Private Great London Pub Tour
What your day looks like
This private tour was developed by a member of our team who is a highly experienced tour guide and who has also worked as a manager for some of the UK's largest and most renowned pub companies, including Mitchells & Butler, Fuller's, and Young's, as well as independent bars across London. With over 5 years of experience in the pub trade, they were able to put together a tour which offers a slice of pub culture in London. Guided by expert guides who have been drinking in London for years, with their behind-the-scenes questions answered by our expert pub guide and former pub manager, this is your chance to visit some of London's best pubs with someone who knows London Pubs, the best pints to purchase, and those hidden gems off the tourist trail. This tour offers you the chance to experience the UK's unique pub culture with someone who is involved with it on a day-to-day basis and can answer any questions you might have. Our guide's expertise will come in helpful as they offer you advice on what drinks would best suit your tastes and how, if you are brave enough, to expand these tastes into some of the United Kingdom's best beers, ciders, and spirits. Please note that due to the local alcohol laws, we are unable to purchase drinks on your behalf; therefore, drinks are not included in the cost of the tour, and ALL participants must be over the UK drinking age of 18 years old. Clients under 25 will be asked to provide proof of their age at the start of the tour and may be refused service if they are unable to produce a government-issued ID. A variety of soft drinks are available at all the premises we visit throughout the tour. The number of Pubs visited may vary due to factors such as the speed of service, walking speed, and local conditions, including venue capacity. Most clients visit between three and five pubs, and the itinerary is fully customisable.
The experience, in brief
- Visit the best pubs with a true expert
- This is your chance to visit some of London's best pubs
- Highly experienced tour guide
The journey, in full
1. The Ship & Shovell Discover London’s only split pub, a unique tavern divided by a public walkway. Learn how this 17th-century establishment got its unusual layout and how the staff manage operations across two separate but connected buildings. 2. The Sherlock Holmes Pub Step into a shrine dedicated to the world’s most famous detective. This pub is filled with memorabilia from Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories, including original artifacts linked to Holmes and Dr. Watson. Your guide will reveal how the pub inspired one of the greatest Sherlock tales and why it became a pilgrimage site for fans. 3. The Chandos Experience a pub with a strict "no big brands" policy, serving only house-brewed Sam Smith’s ales. A favorite among locals and guides alike, The Chandos offers a traditional atmosphere with excellent drinks—so good you might not want to leave. 4. The Harp, Covent Garden Voted one of the best pubs in Britain, this cozy gem is beloved for its outstanding beer selection and lively crowd. Your guide will explain its quirky decor, the mystery behind the groups of black-clad patrons, and the significance of the hidden alleyway out back. 5. Nell Gwynne Tavern Named after the infamous 17th-century actress and mistress of King Charles II, this tucked-away pub is steeped in royal scandal. Hear the racy tales of "pretty, witty Nell" and how her son became the Duke of St. Albans. 6. The Coal Hole Once a haunt of legendary actor Richard Harris, this historic pub is full of theatrical lore. Your guide will share wild stories of Harris’s antics—including the night he ended up in a police car thanks to a bucket of fried chicken.
Your day, step by step
London
Local Flavor.
What to know before booking
Included
Great for groups of all sizes Guide
Not Included
Tips and gratuity Food/drink
What to Bring
Comfortable clothing/shoes Cash for personal expenses Valid Government ID
Restrictions
All minors (under 18) must be accompanied by an adult.
Meeting & Pickup
Outside embankment tube station on Villiers Street
Languages Offered
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Before Booking
A valid Government ID is needed to attend. Please provide the number of people in your group. Each group can take up to 15 adults.
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 18 Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Manual By Business
What travelers are saying
Excellent tour! We never would have located these beautifully unique establishments. The tour guide was truly amazing.