Eating London: The Heart of the City Food Tour

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 6 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.

Eating London: The Heart of the City Food Tour

Delve into the culinary heart of London’s ancient streets as you traverse through Roman ruins, medieval markets, and iconic thoroughfares steeped in literary legend during this 3-hour journey crafted for explorers of history, devotees of gastronomy, and seekers of cultural enlightenment. Your guide weaves a tale of how oyster houses, chophouses, and chocolate houses shaped the global identity of London’s original city, offering tastings at historic eateries like London’s oldest fish house and taverns once frequented by Dickens and Shakespeare. With each step, you’ll uncover the stories behind the tastes that have defined this bustling metropolis for centuries, crafting memories that are as vivid as walking through a Dickens novel.

Discovering The Roman Wall's Ancient Edifice

Visit the Roman Wall during your exploration of the City of London to understand how these ancient foundations laid the groundwork for the city’s culinary heritage. As you walk along the centuries-old stones, imagine the bustling market stalls that once lined this boundary, trading goods from across the empire and setting the stage for London's diverse food scene. This tour includes access to areas where few visitors venture, offering a unique perspective on how historical architecture has influenced local cuisine over the ages.

Marveling at Leadenhall Market’s Grand Arches

Experience Leadenhall Market as part of the comprehensive itinerary featuring iconic London landmarks. This vibrant market not only serves as a hub for fresh produce and artisanal foods but also stands as a testament to the city's architectural evolution. Its grand arched ceilings are reminiscent of medieval markets, where merchants once exchanged goods in bustling, lively scenes that Dickens himself would have recognized. The market’s history is intertwined with tales of traders and travelers, each contributing to its rich cultural tapestry.

Exploring Billingsgate Market's Fresh Seafood

Access London’s oldest fish house during your tour, where the scent of the sea mingles with the sounds of commerce in a symphony that has played out for centuries. This bustling market is not just a place to buy fresh seafood; it is a living history lesson about how oysters and whitebait became integral parts of London’s diet and cultural identity. Here, you’ll taste the very essence of what makes Billingsgate an essential part of the city's culinary heritage.

Discovering Dickens' Tavern: The George

Wander into the tavern where Charles Dickens himself once enjoyed a pint and a pie at The George Inn. This historic establishment, with its wooden beams and flickering candles, transports you back to a time when chophouses were not just dining spots but cultural hubs that shaped London's social fabric. Each bite of steak & ale pie here is steeped in history, offering an authentic taste of the past that Dickens would recognize.

Tour Highlights

• Discover Roman ruins and medieval markets where history meets flavor
• Taste 6 diverse dishes at historic eateries, each with a unique story to tell
• Explore Leadenhall Market's grand arches and vibrant food scene included in the tour package
• Access Billingsgate Market for fresh seafood tasting experience optional yet authentic
• Marvel at Dickens' tavern The George, steeped in literary history comprehensive inclusion
• Uncover how London’s culinary identity was shaped by chophouses, oyster houses, and chocolate houses unique selling point

For explorers of history, devotees of gastronomy, and seekers of cultural enlightenment, this culinary journey weaves through the heart of London like a poem etched in stone and spice, offering memorable encounters to forge connections while understanding that the city’s past is intricately linked with its present. Join us as we uncover the flavors that define one of the world's most fascinating cities.