London: Cheese Tasting Walking Tour

London: Cheese Tasting Walking Tour – A Delicious Journey Through the Capital’s Cheesemaking Heritage

The London: Cheese Tasting Walking Tour offers a flavorful exploration of London’s best artisan cheese shops and delis. Priced at $74.08 per person, this 2-hour small-group experience takes participants through famous London cheese shops, including the Royal cheesemonger and Royal Delicatessens, with up to 10 people in each group. Starting from Green Park, the tour promises a lively, informative session featuring cheese samples from Britain, France, and Italy combined with expert insights on pairing cheeses with wine.

This guided walk is ideal for cheese lovers and those curious about the UK’s rich cheesemaking traditions. While it offers a comprehensive tasting experience, it’s important to remember that no hotel pickup is included, and visitors must cover their own transportation to the meeting point. The tour’s strength lies in its small group setting and knowledgeable guides, making it personal and engaging.

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Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $74.08 for 2 hours, this tour balances quality cheese tastings with a manageable schedule.
• Exclusive Visits: You’ll visit London’s top artisan cheesemakers, including the Royal cheesemonger and delis in Mayfair, Soho, and near Covent Garden.
• Tasting Highlights: Expect to sample English, French, and Italian cheeses, including British cheeses near Covent Garden and drunken cheese at an Italian delicatessen.
• Expert Insights: The guide explains pairing cheeses with wine and shares cheesy jokes for added fun.
• Inclusions: A small bottle of water and cheese samples are provided, with no extra cost for purchases.
• Accessibility & Practicalities: The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for those with outdoor clothing and comfortable shoes.

Starting Point: Green Park Tube Station Outside M&S

The tour begins precisely outside Green Park tube station on Piccadilly South side, directly opposite the M&S shop and under a bus shelter. This convenient location ensures a straightforward start without needing additional transportation. The guide leads the group from here into the heart of London’s cheese scene.

Visiting London’s Finest Cheese Shop in Mayfair

The first stop is at London’s top cheese shop, a place with royal connections—Queen Elizabeth and King Charles have shopped here. The shop specializes in fine English cheeses, and visitors get to sample a couple of these during a short talk about the shop’s history and offerings. This visit provides insight into traditional British cheesemaking and the shop’s role in London’s cheese culture.

French Cheese Tasting at F&M Delicatessen in Mayfair

Moving on to the F&M delicatessen, the tour introduces French cheeses. Here, participants sample a refined French cheese, experiencing the delicate flavors typical of authentic French fromage. This stop emphasizes the international variety available in London’s delis, with a focus on French cheese craftsmanship.

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Italian Delicatessen and Drunken Cheese Sample

Next, the group visits an Italian delicatessen where they taste “drunken cheese”—a cheese soaked in wine or liquor, adding a unique flavor twist. This stop highlights Italy’s influence on London’s cheese scene and the innovative methods used to create distinctive flavors.

British Cheeses Near Covent Garden

The final tasting takes place at a dairy shop close to Covent Garden, where British cheeses are sampled. This local British selection showcases the heritage and variety of cheeses produced in the UK, providing a fitting conclusion to the culinary journey.

The Stops Along the Route: A Closer Look

The tour’s itinerary includes five stops across Mayfair, Soho, and near Covent Garden, each offering a distinctive cheese experience. The 30-minute tasting sessions at each location give enough time to sample different cheeses and appreciate the diversity of flavors.

The Royal cheesemonger stop is especially notable for its royal warrant and history of supplying Queen Elizabeth and King Charles. The F&M French cheese stop provides a taste of European craftsmanship, while the Italian delicatessen with drunken cheese offers a fun, flavorful twist. The British cheeses at the final stop round out the experience, emphasizing local traditions.

Guide, Group Size, and Atmosphere

The live English-speaking guide leads the tour with enthusiasm, sharing cheese knowledge and jokes. The small group size (max 10 participants) ensures an intimate and interactive experience. This format encourages questions and personalized attention from the guide, making the tasting both educational and enjoyable.

Practical Details: Booking, Cancellation, and What to Bring

Booking the tour is flexible: reserve now and pay later, allowing for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start date. The tour does not include hotel pickup or additional purchases, so visitors should plan transportation to the meeting point.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes, bring outdoor clothing suitable for London weather, and a face mask or protective covering. The tour includes a small bottle of water and cheese samples, making it a convenient activity for a midday break or afternoon outing.

Accessibility and Suitability

This tour is wheelchair accessible but is not suitable for children under 12, or for individuals with mobility impairments or certain food allergies (including lactose and nut allergies). It’s a relaxed walking experience designed for those who enjoy tasting and learning about cheese.

Comparing Similar Experiences

London Mystery Walks also offers other experiences like guided sightseeing tours, food tours, and cultural workshops, but this cheese tour stands out for its focus on artisan cheesemaking and culinary exploration. Its intimate group size and expert-led approach distinguish it from larger, generic tours.

Final Thoughts on the London Cheese Tasting Walk

This 2-hour guided cheese tour combines history, flavor, and fun in the heart of London. It offers an excellent value for its price, especially for cheese aficionados and food curious visitors. The visits to renowned shops like the Royal cheesemonger provide a glimpse into royal traditions, while the variety of cheeses ensures a broad tasting experience.

While it’s not designed for families with very young children or those with specific dietary restrictions, most adults will appreciate the well-paced, informative nature of this tour. Expect delicious samples, engaging storytelling, and a memorable culinary journey through London’s cheese scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, but participants should check individual mobility needs as some walking and standing are involved.

What should I bring on the tour?
Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes, bring outdoor clothing for London weather, and a face mask if preferred.

Are there vegetarian or allergy considerations?
The tour includes cheese samples, but it is not suitable for people with food allergies, lactose intolerance, or nut allergies.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.

Does the tour include wine pairing?
While the guide explains pairing cheeses and wine, the tour price includes only cheese samples and water. Any wine pairing is part of the explanation, not a tasting.

Where does the tour end?
The journey concludes back at Seven Dials, near the starting point at Green Park, making it easy to explore further or return to accommodations.

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