Tastes, Tales & Traditional Ales: Food Tour of London's Historic Pubs

3.5 hours
Max 12 people
Commentary: Guide · en
London, United Kingdom

About this activity

 Unearth the secrets of past and present on this unique London pub and food tour through the historic heart of the city. 
 

Highlights

  • Discover iconic pubs that are so easy to miss.
  • Eat and drink at 4 of London's most historic pubs.
  • Play a favourite English pub game with your fellow foodies.
  • Try local beers and classic pub grub.
  • Meet with locals and chat with the staff in each pub.

Full description

Take a captivating tour of London's world-famous pubs and dive into the riveting history behind them. Explore the city's food and drink culture and discover something new with each mouthful as you hop from one historic pub to the next. Experience the hustle and bustle of an evening out in one of the world's most thrilling cities at locales that have countless fascinating stories just waiting to be told. 

Bask in the centuries-old tradition of London ale in a 500-year-old pub on your first stop. Learn the story of Queen Elizabeth's connection to the tree outside and feat on a classic pork pie dish. This is just the beginning of your journey through London's pubs and food scene. 

 Visit an iconic London pub on your next stop on Fleet Street, where Sweeney Todd made his mark. Enjoy a refreshing pint of cider and the perfect accompaniment—a sausage roll—in the pub designed by the same architect who created St. Paul's Cathedral. 

 Enjoy a rare experience and step back into the past with a pint in a listed building at your next stop. Rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in 1666, this pub became a favourite for some of the world's renowned authors like Charles Dickens, who would pop in for devilled whitebait and a drink. Follow in their footsteps and indulge in the exact same pairing over 150 years later.  
 Hear all about a unique London delicacy—cock ale—at the next pub you visit. This centuries-old drink was made using cockerel and was believed to improve your health. Luckily, today you can enjoy more palatable options here like scotch eggs portobello ales. As you snack and sip, you'll even have the chance to try your hand at a beloved pub game to end your tour with a little friendly competition. 
 Explore and experience London's best pubs like a true local. Discover their historic past and meet the custodians of these great places as you enjoy the tantalizing food and drinks. 

Included / Excluded

  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Expertly guided walking tour
  • 4 food tastings and 4 drinks
  • Small group of 12 guests maximum
  • Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
  • Gratuities

Meeting point

Start Location

5 Saint Andrew Street, St. Andrew’s Church, Holborn, London, GB

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a red bag or Devour Tours sign. This tour meets at 5, St. Andrew Street, London EC4A 3AF / The Gardens of St Andrews Church Holborn. Entrance via the gates on Holborn Viaduct (side of the church) or St Andrew’s St (front of the church). The garden is a square area with benches towards the front entrance of the church.

Get directions →

Important information

Know before you book

  • The Tour will cover a lunch
  • Guests with serious food allergies will need to sign an allergy waiver at the start of the tour.
  • This tour is not recommended for Vegans, Gluten Free or Dairy Free
  • This tour is adaptable for: Vegetarians. Non-alcoholic options & Pregnant women, however, please note that you may not have a replacement food option at every stop.
  • Those with dietary restrictions or food allergies need to email our Guest Experience team after booking the tour so we can arrange your ingredients.
  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
  • This tour is in English.
  • This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.

Know before you go

  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
  • Sensible shoes for walking over uneven surfaces make the tour more enjoyable.
  • Those with dietary restrictions or food allergies need to email our Guest Experience team at info@takewalks.com after booking the tour so we can arrange your ingredients.
  • The Tour will cover a lunch
  • Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
  • Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.

Additional information

Ticket Age Range
Adult (18+)