About
Pub Tour London
Pub Tour London is run by Side Routes, a small London-based team dedicated to showing visitors — and locals — the city’s history through its oldest pubs. What started as a passion for storytelling has grown into the Historic Pubs, Taverns, Ales and Tales Tour, a two-hour walk through four of London’s most characterful taverns, trusted by over 2,500 guests who’ve left us “Excellent” reviews.
We don’t do dry history lectures. Our guides — local storytellers we call Tavern Masters — bring London’s past to life through the pubs themselves: the plagues, fires, rebellions and literary legends that unfolded over a pint. You’ll step inside four historic pubs most tourists walk straight past, hear the stories behind them, and finish with a themed toast alongside a small group of fellow travellers (never more than 16).
Every tour starts at Waterhouse Square and covers just over half a mile at an easy pace, so it’s as much about the company and the stories as it is about the walking. Pub Tour London is operated by Tourbit Ltd, and we also run the Jack The Ripper Tours. Got a question before booking? Email us at cheers@pubtourlondon.com or message us on WhatsApp — we’re always happy to help.
faq’s
Still searching for answers? Reach out to our dedicated team, and we’ll gladly assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. We're here to help you every step of the way!
bookings@sideroutes.com+44 3308 227 686
We cover about 0.6 miles (1km) at a very gentle, relaxed pace with plenty of stops. It’s more about standing and listening in incredible locations than strenuous walking.
This is London, it nearly always rains! Tours in the rain are just as fun, often even more atmospheric, and we still run no matter the weather. Just bring a brolly (British slang for an umbrella).
Children are welcome to join the tour, but please message us beforehand. Do note that the legal drinking age in the UK is 18, so we’ll only be able to provide the history and soft drinks for younger guests.
Yes, there are plenty of alcohol-free options, and the tour is absolutely not to be missed because of this. We’ll be diving into the ancient history of one of the UK’s most important cultural cornerstones — the pub!
We’re flexible with plan changes, and we offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
We only charge £25 so Food and drink are at your own expense, and most guests usually enjoy three to four drinks during the experience. We’ll guide you towards the legendary local and historic drinks, the ones worth trying, and the stories behind them. If you don’t drink alcohol, that’s absolutely fine. Come for the history. Every pub offers soft drinks, and you’ll be just as welcome.