The third Waterloo Quarter Food Festival begins tonight with The Great Waterloo Food Fair in Emma Cons Gardens opposite the Old Vic Theatre.

Frequent foodies are given the opportunity to free tastings, enjoy live music and cocktail sessions being held in various nearby locations throughout the following month. The Gastro Passport which contains 'tear away stamps' other special offers and giveaways can be sent out to your home, business or collected from participating outlets.

Each week has a different theme, with menus ranging from contemporary Modern British, to Latin-inspired dishes, and varied entertainment with each location, until the end of July.

"The Food Festival is a showcase of local businesses, and so far it has been very successful", says George Hamilton, Marketing and Communications Manager of Waterloo Quarter.

The initiative is governed by the Business Improvement District (BID), an organisation committed to the redevelopment and promotion of businesses in the local area of Waterloo, and the improvement of the physical environment to attract more visitors while the community maintains its character. The Waterloo Quarter BID also acts as a communication bridge between the local businesses and the Council, Police and Transport for London.