London: Secret Beer Tour

Looking for a way to experience London’s vibrant craft beer scene beyond just grabbing a pint at your local pub? This London: Secret Beer Tour offers a well-rounded journey through the city’s brewing history and contemporary craft scene in about three hours. It’s a tour that promises not just tastings but also stories, insights, and a chance to see some of London’s coolest beer spots.

What draws many to this experience are two things: First, the knowledgeable guides who make the history & process of beer feel engaging and accessible. Second, the variety of beers sampled—from historic ales to innovative brews, you’ll get to taste a good mix that keeps your palate intrigued.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour is quite focused on the beer experience itself; it doesn’t include food, so arriving well-fed is recommended. Also, it’s primarily about the beer and the venues, making it ideal for those genuinely interested in craft brewing and London’s beer culture. If you’re after a fun, educational, and relaxed way to explore London’s beer scene, this tour could be just right for you.

Key Points

• Authentic Beer Experiences: Visit historic pubs and cutting-edge microbreweries.
• Educational & Fun: Learn the right way to taste beer and discover its complex flavors.
• Variety of Beers: Nine different samples, from stouts to sours, offered throughout.
• Great Guides: Friendly, knowledgeable guides who make the experience lively.
• No Food Included: Arrive hungry or plan to eat afterward.
• Flexible & Convenient: 3-hour private groups with multiple start times.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from the London: Secret Beer Tour

This isn’t just a pub crawl—it’s an exploration of London’s brewing heritage and current craft revolution. Starting at a historic tap house by the Thames, you’ll kick off with a classic British Ale, setting a tone that respects tradition while leading into the more experimental side of London brewing.

From there, the tour moves into the Bermondsey Beer Mile, a street renowned for its thriving craft beer scene. With more than 16 breweries lining the route, you’ll get to see first-hand how small-scale brewing is alive and kicking in London. The guides do a fantastic job of weaving in stories about how the capital played a role in inventing the IPA and other styles, making it a real treat for those interested in beer’s history.

The Stops & Beers

While the exact venues may shift depending on availability and weather—something that’s quite common in food and drink tours—you’ll visit 3 or 4 different venues. Each stop offers about 8 beer samples, roughly the equivalent of 3 pints in total. These are not tiny tastes; they’re small glasses that allow you to savor each style fully.

The beers you’ll sample cover a broad spectrum: Smokey stouts, sour ales, hoppy IPAs, and cask ales. The list is designed to showcase London’s brewing diversity and innovation. Plus, you’ll get the chance to meet brewers at a microbrewery, where they often pour straight from the tank. That behind-the-scenes look is a bonus that many find memorable.

Learning & Tasting Tips

One of the standout features, according to reviews, is the guide’s expertise in teaching the correct way to taste beer—something many drinkers overlook. Understanding the flavors, aromas, and subtleties makes each sip more enjoyable and engaging.

As one reviewer put it, the guide Luke was “super informative and very friendly,” making the experience feel like a casual hangout rather than a formal lesson. This approachable style helps even newcomers to craft beer feel at ease.

The Value of the Tour

At $126.62 per person, this tour offers a solid value, especially considering the inclusions. You’re paying for around 3 hours of guided tastings at multiple venues, with the chance to learn about brewing and history along the way. Since the price includes approximately 8 samples at different stops, the cost per drink is quite reasonable, given the quality and variety.

It’s also worth noting that the tour is private, meaning your group can enjoy a personalized experience, which adds to the overall value. As some reviews suggest, guides like Luke make the experience feel like hanging out with friends, not a staged tour.

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Practical Details

• Duration: 3 hours, starting in the late afternoon or early evening (5 pm or 3 pm, depending on the day)
• Meeting Point: Starbucks Shad Thames Tower Bridge Piazza, in an iconic area
• Availability: Check beforehand, as starting times may vary
• Age Suitability: While not specified, the focus on beer suggests it’s best suited for adults
• Cancellation & Payment: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility

The Experience – Pros and Cons

Pros

• Informative guides transform the tour from a simple tasting into a mini-lesson on beer styles, brewing techniques, and London’s brewing history.
• Variety of beers keeps things interesting, especially with styles like sour beers and smoked stouts that aren’t always available in regular pubs.
• Venue selection offers a mix of historic pubs and modern microbreweries, providing both tradition and innovation.
• Small group/private tour creates an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.
• Learning how to taste beer properly enhances the experience and future beer tasting adventures.

Cons

• No food is included, so you’ll want to arrive well-fed or plan to eat afterward.
• The itinerary might change due to weather or venue availability, which could affect the experience slightly.
• If you’re not a beer drinker or prefer more food-focused tours, this might not be your best fit.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is ideal for beer enthusiasts eager to understand more about the craft and history of London brewing. It’s also perfect for those who enjoy casual social outings with friends or partners in a lively, engaging setting. If you’re curious about how beer is made or want to taste some rare styles, you’ll find plenty to love here.

While it’s not specifically geared toward families or children—since alcohol is involved—adults of all ages who like to explore local flavors and stories will find it rewarding. It might also be a great activity for a small group of travelers looking for a relaxed, educational experience that’s different from the usual sightseeing.

Final Thoughts

The London: Secret Beer Tour offers a well-balanced mix of history, craft, and fun. With friendly and knowledgeable guides, you’ll learn about London’s brewing past while sampling a variety of exciting beers. The tour is a fantastic way to spend a few hours soaking up local flavor, especially if you’re into craft beer or want to deepen your understanding of London’s drinking culture.

Price-wise, it represents good value for the immersive experience and quality of tastings. The informal vibe, combined with the chance to meet brewers and learn about different styles, makes it more than just a tasting—it’s an educational adventure that feels like hanging out with friends who happen to be brewing experts.

If you’re looking for a laid-back, approachable tour that combines history, local culture, and beer, this experience is a solid choice. Just remember to eat beforehand, and you’ll come away with a new appreciation for London’s brewing scene—and some great stories to tell.

FAQs

Is food included in the tour? No, food is not included, so it’s best to come well-fed or plan to eat afterwards. The guide can recommend spots at the end.

How many beers will I taste? You’ll sample about 8 different beers during the tour, roughly equivalent to 3 pints in total.

What kinds of beers will I try? Expect a range from smoky stouts and sour beers to classic IPAs and cask ales, showcasing London’s brewing diversity.

Are the venues the same every time? Not necessarily. The itinerary might change depending on venue availability and weather, but you’ll visit 3 or 4 venues.

Is it suitable for non-drinkers? This tour is focused on beer, so it’s best suited for adults who enjoy tasting and learning about beer styles.

How long does the tour last? About 3 hours, starting typically in the late afternoon or early evening.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

How many people are in each group? This is a private group experience, offering a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere.

Where do we meet? At Starbucks Shad Thames Tower Bridge Piazza, a convenient and scenic meeting point.

What should I bring? Just your curiosity and a good appetite to enjoy the tastings. No food included, so plan accordingly.

If you’re into craft beer, enjoy discovering new places, or just want a fun way to spend part of your London trip, this tour hits a nice balance of education and enjoyment. It’s a chance to see a different side of the city, connecting history, local culture, and good drinks in a relaxed setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: