Food Tours

Eating London: The Heart of ‘The City’ Guided Walking Food Tour

Go on a journey through 2,000 years of London history with 7 tastings, from steak & ale pie and whitebait to cardamom buns that melt in your mouth.

Explore the City of London on this 3-hour English-guided food tour, passing Roman ruins, medieval market lanes, and landmarks frequented by Shakespeare.

Taste your way through time at London’s oldest fish house and a charming tavern beloved by Dickens himself.

With your expert guide leading a small group, you’ll savor food as well as tales, from the rise of oyster houses and ale-soaked chophouses to indulgent chocolate parlors.

5 stops on a 3-hour walking food tour of the City of London

Local English-speaking guide

Small group of max. 12 guests

7 tastings (see menu here)

Gratuities

Transportation to and from the meeting point

Personal expenses

Additional food or drinks

TOTAL DURATION3 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERWalk
Timeline
Map
Start point
St-Mary-Le-Bow Church
1 min by walk
0.01 km
Passes By
Bow Churchyard
1. Ye Olde Watling
Free Admission
30 min
Step back in time at this historic pub on one of Britain's oldest roads. Here, indulge in a classic Steak & Nicholson's Pale Ale Pie with rich gravy, perfectly paired with a refreshing half-pint of pale ale.
2 min by walk
0.13 km
2. Sweetings
Free Admission
20 min
6 min by walk
0.32 km
3. Royal Exchange Building
Free Admission
30 min
3 min by walk
0.16 km
4. George and Vulture
Free Admission
20 min
9 min by walk
0.64 km
Passes By
Guildhall
The Bow Bells
Watling Street
5. Aux Merveilleux de Fred
Free Admission
20 min
7 min by walk
0.48 km
Passes By
Mansion House
End point
Leadenhall Market
Get direction

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Discover London’s original square mile through its food, stories, and centuries of history. From Roman ruins to literary legends, this walking food tour serves up 2000 years of culture, one delicious bite at a time.

Getting started

Meet your guide at the statue of Captain John Smith outside St Mary-le-Bow Church, just a short walk from St Paul’s Tube Station. Look out for your guide wearing a purple Eating Europe bag so they’re easy to spot!

What to expect

Historic tastings: Enjoy 7 tastings across 5 iconic locations, including London’s oldest fish restaurant, a cozy chophouse, and a centuries-old tavern where Charles Dickens racked up a legendary bar tab.

Literary & cultural landmarks: Walk in the footsteps of Shakespeare, Dickens, and even Harry Potter as you explore the streets that inspired some of the world’s greatest stories.

Roman ruins & medieval markets: Uncover London’s roots, from ancient Roman walls to bustling medieval markets. Learn how the spice and sugar trades shaped the city (and its food).

Insider stories & local flavor: Get a true taste of London life with stories you won’t hear anywhere else, from quirky food facts to the real difference between London and The City of London.

After the tour, you’re free to explore more of the City or revisit your favorite spots. Whether you’re a first-timer or a local, you’ll leave full of flavors and stories you’ll be sharing long after your last bite.

What’s not allowed

Guests with severe or life-threatening allergies cannot participate for their safety

Accessibility

This experience is stroller accessible but not wheelchair accessible.

Your guide dogs are welcome to join you.

Additional information

Vegetarian-friendly tour, but dietary adaptations are limited due to the historic nature of the experience. This tour is not suitable for vegan or gluten-free diets.

Itinerary & tastings subject to change due to seasonal availability, individual closings, or local holidays

Please arrive 15 mins before the scheduled starting time. Tours depart precisely at the scheduled time; late arrivals or no-shows are not eligible for refunds.

This experience requires a minimum of 2 travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund

Contact info@eatingeurope.com or +1 917-909-6432 for private tours or special requests.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet your guide at Statue of Captain John Smith.

Address: City of London, London EC4M 9DQ, United Kingdom.

Get directions to the meeting point