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Exploring London through the lens of food and drink is one of the most interesting (and tasty!) ways of learning the cultural nuance of this great city. London’s food scene is also one of the most diverse, and through the many culinary traditions we can gain so much; food, after all, is the ultimate connector, arguably the best way of bringing people together.
One of the most enjoyable ways of meeting like-minded ‘foodies’ is on one of London’s many culinary tours. Our curated list has something for everyone, whether you’re looking to sample the best of London’s food markets, the finest ales from a traditional tavern, or, the vibrant delicacies in and around Brixton Market.
With such an eye-watering amount to choose from, we have selected ten of our favourite tours which will give you a true flavour of food in the capital.
Here are the Top 10 Food & Drink Tours in London:
London Food Tour: Essentials of British Food Culture
This is one of the most exceptional food tours, and a must for anyone wanting to know more about British food culture. Your expert guide will take you on a culinary adventure, starting at the legendary Fortnum and Mason store where you will indulge in some of their most-beloved produce including their savoury Scotch Eggs. You will then head on to a classic Cheesemonger to sample a selection of soft and hard cheeses, as well as a visit to an historic, cute-as-a-button, Chocolate shop for some treats of the sweeter variety, before a gentle stroll into Soho to visit family-run Lina Stores, as well as a caffeine-fuelled pit stop at legendary Algerian Coffee Stores.
What sets Context Tours apart is that they provide real experts in their field so you will likely have a local chef or food writer as your guide to ensure a truly unique experience. Slightly pricier than other tours, but well-worth the investment.
Brixton Market Tour with African & Caribbean Cuisine
In the heart of south London, Brixton Market has proudly stood since 1937 as a hub for vibrant, multi-cultural cuisine. This tour will help further expand your knowledge of African and Caribbean cuisine with some of the most delicious eats in the capital. Over the course of the tour you will visit around 4/5 eateries and taste a myriad of dishes all bursting with flavour. You will also discover the history of this great suburb including its captivating art scene and cultural landmarks. In addition, you’ll also discover various African and Caribbean spices and ingredients around the excellent market stalls.
London’s Chinatown Food Experience
For fans of authentic Asian cuisine a visit to London’s Chinatown is an absolute must. It’s one of the most diverse areas for culinary excellence. This tour is particularly unique as it is bespoke entirely to your needs and taste. Before you even set foot in Chinatown you will be sent a questionnaire to ensure you are assigned the right host, and on the day itself, the schedule is entirely flexible. During this 3 hour tour you will get to visit the venues and vendors of your choice. The tour will focus around the centre of Chinatown along Gerard Street which is always a feast for the senses.
Ultimate London Food Tour: Borough Market and Southwark
For the consummate foodie, exploring Borough Market is perhaps number one on the culinary to-do list. This world-famous market attracts food-lovers from around the globe, eager to try some of the best food in the city. With a recent expansion there are now more food stalls than ever and the choice can be quite overwhelming (in a good way). This tour takes the hard work out planning where to eat first as you begin proceedings with a classic bacon and egg roll, before sampling some of the freshest oysters, the crispiest fish and chips, as well as visiting a classic British pub in which to sample cheeses, dessert and a good drink! This is a great tour to go on with friends and family who are fellow foodies.
Soho Evening Food Tasting Tour
There is something a little magical about Soho at night. It transports you back to the bohemian 60’s; the brightly lit store fronts and restaurants offer a glimpse of what it could have felt like in its heyday. There’s surely no better way to get a taste of Soho’s nightlife than on this evening tasting food tour. This top-rated excursion will take you on the ultimate gastronomic night; from Croquettes paired with Catalan Vermouth, slow-roasted pork and gravy at Chop House, Bao buns in Chinatown, to luscious French Choux. It’s an indulgent and decadent experience…just like Soho!
Cheese Walking Tour with Tastings
Any day involving cheese is a good day in our book, and when we heard about an afternoon entirely dedicated to this savoury delight we had to include it in the list. Over the course of 2 hours, you will get the opportunity to taste some of the most decadent cheeses in the capital. First up, a visit to the beloved food hall at Fortnum & Mason where you’ll get to sample the finest blue cheeses, before heading on to Little Italy to indulge in the famous “Drunk Cheeses”. You’ll even get to visit the Cheesemonger where Sir Winston Churchill shopped. Amongst all the eating there will be plenty of cheese trivia to keep you entertained – although, surely the cheese is enough? We also like the fact this tour can be bespoke if you are vegetarian or vegan, so do mention this when you book the tour.
London Beer Tour: Cask Ales to Craft Beer
London’s history is so intertwined with drinking culture that we couldn’t possibly have a list without the inclusion of a classic ale and beer tour. The traditional pub is a symbol of British culture, and alongside a delicious pint, is a wealth of history to be unpacked. This 3 hour tour will take in some of the city’s best known watering holes; from an historic inn dating back to the 16th century, to beer tastings in a modern micro-brewery. This is a great choice for those wishing to know more about the history of Britian’s pubs, as well as the future of beer and brewing.
Photo courtesy of Viator
Vegan Food Tour Experience in London
London has a positively thriving vegan food scene with some of the very best restaurants focusing entirely on plant-based eating. This tour takes you east of the city to Shoreditch, where over the course of 3 hours you will get to try a variety of dishes which highlight the very best in Vegan cooking. The samples are extremely generous so make sure you come hungry.
We like the fact this tour is small which gives it a super friendly feel – maximum 8 people per tour. Your guide will also illuminate the group on the incredible street art you will see as you walk around the area. A great introduction to Shoreditch if you are new to the neighbourhood.
Flavours of Camden Market Guided Walking Tour
It’s fair to say that Camden is the perennial home of ‘cool’, a place where punk, fashion and gastronomy meets, and a good time is always guaranteed. This tour truly brings forth the best that Camden has to offer with a huge variety of cuisines and drink. Highlights include: street food from the famous Camden Market where you’ll discover a huge selection of international cuisines, as well as enjoy a cheese tasting paired with delicious London Cider, and not forgetting a visit to a micro-distillery to try some authentic Camden gin.
We think the sheer variety on this tour is exceptional and the hours will fly by – just make sure your wear comfortable shoes as there’s a lot to get through.
Greenwich Food Tour
Just south of the river, the Royal Borough of Greenwich is truly the gem of the south-east. This historic borough is home to the Cutty Sark, Greenwich Observatory and the National Maritime Museum, to name a few. You really need a weekend to explore all that Greenwich has to offer, however, this culinary taster is a great way to explore the area. You’ll get to sample the delights at Greenwich Market which is home to some of the best street food vendors in the city. The market is also one of the oldest in London and has been around since 1737. So, if you’re a fan of food (and history!) this tour is a must.
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