London Historic Pub and Beer Tour

This private tour is led by a highly experienced tour guide and was developed with a former award-winning bar manager and pub trainer who had previously worked for some of the UK's best pub companies. Having selected some of the best pubs in London for our tour and revelled all to our guides, this is your chance to visit some of London's top pubs, hear everything you might ever want to know about beer and find out a range of other behind-the-scenes secrets. During the tour, our local London guides will explain the history of the areas you are visiting and the history of the pubs you are drinking in. They will also offer some helpful advice on what drinks would best suit your individual tastes.
Please note that various soft drinks are available at all the premises we visit throughout the tour.

Due to the UK's alcohol laws, no under-18s will be permitted to participate in this tour. We advised all participants to carry photo ID during this tour in case of proof of age checks.

Meeting Point

Embankment

London WC2N 6NS, UK

We will meet the customers outside the Villiers Street entrance to Embankment Station.

What's included:

• Tour Guide

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Ship and Shovell Pub & Restaurant, Charing Cross

1-3 Craven Passage, London WC2N 5PH, UK

Visit London's only split pub and hear all about its fascinating history, including how the pub came to be split by a public walkway and how the staff mange this unique watering hole.

20 minutes

Sherlock Holmes

10 Northumberland St, London WC2N 5DB, UK

Named after the great consulting detective Sherlock Holmes, this pub is backed with artefacts that link to the greatest detective who never lived, his companion Doctor John Watson and their creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
At the Sherlock Holmes Pub, your guide will explain how this delightful public house inspired one of the greatest Sherlock Holmes stories of all time and how the pub gained its Sherlockian name in the 1950s.

Whilst here your guide will also explain some of the unusual decor, why the pub's neighbours also have a link to the Sherlock Stories, and how the pub has become a place of pilgrimage for Sherlock fans, and lovers of a good pint (or two)

20 minutes

The Chandos

29 St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4DD, UK

The Chandos is a unique pub, given that you wont recognise any of the brands on offer her. All big names are banned, as the pub only serves products that are made by their owners the Sam Smith brewery.
A favourite place to stop with Tour Guides, local workers, and people who love good food and drink you might find yourselves having to drag your guide away - it's just that good!

20 minutes

The Harp

47 Chandos Pl, London WC2N 4HS, UK

This charming little pub is often voted the top pub in London and is a firm favourite with all of our guides - some of whom would rather keep this fantastic place to themselves! Voted the best pub in Britain in 2011, this quaint pub is one of London's best-kept secrets and is a hidden gem!
Often packed inside and out, this pub is not to be missed. Serving some of the best beer in London (why else would it be voted the best pub over and over again?) your guide will be happy to explain the different drinks, bar snacks, and ciders on offer and help you make a decision.

Whilst here, your guide will also explain the Harps's choice of decor, why at certain times of the day, groups of people wearing nothing but black swarm the bar, and what is important about the alleyway at the back of the bar

30 minutes

The Nell Gwynne Tavern

2 Bull Inn Ct, London WC2R 0NP, UK

This traditional tavern is named after the famous 17th Century actress and mistress of Charles II, Nell Gwynne. Called 'pretty, witty Nell' by Samuel Peeps, our stop at this Pub is your chance to hear what scandals surrounded Nell and Charles' affair and hear the story of how their son was given the title The Duke of Saint Alban's.
Tucked away in a part of London that thousands walk past but never notice every day. This pub is one of those places you wouldn't know existed if you didn't take one of our tours!

20 minutes

The Coal Hole

91-92 Strand, Greater, London WC2R 0DW, UK

This famous pub was a favourite watering hole of the famous actor Richard Harris who lived in the nearby Savoy Hotel. Whilst enjoying a 'swift half' at this pub your guide will tell you some of the astounding stories associated with Richard Harris and how after a night out in London, the famous actor ended up in the back of a police car thanks to a bucket of fried chicken.

20 minutes

Gordon's Wine Bar

47 Villiers St, London WC2N 6NE, UK

Our final stop is not a pub but is too good to miss. Gordon's wine bar, the oldest wine bar in London, is a sight to behold and is an experience unlike any other in London. With barrels on the walls and food platters of cheese and meats that are to die for, Gordons is the perfect place to while away the hours with good friends, good food and excellent drink. Once you have settled our guide will leave you to soak up the ambience of the bar safe in the knowledge that you are only a short walk away from Embankment Station.

30 minutes