London Beer Tour: Cask Ales to Craft Beer

Get beyond the stereotypical associations, learn about the craft and sample the delights of this mainstay of British culture
From US$569 privately
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Tour Details
Duration
3 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
  • Borough Market
  • Classic English Pub
Photos & Highlights
  • Taste beer in micro-breweries and local pubs
  • Led by food anthropologist and beer expert
Select a date
Tour Description
Pubs and beer are a symbol of British society and tradition as much as tea and cakes and fish and chips. But beyond the stereotypes, do you know what lies behind the tradition of beer and pubs? This 3-hour London Beer and Brewery Tour offers a new perspective and appreciation of beer as we enjoy ample tastings at various pubs and breweries located in the Southwark/Borough area. Led by an expert in the beer and brewing industry, we’ll focus on the history of brewing in London, highlighting beer’s evolution from a dietary staple to the almost lost tradition of cask ales, to today’s renaissance of craft beer and brewing.

London Beer and Brewery Tour

Our walk, led by a food anthropologist or beer expert, travels through London's historic Borough and South Bank area, visiting pubs that hark back to the days when London was the brewing capital of the world. We visit the site of what was once the world's biggest brewery, discover the hidden history of the hop trade, and meet Jacob the dray horse among other highlights. Following our heritage walk, we'll discover some classic London pubs including the last remaining Southwark inn, dating from at least the 16th century. Along the way we'll sample some excellent cask beer, a unique British specialty, in the company of an expert beer taster and judge -- you may even get a chance to pull your own pint. The exact stops and presentation will vary depending on the guide and group and what's available on the day but will always include plenty for anyone with an interest in London's great brewing scene past and present.

Take Aways

Along the way, we will sample a range of British and local beers to experience the diversity of the country’s brewing industry. We will examine how all of these products fit into the British diet, along with other culinary traditions and philosophies. At the end of the walk, we will have gained an understanding of the significance of beer in British history, including its contribution to diet, its social status, and the decline and rebirth of the brewing industry in England.

Looking for insider recommendations? Get expert tips to seeing the true London in our London City Guide.

Booking Instructions

Please note any allergies or intolerances in the Notes box when booking.

Food enthusiasts, we suggest you also take a look at our London Food Tour.


FAQ

Where do we meet? Where does it end?
Generally speaking, the walk begins and ends in the Shoreditch neighborhood. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map.


What if it’s raining?
Tours operate rain or shine. There is some walking in between pubs, but the vast majority of this tour takes place indoors.


Can children join this tour?
The legal drinking age in the UK is 18. Under-18s are allowed on private bookings, but they can not drink.


Is this a walking intensive tour?
This walk covers around 2.5 miles. There are plenty of opportunities to sit and use the bathroom if needed. The bars we visit have ground-floor bathrooms.
Experts
Jonathan Jonathan
TOUR GUIDE
Tim Tim
Local Guide
Doris Doris
Food Writer
Laurence Laurence
Local Guide
Melissa Melissa
Local Guide
Des Des
Local Guide
Chris Chris
Local Guide
Alice Venessa Alice Venessa
Food Writer
Where You'll Start
(4.65) 26 Reviews

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

We weren’t sure what to expect from a walking beer tour of London and our experience was top-tier. This is a great way to learn about London history and learn about the nuances of beer to boot. By the end of the tour we were sitting around happily in pubs with Chris having the time of our lives. We will be telling all of our friends to take this tour.
My husband is a brewer in the US so naturally this was an excellent fit for us. Doris, our guide, was absolutely amazing. Such knowledge and interest in brewing!!!! She curated the tour for what our (well mostly his) knowledge and interests were! It was also incredible to walk about Southwark which has such amazing cultural history! Especially loved seeing my husband talk brewing with the crew from Southwark Brewing, they were wonderful. Would love to do this again!
Thought tour was to be more about beer and less about history.