London Soho Food Tasting Tour With Secret Food Tours

London Soho Food Tasting Tour With Secret Food Tours

Quick overview:
On this 3-4 hour food and cultural walking tour, you’ll explore London’s vibrant Soho neighborhood, visiting seven iconic spots. Led by knowledgeable guides (many reviews highlight guides like Anita and Tom), you’ll indulge in delicious bites, sample multiple cuisines, and sip three historic gins. The tour costs $139 per person and is limited to just 10 travelers, making for an intimate experience.

What we love:
First, the variety of authentic food samples—from bao buns to truffle arancini—means you leave well-fed and with a true taste of London’s multicultural dining scene. Second, the rich historical context provided at each stop, such as the John Snow water pump linked to cholera research, adds depth to the experience, making it both tasty and educational.

Potential consideration:
The tour is geared toward those who aren’t gluten or dairy-free, as specific dietary restrictions like vegan or nut allergies aren’t accommodated. Also, it involves walking on uneven streets, so a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.

Who will enjoy this most?
If you love sampling a diverse range of foods, appreciate local history, and prefer small-group tours for a more personal touch, this tour will be a hit. It’s ideal for curious travelers eager to combine eating, history, and lively neighborhoods—all in one go.

Key Points

• Intimate experience: Limited to 10 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.
• Diverse foods and drinks: From croquettes to gin tastings, you’ll sample seven memorable experiences.
• Rich history: Learn about Soho’s vibrant past, including landmarks like the John Snow water pump.
• Authentic neighborhoods: Visit Carnaby Street, Chinatown, and Soho’s red-light district, each with its own story.
• Guides praised: Many reviews mention guides like Anita, Tom, and Chris for their knowledge and hospitality.
• Great value: All food, drinks, water, and some alcohol included, making it a well-rounded tasting experience.

A Deep Dive into the Soho Food Tasting Tour

Setting the scene:
This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and culinary delights in London’s lively Soho neighborhood. It’s designed for those who want to taste their way through a city that’s always buzzing, with enough history and local color to keep the experience engaging.

Starting point and logistics:
Meet at 17-18 Golden Square, centrally located near public transit, which means no long cab rides or parking hassles. The tour lasts about 3 to 4 hours, giving ample time for stops, bites, and storytelling without feeling rushed. Because the group is capped at 10 people, you’ll find yourself in a friendly, conversational environment—much more personal than large bus or walking tours.

Stops and what to expect:
Each site offers a unique slice of Soho’s history or culture, combined with a tasting. Here’s a closer look at each:

Stop 1: 51 Carnaby Street
Famous since the 1960s for fashion and counterculture, Carnaby Street remains a symbol of London’s vibrant style. Your guide will share its stories, making it more than just a shopping street. No food here, but it’s the perfect intro to Soho’s lively vibe.

Stop 2: Broadwick Street – Spirit of Soho Mural
This colorful mural captures the neighborhood’s artistic side. It’s a quick stop, but it sets the tone for Soho’s creative spirit. You’ll learn about Soho’s cultural identity from your guide, making this a meaningful visual contrast to the culinary stops.

Stop 3: 44 Broadwick Street – John Snow Water Pump
A fascinating piece of public health history. This pump is linked to the 1854 cholera outbreak and the pioneering work of Dr. John Snow. It’s a short visit, but one that adds a layer of depth, illustrating how Soho’s history extends beyond just food and nightlife.

Stop 4: Great Windmill Street – The Windmill Venue
Once famous for its WWII nude revues, this historic entertainment venue reminds us that Soho has always been a place of bold experimentation and cultural change. No food here, but it’s a quick, visually interesting stop.

Stop 5: Soho’s Red Light District
An honest glimpse into Soho’s seedier past, this area tells stories of London’s adult entertainment history. It’s a reminder of Soho’s broader social history, which your guide will highlight, enriching your understanding of this neighborhood’s evolution.

Stop 6: Berwick Street Market
A lively marketplace since the 18th century, this spot is an excellent place to see local vendors and bustling street life. Though no food is sampled here, this stop helps you appreciate the neighborhood’s long-standing tradition of open-air trading.

Stop 7: The French House
This historic pub has hosted artists like Dylan Thomas. It’s a great spot to enjoy a drink (included in the tour), and soak up some Soho ambiance, especially if you’re a fan of literary and artistic legends.

Stop 8: Gerrard Street – Chinatown
The tour’s culinary highlight, Chinatown offers a feast of authentic Chinese cuisine. Here, you’ll taste Coconut Beef Rendang Curry, Roti Canai, and BBQ Pork Bao Buns—each bite a window into London’s multicultural fabric. Many reviewers praise the quality and authenticity of these dishes, making this stop a top moment.

The Food and Drinks

The tour includes a carefully curated selection of bites and sips:

• King Prawn Croquettes with Seafood Aioli – crispy, flavorful, and satisfying.
• Jamon & Migas Croquettas – a Spanish-inspired tapas with rich flavor.
• Truffle Arancini – Italian classic elevated with luxurious truffle oil.
• Coconut Beef Rendang Curry with Roti Canai – a hearty, fragrant dish showcasing Southeast Asian flavors.
• Fluffy BBQ Pork Bao Buns – soft, savory, and perfect for an Asian street-food vibe.
• Our Secret Dish – designed to surprise and delight, adding an element of mystery.
• Three historic gins – for those interested in London’s gin scene and its storied past.
• Water and a drink at a local bar – helps keep you refreshed during the tour.

All eats and drinks, including alcohol, are included in the price, giving you a worry-free tasting experience. Reviewers consistently emphasize how plentiful and high-quality the food is, with many noting that they left full and satisfied. One guest praised the tour for “so much food in just a few blocks,” highlighting the value.

Guides and Experience Quality

Guids like Tom, Anita, and Chris are frequently praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling skills. Several reviews mention guides “sharing fun facts” and “making everyone feel welcome,” elevating the tour from just a food tasting to a cultural outing. Guests appreciate guides who connect the food to London’s history and neighborhoods, making each bite part of a bigger story.

The small group size means you can ask questions, get personalized recommendations, and enjoy a relaxed pace. Many reviewers mention how guides handled the crowds well—especially on busy Saturdays—thanks to their enthusiasm and preparation.

Pricing and Value

At $139 per person, this tour offers quite good value when you consider it includes all food, drinks, and a knowledgeable guide. It’s not the cheapest London experience, but the variety of tastings, the intimate atmosphere, and the inclusion of alcohol make it a solid investment for those who want a culinary and cultural snapshot of Soho.

Given the extensive stops, the historical insights, and the quality of the food, many guests find the experience worth every penny. One reviewer summed it up: “Book a food tour!!!!” highlighting that it’s a memorable, filling, and fun way to spend an afternoon in Soho.

Practical Details

• Duration: 3 to 4 hours
• Meeting point: 17-18 Golden Square, near public transportation
• Group size: Max 10 travelers, ensuring personal attention
• Includes: All food, three gins, water
• Exclusions: Guide gratuity, transportation
• Dress code: No full tracksuits or flip-flops—dress smart casual
• Dietary restrictions: Not suitable for vegans, eggs, dairy-free, gluten-free, nut allergies, or coeliac diet

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children or teenagers?
Most of the stops involve adult-oriented venues like pubs and the red-light district, so travelers under 18 may be turned away and might miss some parts of the tour.

Can I join if I have dietary restrictions?
Unfortunately, the tour cannot accommodate egg, dairy-free, gluten-free, lactose intolerance, coeliac, nut allergy, or vegan diets. It’s best suited for those with no major food restrictions.

How much walking is involved?
You’ll walk through lively streets, but the stops are close together. Expect moderate walking, suitable for those with a reasonable fitness level.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most bookings are made about 49 days in advance, and the tour is popular. Confirmations are received within 48 hours.

What’s included in the price?
All tastings, drinks, three gin samples, and water. Gratuities and transportation are not included.

Is the tour family-friendly?
It’s best for adults due to venues and alcohol, but some families with older teenagers have enjoyed the experience.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before, receiving a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Is this tour accessible?
It requires moderate walking and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.

How many stops are there, and how long does each last?
There are eight stops, each lasting about 30 minutes, combining sightseeing, stories, and tastings.

Final thoughts

If you’re seeking a well-rounded, small-group experience that mixes historic sites, neighborhood flavor, and delicious food and drinks, this Soho tour hits the mark. It’s especially perfect for travelers eager to get a taste of London’s multicultural identity while learning about its past.

You’ll leave feeling both satisfied and inspired, with plenty of ideas for exploring more of London’s food scene on your own. The tour’s combination of authentic bites, engaging storytelling, and intimate setting makes it a memorable way to spend an afternoon in one of London’s most lively neighborhoods.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a small family, this tour offers a genuine, fun, and flavorful slice of London life. Just remember to go hungry, bring your curiosity, and leave your flip-flops at home!