How to Celebrate Heritage Day in London
Quick summary: Heritage Day falls on 24 September and is one of South Africa's biggest celebrations of culture, food and community. In London, Vivat Bacchus brings the spirit of the occasion to life with South African food, wine and braai. This year, our special Heritage Day Braai Feast takes place at Vivat Bacchus London Bridge on Friday, 25 September.
South Africans call it many things: a day of pride, a day of togetherness and, for many, a day spent around the fire. Heritage Day falls on 24 September each year, and you do not need to travel to Cape Town to get a taste of the celebration.
At Vivat Bacchus, our Farringdon and London Bridge restaurants have been serving a genuine taste of South Africa since 2003, and Heritage Day is always a special date in our calendar.
Whether you grew up with the smell of woodsmoke or you are simply curious about South African culture, here is how to celebrate Heritage Day in London.
Heritage Day and the South African Braai
Heritage Day honours the many cultures, languages and traditions that make up South Africa. It is a public holiday back home and an opportunity for South Africans to celebrate and share their cultural heritage.
What Heritage Day Means
Heritage Day is about belonging. It is a chance to celebrate where you come from and share those roots with the people around you.
A Day for Sharing Food and Stories
Food often sits at the centre of the celebration. Long tables, generous platters and dishes made for sharing capture the spirit of the day.
At Vivat Bacchus, our South African food is built around that same idea, bringing together comforting flavours, quality ingredients and the stories behind South African cooking.
Why Heritage Day Is Associated With National Braai Day
Heritage Day has become closely associated with braai culture and is sometimes informally referred to as National Braai Day or simply Braai Day.
A braai is much more than a barbecue. It is a South African social tradition built around open-fire cooking, good food and spending time together while the fire does its work.
How to Bring the Braai to London
You can celebrate at home with a grill, a few friends and plenty of food to share. If you would rather leave the fire to us, both Vivat Bacchus restaurants offer braai menus and South African dishes in the heart of London.
Braai season at Vivat Bacchus runs from April to October, making late September the perfect time to gather around the flames.
Join Our Heritage Day Braai Feast
For 2026, we are marking the occasion with our Heritage Day Braai Feast with Bartinney & Plaisir Wine Estates at Vivat Bacchus London Bridge.
While Heritage Day itself falls on Thursday, 24 September, our special celebration takes place the following evening:
Friday, 25 September 20266:30pm to 9:30pmVivat Bacchus London Bridge, 4 Hays Lane, London SE1 2HB£125 per person
The multi-course sharing menu brings together South African favourites including chicken sosaties, king prawns with Cape Malay sauce, bone-in rib-eye, apricot harissa chicken, traditional boerewors and fresh line fish.
The feast will be paired with seven South African wines from Bartinney and Plaisir Wine Estates, with Lee-Ann joining us for the evening to introduce the wines and share the stories behind these Stellenbosch estates.
You can also view the event through our Vivat Bacchus events calendar.
South African Wine and the Braai
South African wine is a natural companion to braai cooking. From vibrant whites to bold reds, there is plenty to explore.
Some classic South African styles to look out for include:
Pinotage, South Africa's signature red variety and a natural match for grilled and smoky dishes
Chenin Blanc, one of South Africa's most important white varieties and a versatile choice alongside lighter dishes
Cape red blends, offering the richness and structure to stand alongside steaks and other braai favourites
You can discover more about our South African wine selection on the Vivat Bacchus wine page.
Celebrating Heritage Day at Vivat Bacchus
Heritage Day is best enjoyed in good company. Join our dedicated Heritage Day event at London Bridge, gather friends for a South African meal, or organise a larger celebration in one of our private dining spaces.
Two London Locations to Gather
Vivat Bacchus has two homes in central London:
Farringdon at 47 Farringdon Street, Holborn, London EC4A 4LL, with a walk-in cheese room and four private dining spaces
London Bridge at 4 Hays Lane, London SE1 2HB, with a wine cellar and spacious private dining Cellar Room
For larger groups, both restaurants offer private dining options, while braai menus are available for groups of eight or more. To discuss a private celebration, email events@vivatbacchus.co.uk or explore our private dining options.
Make it one to remember. Heritage Day is a celebration of culture, food and the people you share it with. Join us at London Bridge on 25 September for our special Heritage Day Braai Feast, complete with South African food, seven wines and plenty of fire.
People Also Ask
When is Heritage Day?
Heritage Day is celebrated on 24 September every year. It is a South African public holiday celebrating the country's cultures, traditions and heritage.
When is Vivat Bacchus celebrating Heritage Day in 2026?
Vivat Bacchus is hosting its Heritage Day Braai Feast on Friday, 25 September 2026, from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at its London Bridge restaurant.
What is a braai?
A braai is a traditional South African style of open-fire cooking and, just as importantly, the sociable gathering that surrounds it.
Where can I celebrate Heritage Day in London?
Vivat Bacchus is hosting a special Heritage Day Braai Feast at its London Bridge restaurant on 25 September 2026, featuring South African food and seven paired wines from Bartinney & Plaisir Wine Estates.
How much is the Vivat Bacchus Heritage Day Braai Feast?
Tickets are £125 per person and include a multi-course sharing braai feast paired with seven South African wines.
Can I book a private South African braai meal?
Yes. Vivat Bacchus offers private dining at both Farringdon and London Bridge, with braai menus available for groups of eight or more. Email events@vivatbacchus.co.uk to enquire.
