Tours/London/London Private Pub Tour - Central London's Best Pubs!
Viator · Private tour

London Private Pub Tour - Central London's Best Pubs!

4.9(21)London1 hour
VIATOR4.8(8)TRIPADVISOR4.9(13)

Description

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.

Tour Options

Private Pub Tour of Central London

Itinerary

20 min

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 min

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 min

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!

30 min

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

20 min

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 min

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.

30 min

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.

Highlights

Tour Guide

What's included

Included
Tour Guide
Not included
any food or drink you wish to consume on this tour is not included in the tour's price.
Gratuities

Traveller Ratings

4.9
21 reviews
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18
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3
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Important Information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Reviews(21)

J
John_L
July 4, 2026
Really a fun tour

This tour was great fun. Our guide, David, was delightful and knew everything about London pubs. I highly recommend this tour and David is an outstanding guide.

A
amandahL8413AX
April 17, 2026
Great Old Pubs with History

Fantastic tour. This was one of the things we were looking forward to the most and David did not disappoint. Davis knew about the beer industry, the beers themselves and the pub’s history. Truly enjoyed our time with him.

K
klausheineh2025
November 10, 2025
Super trip for our company.

Super guide, Tom was inspiring and had many good stories. Our group had is super trip. With nice visits. Thank you.

M
Mitchell_F
October 27, 2025
Bars of London.

Our guide Ian, was knowledgeable, engaging and gave great insight into the bars we attended and the theatre district. Outstanding experience. Thoroughly recommend.

Operator response

Thank you for your kind review, we are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your Pub Tour in London, and we are happy to know that you recommend this tour. Please consider us when booking tours for the future. All the Best, Alyson

D
David_B
October 21, 2025
Fun tour

This was a fun tour. A little pricey, cause it doesn’t include any pints or anything but not bad. We had a great tour guide. I thought we would see some little known pubs or secret spots – not sure if we did that. The four pubs we went to were fun. Note that you can get a half pint instead of a pint at each stop so you can make it through each of the stops. I guess I would definitely do this again so have fun.

J
jacobkL1317WR
October 6, 2025
Great Guide.

Phenomenal tour. Tom is the best. Blended history and having a good time. Super knowledgeable about everything and a great guy to talk to.

Operator response

Thank you for the review as it means a lot to us. We are super pleased to hear that you had a great time on your tour and that you got along with Tom. We hope you consider booking with us in Future. All the best, Alyson

C
chaser257
April 14, 2025
Amazing!

Amazing! Would recommend! Got to see a bunch of pubs and our tour guide Ian was brilliant! Would recommend for anyone wanting to learn more about London.

M
Michael L
March 21, 2025
Amazing private pub tour of London

Fantastic private London historic pub tour with Dewi. The pubs and drinks were terrific, but the highlight was our guide, Dewi, who kept us entertained throughout and wanting more when it was over. Can’t recommended this tour more highly. On a scale of 1 to 10, it was an 11!

A
A2081LHjacobl
March 21, 2025
The best!

Dewi was so much fun, his insight and knowledge of the area coupled with his stories was an experience by itself. This is a can’t miss thing to do in London.

L
Luv2Travel7723
November 17, 2024
Super fun!

What a great tour! Dewi, our tour guide, was super fun and knowledgeable! One of the best guides I’ve ever experienced. I really had a great time and will be back to London to do other tours with this company for sure.

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