London Independence Day 2014: The best places to celebrate

With the momentous historical occasion that is Independence Day just around the corner, Flora Hughes-Onslow selects the best events in London to celebrate July 4th 2014

Independence Day Party, Benjamin Franklin House, Friday 4th July, £8 (£5 friends & concessions)

For true Yankophiles, there isn’t really anywhere better to celebrate the 4th of July than the former London residence of Benjamin Franklin himself. The founding father of the United States lived at this Central London address for 16 years from 1757 – 1775, and the organisers behind this particular event invite guests to raise a glass of champers in his honour at lunchtime on Independence Day.

Democrats Abroad UK American Independence Day Picnic,  Portman Square Garden, Sunday 6th July, from £10 (free - £3.50 for children)

This festive annual Independence Day affair offers a smorgasbord of American delicacies and entertainment. From burgers, hot dogs and barbecue food, to face-painting, crafts and live music, this is a jolly and inclusive (not only US citizens welcome) event to mark the momentous historical occasion.

Independence Day Feast, Dead Dolls Club, Thursday 10th July, £35

Acknowledging and revelling in the irony of Londoners celebrating the day that America won independence from British Rule, the Dead Dolls Club is hosting a tongue in cheek, over-the-top feast in homage to a traditional American 4th July. With a surprise menu apparently likely to include goodies such as Lobster Rolls, Buffalo Wings, and Home-made Bourbon Ice cream with Apple Cider Doughnuts, this looks set to be an inventive and fun-filled Independence Day Party. And if you can’t make the special dinner event, the Dead Dolls Club venue also offers live swing and jazz from Jacks Harlem Club on Fridays (free all night), so you can have a good old American boogie in between Espresso Martinis.

Indie Ales’ Independence Day American Craft Beer Tasting, Islington Studios, Friday 5th July,£28

This one-off Independence Day beer tasting event aims to pay tribute to our friends across the Pond by celebrating the best craft beers to come out of the Land of the Free. And seeing as brewers in the American craft beer industry are renowned for their creativity and adventurous flavours, guests can expect an interesting discussion on the subject and some choice samples – plus mini sliders and buffalo wings to complement each yankee beer.

Artist Rooms: Robert Mapplethorpe, Tate Modern, 11th May - 26th October 2014, free  

American artist Robert Mapplethorpe was a pioneer in the truest sense of the word. Changing the photography landscape with his controversial and often shocking images, he is perhaps best known for his iconic black and white portraits of celebrities with cult status, including Marianne Faithfull, Andy Warhol, Truman Capote and Patti Smith, among others. Reflecting on his fascinating career until an untimely death from an AIDS related illness in 1989, this new collection of his most poignant pieces is a wonderful celebration of a seminal artist, and American art as a whole.

Dennis Hopper: The Lost Album, Royal Academy, 26th June - 19th October 2014, 

As if starring in legendary films like Easy Rider and Apocalypse Now wasn’t enough for actor Dennis Hopper, the creative genius turned his hand to photography, and ended up becoming a legend in his own right. Documenting defining events and individuals of his era, the subjects of Hopper’s stills range from a topless Paul Newman hanging out between sets, Andy Warhol in the Factory and a close-up of Martin Luther King Jr, as well as archetypal 60s scenes and landscapes. And this summer, the original vintage prints Hopper first picked to display in 1970 are back on display, now hanging in the hallowed halls of the Royal Academy.

The Big Lebowski, Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, Tuesday 22nd July, free

Cult American classic The Big Lebowski is a timeless gem. A cast stuffed with hilarious characters led by ‘The Dude’, a script full of pithy one-liners and a fantastic Coen Brothers-style storyline,this film is no doubt one of their finest masterpieces. So whether you’re a Lebowski aficionado or you’re yet to discover its unbridled charm, head over to Vauxhall Village’s summer pop-up screen in the historic Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens for an evening of quality American entertainment.

Stax diner, Kingly Court, opened June 13th

For an authentic Independence Day full of American fare, a new Soho institution Stax’s Diner – taking its name from the eponymous Memphis-based record label – promises to deliver. A quirky outfit with a menu of US-inspired oddities include apple and poppy seed slaw, triple-cooked fries and the wacky ‘Onion Blossom’ (a whole onion, sculpted into the shape of a flower then battered, deep fried, and sprinkled with spices),this charming little diner channels true bluesy vibes, perfect for getting a hearty dose of Americana come the 4th July.

The Crucible, The Old Vic, Saturday 21st June - Sat 13th September, from £10

A classic American drama written by one of the greatest playwrights in history, Arthur Miller, The Crucible will never grow old. A visceral new production from The Old Vic, starring Richard Armitage, will revisit the endlessly fascinating and powerful story of mindless persecution and false accusations, bringing new light to the terrifying human phenomenon that is the witch hunt. An ideal choice for anyone after a more culturally-oriented Independence Day.

Dirty Bones, Kensington Church Street, 6-12pm

If good old-fashioned hearty American food with a twist sounds appealing, then trendy hot dog joint Dirty Bones will be right up your street. Head chef Ross Clarke used to work for Heston Blumenthal, and his selection of ‘haute dogs’ at this Kensington hotspot are certainly worthy of the great master. Treat yourself on Independence Day to some incredibly moreish marinated pulled pork, a plate of ribs, and fried chicken,alongside sides like mac n cheese and charred sweetcorn, all washed down with champagne cocktails if you’re feeling fruity.

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