If you love your food then arranging a private tour of London’s top foodie destinations is a must during your stay in the UK’s capital city. London is a melting pot of cultures and that also means it has plenty of variety on offer across its restaurants, cafes and markets too.
We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite foodie spots in the city that you should include as part of your bespoke London tour.
1. Borough Market
You can’t go on a food tour of London without stopping by Borough Market, where traders have been selling food and drinks in the city for over 1,000 years! Although it has certainly changed in that time, the building itself still retains much of its historic charm.
Instead of wholesale greengrocers, these days you’ll find a variety of traders under its roof, ranging from artisan delis to chic bars and restaurants serving mouthwatering food. Because of the variety on offer here, there will be something for every palette.
2. Afternoon tea with a Bridgerton twist
If you’re a fan of the show Bridgerton, you need to book a table for afternoon tea at the gorgeous Lanesborough Hotel as part of your food tour of the city. Located in the upmarket Belgravia, the setting screams opulence.
The afternoon tea itself is delightful, featuring cakes, sandwiches and drinks all inspired by the popular show. In fact, the menu here was developed in conjunction with the programme’s creators so you know it’s authentic.
3. Brixton
We mentioned that London is a melting pot of cultures and it’s well worth making the journey to Brixton to get a taste of one of the most vibrant communities here – the Caribbean restaurants and food vendors in this part of the city are unrivalled.
OSR Restaurant and RapChar are two of the standout venues blending Caribbean culture with other influences, while you can’t go wrong with the street-food inspired menu at Fish Wings & Tings.
4. London Secret Wine Bar
The London Secret Wine Bar in Mayfair is tucked away beneath a farm shop that serves delicious seasonal food alongside a selection of wines. You can order wines by the glass, carafe or bottle, so there’s something for everyone here – and you’ll feel like a local in the know if you seek out this tucked away gem.
5. Supperclube.Tube
This is a restaurant that offers a uniquely London experience – fine dining in a London Tube car. Don’t worry, you’re not flying along on a working train while trying to enjoy your food and drink. This is an old Victoria Line Tube carriage that has been turned into a restaurant.
The menu at Supperclube.Tube is Latin-American-inspired and created using seasonal British ingredients. It’s a fantastic option and certainly a night you’re unlikely to forget.
6. St John Restaurant
London is home to a multitude of restaurants that hold a coveted Michelin star and one of the best is St John in Smithfield. Although it appears to be casual, its food is anything but, with Time Out food and drink editor Leonie Cooper describing it as “famously full on”.
Think rich flavours that reconnect you to British cuisine in the best possible way. St John has expanded to now also have a bakery and winery in different parts of London, so there are many ways in which to sample its culinary offerings.
You don’t even need a booking to go to the bar, where it’s possible to order much of the menu as bar snacks, so even if you have a flexible schedule you can still include a spot of Michelin-star dining.
7. OXO Tower Restaurant and Brasserie
No foodie tour of London would be complete without dining in one of its restaurants that boasts breathtaking views of the city’s iconic skyline. And few offer a more spectacular view than the OXO Tower Restaurant and Brasserie, which is located at the top of the OXO Tower.
While you’re enjoying a tantalising tasting menu, your eyes can be feasting on the view of the River Thames, St Paul’s Cathedral and the rest of the central London skyline.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to London’s culinary delights, which is why organising a private tour with your own guide is a great idea. Not only can they ensure you find your way between the bustling markets and chic restaurants, but they’ll be able to curate a tour that suits your preferences.
So, whether you want to delve into the best of British cuisine, have a taste of Asia while you’re touring London’s sights, or explore some of the incredible fusion dishes on offer, you can rest assured that your private tour will cater for you.
