If you want to eat your way through London with someone who actually knows their pies from their pasties, food tours are where to start. And trust me, this city’s food scene isn’t just about fancy restaurants or the obvious spots. Take a walk through Borough Market on a Saturday morning and you’ll hear the sizzle of raclette melting, smell fresh truffle oil, and maybe even snag a cheeky nibble from Monmouth Coffee.
I always tell friends to pick tours that focus on a neighborhood rather than trying to cram the whole city’s offerings into one afternoon. For example, Shoreditch tours are great if you like street food and quirky indie eateries, while a East End tour will introduce you to proper pie-and-mash shops and old-school Jewish delis that have been around for decades. One thing to know: come hungry and wear comfy shoes. And if it’s summer, grab a bottle of water because some tours don’t stop for long breaks. Oh, and keep an eye out for tours that sneak in a sample of salt beef bagel or some authentic kedgeree – you won’t regret it.
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If you want my two pence, start your food tour early on a weekend. Borough Market, for example, gets insanely busy after 11, so the best stuff and friendliest stalls are around right when they open.
Also, it’s worth asking your guide for off-market spots nearby. One time, after a pie tasting in East London, our guide took us to a hole-in-the-wall bakery down a side street that most tourists miss. They had the flakiest sausage rolls you could dream of – still better than most places touted in the guidebooks. Don’t be shy to ask about the history of dishes, too; it makes everything taste that bit richer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about food tours in London? Here are some answers from someone who’s done it all.
Usually, yes. Popular tours, especially ones at Borough Market, fill up fast on weekends. If you’re here in summer or around Christmas, booking ahead means you won’t miss out. Sometimes last-minute spots pop up, but don’t count on it.
You can absolutely go solo. Many tours welcome solo travelers and it’s a great way to meet others. In fact, some guides encourage mingling and often end up inviting you to little hidden cafés they love.
Most good tours will accommodate special diets if you let them know beforehand. Vegan options have grown loads here, especially in areas like Dalston. Just email or message the tour leader ahead to be sure.
Comfortable shoes are a must, you’ll be walking on cobbles and sometimes wet pavements. Layers are good too because London weather flips fast. Some tours include outdoor markets, so an umbrella might be handy.
They vary but expect to pay somewhere between 40 to 70 pounds usually. You’re not just paying for the food but the guide’s insider knowledge and those little tastings you can’t get sitting at a restaurant. Worth it if you want a real local experience.
