HISTORY OF LONDON IN 4 DRINKS


​Whether it be tea, coffee, gin or beer, Londoners have always been under the influence and these four drinks have helped shape our city as we know it today. 

Did you know that we drank coffee long before we drank tea? Learn how many of London's most famous organisations and institutions were founded in the city’s diverse coffee house scene (some were brothels, others science labs). Beer was endorsed by the government as cleaner than water and safer than spirits, leading to thousands of beer houses appearing in London. We visit some great examples of these classic pubs. Gin was the drink craze of 18th Century. We discuss London’s 1000 gin stills and the alarming impact they had.

And finally, tea, the quintessentially British quencher! We have lost wars and chunks of our Empire over it, we have exchanged drugs for the precious leaves, locking them away as if they were gold - remember that when you next get out your teapot!
  • Tour length:
    2.5 hours
    ​
  • Tour size:
    14 people max
    (Tours can be arranged for larger groups but some locations may change)​

  • Included in tour:
    Tea/Coffee, Beer and Gin & Tonic

  • Places/Areas Visited:
    St. Paul's Cathedral, Fleet Street, Holborn, Old Bailey, City of London Distillery and Samuel Johnson's House​
  • Start point:
    A café or pub near St. Paul's
​
  • End point:
    A gin distillery within the City of London

  • Recommended Times:
    After 2pm. Not available on Sundays

  • Price:
    £40 pp (min. of six people)
"An afternoon tour, looking at the history of London through the medium of tea, coffee, beer and gin (drinks included!). Very entertaining and knowledgeable guide. A really fascinating and fun afternoon."

-A TripAdvisor Review