together, selling everything from pickled salt and pickle-flavoured sparkling water to dill lip balms.
The festival also featured scheduled live demonstrations, competitions and limited-edition pickle merchandise.
Nick Vadász, founder of headline sponsor Vadasz and also known as The Picklesman, said: “Seeing thousands of people turn out to crunch, munch, sip and celebrate all things pickled and fermented with us this weekend completely blew us away.
“The Big Brine proved that pickling isn’t just a trend, it’s a full-blown movement.”
Vadász handed out samples of kimchi, pickles and sauerkraut, hosted hands-on workshops and filmed interactive social media content with festival-goers throughout Saturday.
The festival attracted visitors from across the city and further afield, including Londoner Sophie Jane and her friend Dominic Palmer, who travelled down from Birmingham.
Jane said: “We’re having literally the best day ever.
“[My] favourite thing I’ve tried so far is the pickle rock, which is like pickled sweets.
“We met some really cool people already and are just having the best time.”
There were live demonstrations from professionals, such as MasterChef 2026 finalist Kristen Dodd, while the festival opened its bars, offering pickle-garnished Bloody Marys or Spicy Coladas, and played live DJ sets later in the day.
The Big Brine’s attendance underlined the continued growth of the UK’s interest in fermented foods and gut health, with Ocado data showing sales of pickles, gherkins and olives have increased by 30% year on year.
Although a more traditional choice, The Guardian reported a 12% increase in pickled onion sales in the UK over the last year.
According to BBC Good Food, pickled foods have various health benefits, including providing antioxidant nutrients and managing blood sugar levels.
Organisers are already planning for the festival’s future.
Mitra Esmizadeh, co-owner of The Big Brine, said: “We are completely overwhelmed by how this weekend has gone.
“We’re going to be bigger and better next year, so keep an eye out for dates.”
Featured Images: Jolie Whittingham
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