London Private Pub Tour - Central London's Best Pubs! in London
London, United Kingdom

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

Outty Ranking 62 4.9 · 23 traveler reviews2.5 hoursFrom $180

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$180
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Outty Ranking

62/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 23 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is London Private Pub Tour - Central London's Best Pubs! worth booking?

London Private Pub Tour - Central London's Best Pubs! is a 2.5-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $180 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 23 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
62 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (23)
Duration
2.5 hours
From
$180 per person

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 som

What you get

  • Tour Guide

About this experience

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.

What's included

Included

  • Tour Guide

Not included

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Gratuities

What you'll see and do

  1. 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 minutes here

  2. 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 minutes here

  3. 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!

    20 minutes here

  4. 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

    30 minutes here

  5. 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 minutes here

  6. 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.

    20 minutes here

  7. 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.

    30 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Meeting point

London

We will meet the customers outside the Villiers Street entrance to Embankment Station.

Hotel pickup

No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

Ends at

We will meet the customers outside the Villiers Street entrance to Embankment Station.

Before you book

Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Languages
en, es
Ticket
Mobile Only
Runs on
Every day
Group size
Up to 15 travelers per booking
Operated by
Tours Of The UK

Know before you go

  • 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

Photos

The Sherlock Holmes Pub's beautiful flowersThe Sherlock Holmes Pub in central LondonThe Harp, our favourite pub!The Nell Gwynne, an amazing independent pub, named after one of Charles II mistresses, in the heart of London.A very nice glass of wineBeer? Wine? Cider? Cocktails? Mocktails? Soft-drinks? there's too much choice

What travelers are saying

Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 23 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

The guide

7 mentions

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

Knowledge and storytelling

5 mentions

Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

Traveler reviews

23 verified traveler reviews for London Private Pub Tour - Central London's Best Pubs!. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

5 star
20
4 star
3
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Brian S · August 2026

Tom’s pub tour

Wonderful tour from Tom. Learned lots about different pubs and beer culture, and London in general. I’d go out for a beer with him as boys!

via Tripadvisor

Sally_O · July 2026

London Pubs

Was a great afternoon and our guide Michael was awesome! He was so knowledgeable and told us so many great stories! We so enjoyed our time with him and in all the pubs!

via Viator

John_L · July 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.

via Viator

amandahL8413AX · April 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.

via Tripadvisor

Mitchell_F · October 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.

Response from the operator: 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

via Viator

Good to know

Duration
2.5 hours
Free cancellation
Up to 24h before
Minimum age to book
All ages
Availability
Bookable today
Runs on
Every day
Hotel pickup
No pickup, meet at start point
Booked in 30 days
8
Verdict
Solid Choice

Why this scores 62

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

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)85
Review evidence (18% weight)42
Booking momentum (14% weight)34
Value for money (12% weight)14
Listing quality (10% weight)90
Local standing (8% weight)66
Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

London Private Pub Tour - Central London's Best Pubs!: questions travelers ask

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

How much does London Private Pub Tour - Central London's Best Pubs! cost?

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Prices start at $180 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 London Private Pub Tour - Central London's Best Pubs! take?

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Plan for about 2.5 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 London Private Pub Tour - Central London's Best Pubs! worth it?

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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 23 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 London Private Pub Tour - Central London's Best Pubs!?

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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 London Private Pub Tour - Central London's Best Pubs! suitable for kids and families?

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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

How far in advance should I book London Private Pub Tour - Central London's Best Pubs!?

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Around 8 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?

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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 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

Where does London Private Pub Tour - Central London's Best Pubs! start and how do I get there?

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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?

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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 Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs, The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour. 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?

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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?

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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?

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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.

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