Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Private Food Tour
London, United Kingdom

Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Private Food Tour

Outty Ranking 81 5.0 · 295 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $224
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Outty Ranking

81/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 295 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Private Food Tour worth booking?

Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Private Food Tour is a 3-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $224 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 295 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
81 / 100
Rating
5/5 (295)
Duration
3 hours
From
$224 per person

Welcome to the only food tour in the City of London (really!). Down river from the palaces of Westminster, you’ll find the much older City of London, which dates back to Roman times and has been the epicenter of British and European life ever since. Taste your way through the classic London dining destinations that fed the commercial, political and literary ambitions of a growing city – the oyster house, the chophouse, the chocolate house, the tavern & beyond – taking it from the middleweight capital of a small island nation to a world-famous global metropolis. The story of the City of London is an entire novel written in wood, fire, stone, steel, glass, merchants & magic. Read it cover to cover on this completely one-of-a-kind culinary adventure through 2000 years, serving up the good, bad and bizarre tidbits of history, all framed by fantastic food. It’s the perfect London tour for first timers and long timers alike.

What you get

    About this experience

    Welcome to the only food tour in the City of London (really!). Down river from the palaces of Westminster, you’ll find the much older City of London, which dates back to Roman times and has been the epicenter of British and European life ever since. Taste your way through the classic London dining destinations that fed the commercial, political and literary ambitions of a growing city – the oyster house, the chophouse, the chocolate house, the tavern & beyond – taking it from the middleweight capital of a small island nation to a world-famous global metropolis. The story of the City of London is an entire novel written in wood, fire, stone, steel, glass, merchants & magic. Read it cover to cover on this completely one-of-a-kind culinary adventure through 2000 years, serving up the good, bad and bizarre tidbits of history, all framed by fantastic food. It’s the perfect London tour for first timers and long timers alike.

    What's included

    Included

    • Local English-speaking guide
    • Feel the magic as you walk in the footsteps of William Shakespeare, Roman soldiers and Harry Potter
    • ‘Food & the City’ Insider Tips
    • Dine in the favourite tavern of London’s most famous author and see his extensive bar bill
    • Unravel the controversial history of the City’s sugar and spice trade.

    Not included

    • Gratuities / Tips for guides
    • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
    • Extra drinks

    What you'll see and do

    1. This iconic monument pays homage to Smith's legendary voyages and contributions to exploration.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Historic pub on one of Britain’s oldest roads that housed the builders of St Paul's Cathedral

      20 minutes here

    3. London’s oldest fish restaurant (dates back to the 1800s) and an absolute City institution. But it’s not just history - was a favorite of the late Anthony Bourdain, Fergus Henderson of St John and Jamie Oliver

      20 minutes here

    4. Discover the differences between the city of London and the City of London and what marks a real Londoner as you marvel at magnificent medieval buildings, historic markets and Roman ruins.

      Pass by without stopping

    5. Royal Exchange Building London

      A pandemic lockdown success story, now housed at the iconic Royal Exchange (and its legacies of the London spice & sugar trade)

      10 minutes here

    6. A 19th century bank, this now hotel, bar and restaurant imposes its beautiful and luxurious look with its high ceilings and the real life ‘safe’ behind the bar. It almost feels like you’re stepping into Gringotts.

      20 minutes here

    7. Hidden down a back alley, this is the oldest chophouse in London with a history dating back to the 1700s. A favourite of Charles Dickens - it’s where Scrooge has his supper in A Christmas Carol (and they still have the bill from a party Dickens had here)

      20 minutes here

    8. Walk in the footsteps of Harry Potter and see one of the filming locations from the first film.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    London

    The meeting point is outside St-Mary-Le-Bow church - nearest tube station is St Paul’s in front of the Statue of Cpt. Jhon Smith. Look for the guide with Eating Europe logo.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Options you can book

    • Small-Group Food Tour (12 max)

      Duration: 3 hours

    • Private Food Tour Upgrade

      Enjoy a more intimate, personalised food experience, shared exclusively with your group. Duration: 3 hours Includes an extra tasting

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
    Group size
    Up to 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    London Food Tours by Eating Europe

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • This activity requires a minimum of 2 guests. Should this not be met, we will contact you directly to help you get rescheduled or reimbursed.
    • Children under 4 years old do not need a ticket and can join the tour for free. However, food is not included. Paid tickets with food included are available for ages 4 and up.
    • Please note that the tastings mentioned are a selection of the delicious foods we often feature. Both offerings and tour stops may vary by day or season, but you're sure to enjoy a delightful array of local flavors!
    • Have dietary requirements? Simply email us or add a note at booking, and we’ll do our best to accommodate vegetarians, gluten-free guests or other dietary needs where we can. For guest safety, this experience isn’t suitable for those with severe or life-threatening food allergies to ingredients found on the tour, and the company cannot take responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances.

    Photos

    Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Private Food Tour, photo 2Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Private Food Tour, photo 3Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Private Food Tour, photo 4Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Private Food Tour, photo 5Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Private Food Tour, photo 6Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Private Food Tour, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 294 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    6 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    The guide

    3 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Traveler reviews

    294 verified traveler reviews for Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Private Food Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    290
    4 star
    4
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Wander724678 · October 2026

    So much fun!!

    Chris was so amazing and his stories were so interesting. It was the perfect about of walking and food. It was so much fun!

    via Tripadvisor

    mnteacher23 · October 2026

    Borough Market food tour

    Chris was a wonderful guide! He was very knowledgeable and had great pacing throughout the tour. Highly recommend!

    via Tripadvisor

    DayTrip402392 · October 2026

    Borough Market Tour

    Chris was awesome! Loved the food components but the extra history lessons were amazing.

    via Tripadvisor

    LindsaySpgh · October 2026

    A great time…again!

    Cris was absolutely phenomenal. I’ve taken the story before I’ve had. The pace was just fantastic and I thoroughly enjoyed myself as well as our entire group.

    via Tripadvisor

    X4381IPelizabethj · October 2026

    Awesome tour, better tour guide

    Chris was amazing, knowledgable and was great with our group!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
    Price range
    $224 to $330
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    103
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by London Food Tours by Eating Europe, who run 6 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 88.6 and 2 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything London Food Tours by Eating Europe runs

    Why this scores 81

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)98
    Review evidence (18% weight)75
    Booking momentum (14% weight)71
    Value for money (12% weight)38
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)89
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Private Food Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.

    How much does Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Private Food Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $224 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in London usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Private Food Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in London is not rushed.

    Is Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Private Food Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 81 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 295 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in London, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Private Food Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Private Food Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Private Food Tour?

    +

    Around 103 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in London can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in London and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Private Food Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central London within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in London?

    +

    London's best attractions split cleanly: the museums are free and need no booking, so the paid market is about views, theatre and getting out of the city for a day. That makes value scoring unusually important here, and the Outty Ranking penalises anything charging premium prices for access you could get for nothing. On Outty we rank every London experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour, Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit London?

    +

    May to September for long evenings, December for the Christmas markets. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in London?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Private Food Tour?

    +

    Included: Local English-speaking guide; Feel the magic as you walk in the footsteps of William Shakespeare, Roman soldiers and Har; ‘Food & the City’ Insider Tips; Dine in the favourite tavern of London’s most famous author and see his extensive bar bill; and Unravel the controversial history of the City’s sugar and spice trade. Not included: Gratuities / Tips for guides; Hotel pick-up and drop-off; and Extra drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Private Food Tour?

    +

    The meeting point is outside St-Mary-Le-Bow church - nearest tube station is St Paul’s in front of the Statue of Cpt. Jhon Smith. Look for the guide with Eating Europe logo. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Private Food Tour offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Private Food Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Private Food Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Private Food Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in London. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Private Food Tour?

    +

    Across 295 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, food and drink, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    What booking options are available for Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Private Food Tour?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including Small-Group Food Tour (12 max), Private Food Tour Upgrade. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Private Food Tour.

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