London Historic Pub Exploration and Tasting

Explore one of the oldest parts of London, where Romans, Vikings, Tudors, and modern city dwellers have all enjoyed a couple of pints with mates. Visit and drink in some of London's oldest and most unique pubs, where thieves, nobility, and even Charles Dickens drank.
During your drinking journey, you will stumble upon the hidden history of the pubs that you visit, learn more about London's ancient drinking culture and why it thrives to this day, and enjoy the good company of a knowledgeable local guide.

This tour is fully customisable, and non-alcoholic drinks are available throughout the tour. Sadly, due to the UK's Alcohol laws, under 18's are not permitted on this tour. Please be aware that ALL persons on the tour are expected to carry a photo ID with them to prove that they are over 18 as some pubs may refuse entry to anyone not carrying ID.

Meeting Point

Southwark Gateway Needle

1 Tooley St, London SE1 2PF, UK

Please meet your guide by the Southwark Gateway Needle, which is a short walk from London Bridge Station.

What's included:

• All guiding fees are included in the cost of this tour

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes

The Barrowboy & Banker, SE1

6-8 Borough High St, London SE1 9QQ, UK

Our first stop is The Barrowboy and Banker. This pub used to be a bank and is run by one of the UK's best-known Pub Companies. Famous for its cavernous interior where beer barrels are stored in the old bank vault here you will be able to try famous ales such as 'London Pride' or if you're feeling more adventurous a Porter.
Named after the Banking history of the building and the Barrow Boys (market traders) who used to trade in this area, your guide will also explain the history of nearby Southwark Cathedral where Shakespeare's younger brother Edmund is buried.

20 minutes

The Globe Tavern

8 Bedale St, London SE1 9AL, UK

This Victorian pub is where, according to legend, one of the most famous robberies in British History was planned. Don't worry, you don't need to rob a train to buy a drink here, but if you're lucky, you may see the odd film star outside.
Home to the filming location of Bridget Jones' flat in the Bridget Jones films your guide will tell you all about the differences between what you see on film and the real everyday pub which suffers from the trains from London Bridge rattling overhead. While you're enjoying your drink, your guide will also explain how the Great Train Robbery was planned in this bar and how the Pub is used to film crews descending on the nearby streets to film inside the nearby Borough Market.

During your drink here, keep your eyes open for shady figures - city workers having a drink before commuting home, or hopeful people on their first date!

15 minutes

The Old Kings Head

King's Head Yard, London SE1 1NA, UK

When asked about this pub, our guide said, "That's a proper old local pub, that is!" and this should tell you what type of place you're going to visit.
A favourite with supporters of the local football team, this pub is a favourite of local people who live and work in the nearby area.

Not only is this pub a local favourite, its also packed with history. This former coaching house still has the steps where people would dismount from their carriage and cobblestone streets. It even survived the bombing of the Second World War!

Whilst at The Old Kings Head, you will also have the chance to see if you can spot the Pub's Landlord in a mural of the Old London Bridge and what the pub looked like during its time as an old coaching house.

15 minutes

George

75 Borough High St, London SE1 1NH, UK

The George is possibly the most historical pub in Borough. This pub has links to the famous Victorian novelist Charles Dickens, and it is rumoured that even Shakespeare drank on the site!
Used to stage plays during the Elizabethian Period, the Parliament Bar of this pub was used as a waiting room for the coaches that left this pub, which is now the only galleried coach house left in London.

This 17th Century jewel in the drinking crown of London is not to be missed.

20 minutes

The Market Porter

9 Stoney St, London SE1 9AA, UK

The Market Porter is the place to hear a good story whilst you enjoy your drink - after all, a good drink and good company should always lead to a good tale. Whilst here, your guide will tell you of a murder that took place in the pub involving an umbrella and a disagreement between two Victorian gentlemen.
Think you've seen a ghost whilst here? The Market Porter is supposed to be haunted by laughing ghosts.

20 minutes

The Rake

Borough Market, 14A Winchester Walk, London SE1 9AG, UK

The Rake is famous for having less space at the bar than it does in its toilets. This beer lovers' paradise has one of the largest selections of beers of any pub in London and is a hidden gem which is a must-visit if you're serious about booze.
Look out for the sign above the bar, which sums-up this pub's philosophy to all things alcohol.

20 minutes

Anchor Bankside

34 Park St, London SE1 9EF, UK

Wet your whistle in the place where the famous diarist Samuel Pepys watched the Great Fire of London burn through the city.
Built on a site where people have been boozing for over 800 years, the current building was built during the time of William Shakespeare. A rabbit's warren of corridors, small bars, staircases, and secret entrances, this historic pub was once a smuggler's paradise.

Linked to famous figures such as Samuel Pepys, Samuel Johnson, and David Garrick the latest famous face to drink here was Tom Cruise in the filming of Mission Impossible.

On a hot day, why not sit outside on the terrace and try an English Sparkling Wine, or pop yourself in a snug on a cold day and enjoy the warming company of the people you are with and mulled wine?

20 minutes

Mug House

1-3 Tooley St, London SE1 2PF, UK

The Mug House is tucked away under London Bridge and is the perfect place to sit and drink until the wee small hours. Full of corners, booths, and a cosy atmosphere, this bar offers a great selection of beer, ales, and lagers and an impressive selection of wines from across the world, imported by one of the most famous importers in London.
Often, drinking in the Mug House can make you feel like you are stepping back in time to the Victorian era, and its warm, comforting feel makes you never want to leave - not even at closing time!

After settling you down with your drinks, your guide will leave you here, with directions to the nearby London Bridge or Monument Tube stations so you can soak up the atmosphere in peace and quiet.

20 minutes