Get to know the East End’s burgeoning food scene and its fascinating history on a 3.5-hour London walking tour. With a friendly local guide, explore the eclectic neighbourhoods of Shoreditch and Spitalfields and discover the places where in-the-know Londoners choose to eat. Wolf down a bacon sandwich at the award-winning St John Bread and Wine restaurant, discover the legendary salt-beef bagels of Beigel Bake and sample artisan British cheese. Traditional fish and chips at Poppies are also included, as are curry samples on Brick Lane and more!
RATINGS: 5/5 (717 Reviews) | TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours & 30 minutes
Food tour Highlights
- Led by a local guide
- Small-group tour
- Soak up the atmosphere on a walking tour
After meeting your guide inside Spitalfields market, set off on your stroll around the area to learn about East London’s food scene and culinary heritage. Culturally diverse, with London’s largest immigrant population, the east London area has its distinct cuisine influenced by the different nationalities who live there. Sample a total of 8 popular local dishes as you explore; highlights are described below.
Start with a traditional British breakfast staple the humble bacon sandwich at St John Bread and Wine, a meat-specialist restaurant that’s become a local institution. Then, step back in time with a visit to the English Restaurant to sample its legendary bread pudding.
Wander over to Androuet, one of London’s top cheese producers, to sample artisan British cheeses, and then enjoy an amble north to Poppies a proper East End chippy for a portion of fish and chips, wrapped in newspaper.
Head back toward Spitalfields and stroll down Brick Lane, Britain’s undisputed curry capital that’s home to Indian food shops and curry restaurants galore. Head inside Aladin, your guide’s favourite eatery, and sample Bangladeshi and Indian specialities while learning how curry has become Britain’s national dish. Then, wander into the heart of the East End’s Shoreditch to visit Beigel Bake, one of the most famous bagel shops on this side of the Atlantic. Chow down on one of their salted beef bagels, and you’ll quickly realize how they made it onto Time Out London’s 100 Best Dishes in London list.
Your final visit is to another historical English restaurant where you’ll try a salted caramel tart to finish on a sweet-tasting high note! Your tour then finishes in the heart of Shoreditch, near Pizza East.
London East End Food Tour Itinerary:
Stop At: Spitalfields
Taste the newest London trend – the Humble Crumble! Sourced with local ingredients, you’ll taste one of their in-season specialities.
Duration: 20 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Stop At: Hanbury Street
Fish & Chips is a must and there is no better place to get your fix than at Poppies, listed as Time Out’s top 100 foods in London.
Duration: 20 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Stop At: Brushfield Street
Taste one of London’s best sandwiches at the award-winning restaurant
Duration: 20 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Stop At: Brick Lane
Visit the most famous bagel shop, on this side of the Atlantic.
Duration: 15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Stop At: Wilkes Street
Admire the different architectural styles on this street.
Duration: 10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Stop At: Shoreditch High Street
If you’ve never tasted a salted caramel tart, then brace yourself for this mouth-watering experience paired with tea.
Duration: 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free.
Stop At: Brick Lane
Brick Lane has over 50 restaurants on just one street – we’ll take you to our favourite and one of the city’s best for a delicious sampling of delectable curries.
Duration: 25 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Stop At: London Central Mosque
Take a picture of the most religiously diverse house of worship in England!!
Duration: 5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
What’s Included in the London East End Food Tour:
- Up to 8 food or drinks to taste at 6 different locations
- Local English-speaking guide
- London – A food lover’s guide
- Gratuities / Tips for guides (not included)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (not included)
- Extra drinks – Email for advice of get 3 additional drinks with our Premium Drink Package (not included)
Tour Departure Point:
Pod 3 Commercial Street Between 109 and 111A Commercial St. Between these 2 shop fronts you will find an entrance into the market. Your guide will be waiting for you at one of the tables with the Eating Europe logo at the Climpson & Sons Coffee bar
Departure Time: 11:00 AM
Return Details: 56 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JJ, UK
After the tour, we will point you in the right direction to continue your visit or call a taxi if needed.
Additional Info about the Tour:
- Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
- You must be 18+ to drink alcoholic beverages on the tour
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Tour stops, tastings and the number of tastings may change slightly to reflect seasonal produce, vendor opening hours and availability.
- Email us to advise of any dietary requirements such as vegetarian and gluten-free diets in advance of the tour.
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travellers
- Operated by London Food Tours by Eating Europe.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted. Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time. This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Learn more about cancellations.
You might be interested in
