Great historical review of beer and its London origins. Our guide, Chris, did a fantastic job and made it a great experience, even for my wife who loves history and only likes beer.
London Beer Tour: Cask Ales to Craft Beer
Taste British beer culture from historic pubs to craft pours
The Finer Details
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 historic London Beer & Pub 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.
Tour Description
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 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.
Food enthusiasts, we suggest you also take a look at our London Food Tour! If you're looking for insider recommendations, get expert tips in our London City Guide.
Food enthusiasts, we suggest you also take a look at our London Food Tour! If you're looking for insider recommendations, get expert tips in our London City Guide.
Booking Instructions
Please note any allergies or intolerances in the notes box when booking.
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.
Is this tour a pub crawl?
This tour is not a stereotypical "pub crawl" focused on drinking. Our Beer Tour does offer tastings throughout with historical background on pub culture and the revolution of brewing in London.
Is this tour a pub crawl?
This tour is not a stereotypical "pub crawl" focused on drinking. Our Beer Tour does offer tastings throughout with historical background on pub culture and the revolution of brewing in London.
Meet the Experts
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
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Borough MarketHistoric food market with local and international flavors.
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Classic English Pub
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Not Included
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Food and drinkUnless booking a Food & Drink tour or tasting experience, refreshments are not included.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointUnless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
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GratuitiesTips aren’t included, but we encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Don’t just take our word for it
Doris was such an incredible tour guide! She was not only so informative about the history and culture around pubs, cask and beer, she was so personable which made the tour quite exceptional. To start, she sent me a personalized text to describe what she was wearing and her appearance. This was very helpful as it was my first time in London and I had no idea where I was going. As a solo women on the tour, she made me feel so comfortable and even went as far as spending an additional 4 hours with me when my tour ended! She showed me the underground transit system, took me to see the London Tower which was not originally a part of my tour, but because she is so passionate and amazing, she wanted to make sure I saw a key part of London’s history on my last day in the city. I would highly recommend her for your tour, she exceeded all of my expectations and can’t wait to see her in the future!
We had a fantastic time with Chris! We learned so much about beer and British history. Who knew that a beer tour would be the best place to learn about British literary history? He entertained all of our questions and was a great storyteller! It was a unique way to experience, Borough market and South London. Highly recommend!
Let Your Curiosity Shape Your Journey
Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.
Structured, never scripted
Your interests guide your Expert, leading to stories and perspectives that matter to you.
Crafted for conversation
With 12 or fewer guests, ask questions, engage with your Expert, and fully immerse yourself.
Experts, not guides
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