Food Tours in London

When it comes to culinary experiences, London is a veritable fusion of food. The blend of cultures in the English capital means there’s everything from fish and chips to Indian curries on the menu.

There’s a staggering range of different food tours in London to suit all palates and interests. Explore the hidden backstreets on foot or ride around the center by bus on journeys all fueled by food.

Read on for everything you need to know about food tours, one of the most delectable gastronomic experiences in London.

What are the most popular food tours in London?

Walking food tours in London

On these London food tasting tours, you’ll discover the culinary underbelly of the city. With a foodie guide in tow, you’ll walk the streets, stopping at different eating establishments along the way. In each, you can get stuck into famous dishes, from local delicacies to international offerings.

British classics are firm favorites, with creamy cheeses, chutneys and sausages all featuring during the excursion. Follow all this up with a hearty dish of traditional sticky toffee pudding. Then wash it down with craft ale or cider, or perhaps a quintessential pot of English tea.

You’ll visit artisan shops, bakeries and pubs in your quest for the gastronomic greats of London. Many walking tours also take you to the iconic Borough Market where you can admire the piles of fresh produce and sample some of the goods.

Bus food excursions in London

If you don’t fancy walking, this gastronomic bus tour ticks all the boxes. It’s a great way to combine sightseeing with eating, and you’ll be able to take in many of the London's landmarks.

After settling into your seat on the panoramic top deck, you’ll head off on your culinary journey. The bus will cruise the streets of the historic center, along the river Thames and beyond. During the ride, a 6-course meal will be served at your table, along with Champagne and wine if you wish.

Top spots on the route include Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. Try and peel your eyes away from your food long enough to take some photos! The London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe and Trafalgar Square also make an appearance during your evening excursion.

Private London food tours

If you prefer to explore on a more exclusive basis, private food excursions in London are the answer. You will have your own guide and many of the tours can be personalized based on your culinary preferences.

On these experiences, you’ll get to head well off the beaten tourist track and visit places known only by locals. The tours operate in a similar way to those above, just without the crowds.

You’ll be able to pick a time that fits in with your other plans, and there are a range of foodie areas to choose from. The East End, Soho and Chinatown are all on the cards. Private tours can include hotel pickups for a seamless door-to-door service.

Which places do you see on a food tour?

Tower Bridge Area

Many food walking tours in London focus on the Tower Bridge area, which means you’ll get to see several iconic city sights. The ancient Tower of London is perhaps the most famous landmark, known for being the stronghold where many royals met a gruesome fate.

You’ll also see the HMS Belfast battleship, Hays Galleria and the architectural marvel that is The Shard. Of course, Tower Bridge itself is on the agenda too. If you’re lucky you may witness a ship sailing beneath the raised barriers – it’s quite a sight!

Borough Market

The city’s most famous market is a popular stop on London food tours. The eclectic range of produce is a feast for the camera as well as the stomach. Your guide will introduce you to samples of fish and chips, sausage rolls and English fudge.

Then you’ll enjoy a bit of free time to wander around yourself, soaking up the atmosphere. You can indulge in a few more tastings or buy some delicious souvenirs to take home. This market has a heritage dating back 1,000 years – today it’s the oldest fruit and vegetable market in the city.

East End

The East End of London is known for its multicultural cuisine, and it’s here in Brick Lane where curries rule the roost. You’ll be able to try several curry dishes, pakoras and naans, as well as traditional sweet treats from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Meanwhile, in the buzzing neighborhoods of Spitalfields and Shoreditch, you’ll get to see where the locals go to eat. In restaurants and stores, you can try everything from salt beef bagels and bacon butties to artisan cheese and caramel tarts.

What is the price of London food tours?

Small group food walking tours in London start at £90 per participant. There is usually a maximum of 12 people on these excursions to keep the experience intimate.

The gourmet bus food tours in London cost £120 per adult and £50 per child. If you wish to include wine pairing and a glass of Champagne, the price rises to £150. These excursions are on a group basis, so you’ll be sharing the ride with other passengers.

Private London tours are more expensive, but you’ll be receiving the full VIP service. If you’d like to do one of the set itineraries these start at £140 per person. For a fully customized excursion, expect to pay £200 each.

What do the excursions include?

On the London food walking tours you’ll be provided with a local guide as well as tastings at each venue visited. There are usually around six dishes to try on classic tours, while the Indian food excursions offer at least 10 tastings. Non-alcoholic drinks and water are provided, as well as beer and cider.

Private food tasting tours in London come with hotel transfers and an exclusive guide as well as the above inclusions. Alcoholic drinks are also covered in the package price.

The gourmet bus tour includes a 6-course meal and two drinks. If you have opted for the wine pairing, you’ll receive four glasses and some Champagne. There will also be an audio guide available to make the most of the sightseeing element.

Where do food tours in London start?

Hotel pickups are not generally offered on London food tours unless you have booked a private experience. That means you’ll have to reach the starting point independently, but they’re always in a convenient location near public transport.

Walking tours in the London Bridge area tend to kick off from near London Bridge Station. East End food walking tours start outside Old Spitalfields Market or on Whitechapel High Street.

Gourmet bus tours depart from the coach bay at Victoria Embankment – this is not far from the Embankment underground station.

How long does the experience last?

Food tours in London generally last around 3 hours, which is ample time to see the sights and fill your belly. The gourmet bus rides are also 3 hours long.

For those short on time, there are 2.5-hour tours available, or opt for a 3.5-hour experience if you want to savor the experience.

When is the ideal time for a food tour in London?

London food tours take place at all times of day, with most walking excursions scheduled for either the morning or the afternoon. Consider whether you want the experience to coincide with lunch or dinner and book accordingly.

The gourmet bus tour departs at 7:15 PM so you can enjoy the city landmarks all lit up at night.

Know before you go

• The minimum drinking age in England is 18 years. Non-alcoholic drinks will always be available for younger visitors.
• You will be on your feet for most of the time if you opt to go on a food walking tour so comfortable footwear is advised.
• Arrive hungry so you can fully enjoy all the tasty treats you’ll be consuming. Together, the dishes will add up to the equivalent of a full meal.
• Food tours in London are popular so book ahead to avoid missing out on your preferred time and date.