London has one of the best pub and craft-beer scenes of any city on our Beer Cities list, from Dickens-era City taverns to the railway-arch breweries of Bermondsey. We went through every bookable beer and pub tour we could verify in London and ranked the ten worth your time below, each with real ratings and review counts pulled from live booking data, plus what to expect, how to get there, where to stay nearby, and what to do once the tour wraps up.
1. London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs
Rating: 5/5 from 11,495 reviews · Price: From USD 40.26
What to expect: Discover ancient ale houses and literary drinking dens on a 3.5-hour afternoon pub tour of London. Centered on the area in and around the City of London, the tour visits at least four of London’s finest historical pubs, your guide will recommend different ales in each (not included). Hear the history of the pubs, learn the differences between Elizabethan coaching inns and Victorian gin palaces, and visit the watering holes frequented by legendary British novelist Charles Dickens. Numbers are limited to 14 on this small-group pub tour, ensuring you’ll enjoy personalized attention from your guide.
★★★★★
“Always have the best time on pub tours! This was my 3rd pub tour and love the stops on this tour. Mark, our guide was very knowledgeable on the area and history and was always very happy to give great drink recommendations at each stop, especially the gin palace which was my favorite stop. We went to 4 separate pubs.”
Riley_J · verified traveller review · May 2026
How to get there: This tour runs in the City of London. The nearest stop is St Paul’s or Barbican Underground station.
Where to stay: Consider the City of London or around Liverpool Street, so you can walk back after the tour without a late Tube ride.
Getting around: London has black cabs everywhere in the centre (hail one on the street or find a rank), plus Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow if you’d rather book from your phone. Download whichever app you use at home before you land, since all three work the same way here as in most other major cities.
After the tour: St Paul’s Cathedral and the Millennium Bridge are a short walk away and make a good post-tour wander before dinner.
2. Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour
Rating: 5/5 from 2,293 reviews · Price: From USD 44.43
What to expect: Indulge in four unique, local historic pubs, as you embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Soho, where music, mischief and history, intertwine. Explore the hallowed grounds where the Beatles recorded Hey Jude, The Rolling Stones played their first ever gig, and the site of Jimi Hendrix’s last ever performance. See where Mozart lived. Yes, The Mozart! Drink a beer in the pub where The Who were barred for life, and even a pub where Dumbledore found himself in a rowdy brawl!: tales that will captivate your imagination. Discover Soho’s diverse historic tapestry and iconic venues, immersing yourself in the neighbourhood’s infamous past and present. Search Soho’s lesser-known corners, once frequented by luminaries like Karl Marx, Casanova, and Marilyn Monroe while hearing tales of modern visitors like Jason Mamoa: AKA Aquaman: and The future King and Queen William and Kate. If you are seeking an extraordinary off-the-beaten-path adventure, then this is for you!
How to get there: This tour runs in Soho. The nearest stop is Piccadilly Circus Underground station, the tour’s own meeting point.
Where to stay: Consider Soho or Covent Garden, both walkable to the West End’s theatres and late-night bars.
Getting around: London has black cabs everywhere in the centre (hail one on the street or find a rank), plus Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow if you’d rather book from your phone. Download whichever app you use at home before you land, since all three work the same way here as in most other major cities.
After the tour: Soho stays busy well past closing time: Chinatown’s restaurants on Gerrard Street are a good stop if you want food after the last pub.
3. Royal Historic Pubs Walking Guided Tour in London
Rating: 5/5 from 960 reviews · Price: From USD 44.43
What to expect: Join us on a majestic journey through time as we discover four historic, hidden, royal pubs dating back centuries that you would never find alone! Uncover mysteries concealed beneath the streets of London, where alleyways and secret tunnels have transported kings and queens of years gone by. Discover the palace where Ed Sheeran nearly lost an ear during a night of revelry with a princess, and be regaled with thrilling and hilarious stories of scandal, romance, intrigue, and legendary events. Hear tales of Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, James Bond, Queen Elizabeth II, and many other great British characters while sampling awesome British beers in off-the-beaten-path pub sanctuaries. Your exquisite walking adventure will immerse you in the unseen grandeur of London’s past and present while avoiding the crowds and doing as the locals do. Your expert, charming guide is guaranteed to have you laughing throughout with engaging storytelling, enthusiasm, and plenty of humour.
How to get there: This tour runs in central London, around Piccadilly Circus. The nearest stop is Piccadilly Circus Underground station, the tour’s own meeting point.
Where to stay: Consider Mayfair or St James’s if you want to stay close to this route, or Soho for cheaper options nearby.
Getting around: London has black cabs everywhere in the centre (hail one on the street or find a rank), plus Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow if you’d rather book from your phone. Download whichever app you use at home before you land, since all three work the same way here as in most other major cities.
After the tour: St James’s Park is a quiet, well-lit walk if you want to sober up before heading to your hotel.
4. Private Group: Historical Pub Walking Tour of London
Rating: 5/5 from 709 reviews · Price: From USD 173.54
What to expect: Enjoy a historic private tour down the infamous “street of shame”. With over 30 pubs and gin distilleries to choose from, your guide will tailor the walk to your personal preferences. With plenty of time to pause for a drink in 4 or 5 of London’s most famous pubs along the way, the guide is on hand to recommend a few local tipples. You’ll also enjoy a smattering of quirky history as you stroll through the hidden alleys and courtyards that make the City of London so unique. The walk finishes close to Covent Garden, and you might choose to dine in a haunted pub dating back over 400 years.
How to get there: This tour runs in Fleet Street and the City of London. The nearest stop is St Paul’s or Blackfriars Underground station.
Where to stay: Consider the City of London, close to Fleet Street, for the shortest walk back after a private group night out.
Getting around: London has black cabs everywhere in the centre (hail one on the street or find a rank), plus Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow if you’d rather book from your phone. Download whichever app you use at home before you land, since all three work the same way here as in most other major cities.
After the tour: the Thames Path along Victoria Embankment is a scenic route back toward Blackfriars or Temple.
5. London Pub Crawl
Rating: 4.9/5 from 248 reviews · Price: From USD 34.71
What to expect: Get the inside scoop on London’s nightlife during a bar crawl that is ideal for solo travellers looking to meet like-minded people, and anyone looking to have a good time. As well as discovering go-to drinking dens that you might otherwise have missed, you will enjoy several free shots, discounted drinks, and fast-track entry to select venues. Plus, a big fancy camera is on hand to capture the night so that you do not have to. Please note: Due to previous bad experiences, we are unfortunately no longer able to accept stag or hen dos (or same-sex groups of more than 9) on our main crawl. To book a private crawl with us, please contact On The Rocks directly. Dress Code: Please wear clothing appropriate for clubbing. No beachwear, sportswear (including tracksuit bottoms), singlets, or flip-flops. Ts&Cs Apply
How to get there: This tour runs in central London: check your confirmation email for the exact meeting point once you book.
Where to stay: Consider the West End or Covent Garden, central to most bar-crawl meeting points.
Getting around: London has black cabs everywhere in the centre (hail one on the street or find a rank), plus Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow if you’d rather book from your phone. Download whichever app you use at home before you land, since all three work the same way here as in most other major cities.
After the tour: most pub crawls end near Leicester Square or Covent Garden, both well served by night buses and 24-hour Tube lines on weekends.
6. The Great British Pub Walking Tour: London
Rating: 5/5 from 213 reviews · Price: From USD 44.43
What to expect: Visit pubs that time forgot, out of sight, nestled among cobbled backstreets, where the greatest of British characters used to live, work and play. From London’s most notorious local pub, where gangsters once mingled with lords and ladies, to the pub where the Beatles could secretly have a beer, away from fanatic fans: the same pub where visiting superstars such as Bradd Pitt and Lady Gaga go for fish and chips! See the quaint mews houses where great artists once lived, like James Bond creator Ian Flemming and Bond actor Sean Connery. Hear legendary tales of Frankenstein writer Mary Shelley and enter London’s most haunted pub! The stories surrounding this pub will send shivers down your spine. Enjoy the pub where Prince William can be found and where Kate Middleton spent the night before their historic wedding. Feast your eyes on classic architecture and stunning views that capture the essence of London’s hidden treasures.
How to get there: This tour runs in Chelsea, around Sloane Square. The nearest stop is Sloane Square Underground station, the tour’s own meeting point.
Where to stay: Consider Chelsea or Knightsbridge if you want to stay near this route, though it’s a pricier part of London.
Getting around: London has black cabs everywhere in the centre (hail one on the street or find a rank), plus Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow if you’d rather book from your phone. Download whichever app you use at home before you land, since all three work the same way here as in most other major cities.
After the tour: the King’s Road has plenty of restaurants if you want dinner after the tour.
7. The Original Shoreditch Pub Crawl
Rating: 4.9/5 from 144 reviews · Price: From USD 34.71
What to expect: Join us for something a little different: this Pub Crawl takes you off the beaten track and on to the best of Shoreditch! (Please note we DO NOT visit ‘traditional’ English pubs; but more lively dancey-bars and nightclubs). Once a feared area of central London, Shoreditch has now become a nightlife hotbed, full of quirky bars, pubs & clubs, scattered amongst the graffitied walls and edgy streets. Explore the wide range of venues Shoreditch has to offer on our Pub Crawl: running now for over 10 years: and save a fortune doing so, with free entry everywhere, free shots, and drink deals, as well as having the chance to meet a fantastic crowd of party people! Avoid the more touristic areas and join our Hosts on an awesome Pub Crawl, creating some awesome memories.
How to get there: This tour runs in Shoreditch. The nearest stop is Old Street or Shoreditch High Street Underground/Overground station.
Where to stay: Consider Shoreditch or Hoxton, both in the middle of the bar and nightlife scene this crawl covers.
Getting around: London has black cabs everywhere in the centre (hail one on the street or find a rank), plus Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow if you’d rather book from your phone. Download whichever app you use at home before you land, since all three work the same way here as in most other major cities.
After the tour: Brick Lane’s curry houses stay open late and are a five-minute walk from most Shoreditch bars.
8. London Beer Tour With Secret Food Tours
Rating: 4.9/5 from 120 reviews · Price: From USD 124.98
What to expect: Under the guidance of a friendly & expert local guide you dive into the neighborhood. On the way of course, the guide will also tell you about the history and contemporary developments of Shoreditch. At the first stop of this tour you will immediately taste a number of different Craft Beers and you will learn more about the special location you visit. You will learn more about tasting beer and distinguishing the different flavors. The next stop is a microbrewery, here the owners like to show how they work. Of course you will also taste delicious beer here. After another special stop with a very surprising drink you arrive at the last stop, a historic pub with a special story. Here you have plenty of time to sit back and enjoy.
How to get there: This tour runs in Shoreditch. The nearest stop is Old Street or Shoreditch High Street Underground/Overground station.
Where to stay: Consider Shoreditch, so you’re already in the neighbourhood the tour explores.
Getting around: London has black cabs everywhere in the centre (hail one on the street or find a rank), plus Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow if you’d rather book from your phone. Download whichever app you use at home before you land, since all three work the same way here as in most other major cities.
After the tour: Brick Lane and Redchurch Street are worth a wander for vintage shops and street food the next morning.
9. A craft beer tasting tour of the Bermondsey Beer Mile
Rating: 5/5 from 106 reviews · Price: From USD 68.03
What to expect: London has a fantastic craft beer scene with over 130 breweries based in the city. Our three craft brewery tours take in London’s best breweries and tap rooms. You can choose from Bermonsdey’s famous ‘beer mile’, the East End or our newest tour of North London’s Blackhorse Lane. Groups of up to 16 will be personally be guided by me to 4 tap rooms enabling the inquisitive traveller to easily engage with my city’s craft beer scene and taste the wonderful beers on offer.
How to get there: This tour runs in Bermondsey. The nearest stop is London Bridge or Bermondsey Underground station, with the Bermondsey Beer Mile itself running along the railway arches toward South Bermondsey.
Where to stay: Consider London Bridge or Borough, both a short walk or one stop from the start of the Beer Mile.
Getting around: London has black cabs everywhere in the centre (hail one on the street or find a rank), plus Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow if you’d rather book from your phone. Download whichever app you use at home before you land, since all three work the same way here as in most other major cities.
After the tour: Maltby Street Market, right along the Beer Mile, is worth timing your visit around on a Saturday for food stalls alongside the breweries.
Want the full DIY route instead of just this one tour? See our complete stop-by-stop Bermondsey Beer Mile guide, with all 12 taprooms, hours, maps and what to order at each.
10. London: Historic Pubs & Taverns Small Group Walking Tour
Rating: 5/5 from 65 reviews · Price: From USD 23.81
What to expect: Skip the tourist pubs and step into the real thing. On this 2.5-hour small-group tour, a local guide leads you through the historic heart of London, stopping at four pubs where the city’s history was poured, one pint at a time. The centerpiece is Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, rebuilt just after the Great Fire in 1667 and a favorite haunt of Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, and Arthur Conan Doyle. The remaining stops stay secret until you’re standing in front of them, tucked-away taverns most visitors walk straight past, with hidden vaults, Tudor beams, and centuries-old fireplaces. Your guide knows every story, from the traditions behind the bar to the characters who once leaned against it. At each stop there’s time to order a drink if you fancy one, settle in, and simply soak up the atmosphere while you listen. With group sizes kept small, there’s always room at the bar and time for your questions.
How to get there: This tour runs in Holborn and the City of London border. The nearest stop is Chancery Lane or Holborn Underground station.
Where to stay: Consider Holborn or the City of London, central to both this tour and the wider historic-pub cluster in #1 and #4 on this list.
Getting around: London has black cabs everywhere in the centre (hail one on the street or find a rank), plus Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow if you’d rather book from your phone. Download whichever app you use at home before you land, since all three work the same way here as in most other major cities.
After the tour: Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London’s largest public square, is a quiet spot to finish the evening a few minutes’ walk away.
British Beers to Try (and Buy) Before You Go
If you want to know what you are drinking before you land, these are classic English ales and stouts you will see on cask and in bottle shops all over London. We have reviewed all of them on our full best English beers guide, ranked by an actual homebrewer, if you want the full tasting notes. Swipe through the picks below.
Read the full best English beers guide for the complete ranking and tasting notes →
Looking for beer tours in another city? Check out our full guide to the best beer tours around the world.
