Eating London: Heart Of 'The City' Food Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Feel the magic as you walk in the footsteps of Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare, Celtic queens, Roman soldiers and… Harry Potter?
- Taste a classic (not the one you might be thinking of!) at London’s oldest fish restaurant, loved by the late, great Anthony Bourdain
- Dine in the favourite tavern of London’s most famous author and see his extensive bar bill
- Unravel the controversial history of the City’s sugar and spice trade
- Discover the differences between the city of London and the City of London and what marks a real Londoner as you marvel at magnificent medieval buildings, historic markets and Roman ruins
- From pies to buns and scotch eggs to chophouse classics, washed down with a couple of thoroughly British beverages, your tour of the Square Mile will be a square meal and more
Full description
Down river from the palaces of Westminster, you’ll find the much older City of London, which dates back to Roman times and has been the epicenter of British and European life ever since.
Taste your way through the classic London dining destinations that fed the commercial, political and literary ambitions of a growing city – the oyster house, the chophouse, the chocolate house, the tavern & beyond – taking it from the middleweight capital of a small island nation to a world-famous global metropolis.
The story of the City of London is an entire novel written in wood, fire, stone, steel, glass, merchants & magic. Read it cover to cover on this completely one-of-a-kind culinary adventure through 2000 years, serving up the good, bad and bizarre tidbits of history, all framed by fantastic food. It’s the perfect London tour for first timers and long timers alike.
Included / Excluded
- Steak and ale pie
- Prawn and crab sandwiches
- Whitebait
- Cardamom bun
- Biscuits
- Scotch egg
- Stilton cheese
- British ale, Black velvet cocktail & Water
- Local English-speaking guide
- ‘Food & the City’ Insider Tips
- Gratuities / Tips for the guide
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Extra drinks
Meeting point
Start Location
Captain John Smith, London, UK
Your guide will be waiting for you at the Statue of Captain John Smith outside St-Mary-Le-Bow church, and wearing our purple Eating Europe bag! Please aim to arrive 15 minutes early, so the tour can start on time. You do not need to print out a page to join the tour - showing us the confirmation email you will receive on your phone is fine!
Important information
Know before you book
- Have dietary requirements? Simply email us or add a note at booking, and we’ll do our best to accommodate vegetarians, gluten-free guests or other dietary needs where we can. For guest safety, this experience isn’t suitable for those with severe or life-threatening food allergies to ingredients found on the tour, and the company cannot take responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances.
- This activity requires a minimum of 2 guests. Should this not be met, we will contact you directly to help you get rescheduled or reimbursed.
- Children under 4 years old do not need a ticket and can join the tour for free. However, food is not included. Paid tickets with food included are available for ages 4 and up.
Know before you go
- Wear flat shoes – it is, after all, a walking tour, so be comfortable.
- Please bring a bottle of water – although we do have drinks stops throughout the tour, walking can be thirsty work.
- Come hungry. You’ll be tasting lots of food!
- Please note that the tastings mentioned are a selection of the delicious foods we often feature. Both offerings and tour stops may vary by day or season, but you're sure to enjoy a delightful array of local flavors!
Cancellation policy
A public tour can be cancelled with a full refund up to 24 hours before tour departure. A private tour can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 7 days before tour departure
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
Reviews
So glad I booked this. The guide was great, the stops felt genuinely local, and the food was delicious from start to finish. Do this on your first day and come hungry!
One of the best Venice city food tour experiences we have ever done. The guide took us to authentic local spots, and every dish was fresh and flavorful. We especially enjoyed the cicchetti, the spritz pairings, and the delicious prosecco served with the polenta and polpetta di carne.
The best way to get to know a culture is to taste and learn about its food. My nephew and I had a great time on this tour, and I felt the expense was worth the experience. There was plenty of yummy food and drink, too.
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
Additional information
- Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
- Not wheelchair accessible.
- Stroller accessible.
- Near public transportation.
- This tour operates rain or shine