Each year, The Gate Hammersmith invites you to experience the earthy, rich, and seasonal flavours of wild mushrooms during our Wild Mushroom Festival. This annual event is a celebration of the incredible versatility of these foraged gems, highlighting their unique place in plant-based cuisine.

This year our Wild Mushroom Festival will take place from 5pm on Sunday 27 October and Sunday 17 November 2024. Book now to secure your spot.

A Culinary Treasure

Wild mushrooms bring more to the table than just delicious, earthy flavours. Foraged from forests and fields, they offer a taste of nature's bounty that can’t be replicated by cultivated varieties. Here’s why wild mushrooms have earned their reputation as a culinary treasure:

Unique flavours: Each variety of wild mushroom, from chanterelles to porcini, brings its own distinct flavour profile. Their earthy, savoury qualities, often described as rich in umami, are perfect for vegan dishes.

Nutritional powerhouses: Wild mushrooms are packed with nutrients, including B vitamins, antioxidants, and plant-based proteins, making them as healthy as they are delicious.

Sustainable & seasonal: Foraged mushrooms are sustainably sourced, growing in the wild without the need for intensive farming. Their short seasonal window makes them a rare and special addition to our annual menu.

The Gate’s Seasonal Mushroom Menu

Each year, our chefs at The Gate Hammersmith curate an exclusive menu that showcases wild mushrooms in creative and flavourful ways. Here’s a glimpse into some of the dishes you can expect in 2024:

Truffle Pâté served with crostini

Wild Mushroom Broth with lavash croutons

King Oyter Nigiri, pan-fried king oyster topped with a mango & enoki salsa

Mushroom Bourguignon, wild mushrooms cooked in a rich red wine sauce, served on a bed of garlic & herb mash, with mushroom cream sauce and Jerusalem artichoke crisps

The Garden: mushroom chocolate mousse, vanilla jelly, Cointreau shimeji, orange couli & dark chocolate crumble

These dishes are thoughtfully crafted to bring out the best in wild mushrooms, creating a seasonal dining experience that our guests look forward to year after year.

Our Wild Mushroom Festival is a yearly celebration of the season’s best ingredients. It’s not just a meal, but an opportunity to explore the exciting possibilities of vegan cuisine through the rich, diverse flavours of wild mushrooms. At The Gate Hammersmith, we are committed to sustainability, and our wild mushroom dishes reflect our dedication to using fresh, responsibly sourced ingredients.

Whether you’re a mushroom lover or just looking to try something new, our festival is a perfect excuse to enjoy an evening of innovative plant-based dining.

This year our Wild Mushroom Festival will take place from 5pm on Sunday 27 October and Sunday 17 November 2024. Book now to secure your spot.

10 Interesting Facts About Wild Mushrooms

1. Not Plants, But Fungi –Wild mushrooms are a type of fungus, not a plant. They belong to a separate kingdom of organisms, making them quite distinct from vegetables or other plants.

2. Rich in Umami – Wild mushrooms are known for their umami flavour, often referred to as the "fifth taste," which adds a savoury, almost meaty richness to dishes.

3. Natural Vitamin D Source – Mushrooms are one of the few plant-based foods that naturally contain vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and immune function.

4. Over 10,000 Edible Species – While you may only find a few types in stores, there are thousands of edible wild mushroom species globally, many of which have unique textures and flavours.

5. Sustainably Foraged – Wild mushrooms are typically foraged from forests and grasslands, making them a sustainable choice as they don't require intensive farming or artificial cultivation.

6. High in Antioxidants – Wild mushrooms are packed with antioxidants like selenium and glutathione, which help protect cells from damage and support overall health.

7. Adaptable to Many Climates – Wild mushrooms grow in a wide variety of environments, from dense forests to grasslands, thriving in both temperate and tropical climates.

8. Boost Immune Health – Many wild mushroom species, like shiitake and reishi, have been used in traditional medicine for their immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.

9. Variety of Textures – Different wild mushrooms offer a range of textures, from the meaty chew of porcini to the delicate, almost buttery texture of chanterelles.

10. Ancient History – Wild mushrooms have been used as food and medicine for thousands of years, with evidence of their consumption dating back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Roman cultures.

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