London Cheese Crawl & Walking Tour

The London Cheese Crawl & Walking Tour offers a tasty journey through some of London’s top cheese shops, all within a compact 2-hour session. Priced at $63.68 per person, this experience is designed for food lovers eager to explore the city’s dairy delights without the pressure of a long commitment. The tour begins at Constance Fund fountain of Diana in SW1A 1RD and takes you through Mayfair, Soho, and Covent Garden. Each stop includes all tasters at no extra cost, making it a straightforward, enjoyable way to taste a range of cheeses while learning about their history and craft.

While the tour tends to be booked 41 days in advance on average, it fits comfortably into a busy schedule, perfect for those seeking a quick but flavorful culinary adventure. This tour is particularly suited for cheese enthusiasts or anyone interested in discovering lesser-known spots in central London, though some reviews highlight that large groups can impact the experience.

Key Points

• Price: $63.68 per person for approximately 2 hours of guided cheese tasting.
• Stops include: Fortnum & Mason, Lina Stores Soho Delicatessen, and Covent Garden.
• All tasters are included; no hidden fees for cheese samples.
• Expert guide provides cheese trivia and a fun cheese quiz.
• Group size: Limited to 8 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.
• Booking: Usually booked around 41 days in advance.
• Ideal for: Cheese lovers, food travelers, and time-pressed visitors eager for a local culinary experience.

The London Cheese Crawl & Walking Tour: An Overview

This guided cheese tour explores some of London’s most iconic cheese shops and neighborhoods, focusing on Mayfair, Soho, and Covent Garden. It offers a blend of tasting, learning, and walking that appeals to those wanting a taste of London’s cheese culture without a lengthy commitment.

Led by an informative and friendly guide, the tour emphasizes cheese education alongside sampling. It starts at 12:00 pm at the Constance Fund fountain of Diana, with the tour ending back at the same meeting point, making it easy to incorporate into a day of sightseeing or shopping.

From Mayfair’s Fortnum & Mason to Covent Garden

The tour kicks off in Mayfair, where Fortnum & Mason’s legendary cheese counter tempts visitors with blue cheese, Truffle cheeses, and Stilton. The cheeses here are sourced from reputable cheesemongers with roots dating back to the early 18th century, ensuring a high-quality tasting experience.

Next, the group heads to Lina Stores Soho Delicatessen, nestled in London’s Little Italy. Here, participants enjoy drunk cheeses, an intriguing pairing of cheese and wine, enhancing the flavors and adding a fun twist to the tasting.

Finally, the last stop in Covent Garden provides a relaxed spot to conclude the cheese adventure. The stops are designed to balance cheese tastings with walking through some of London’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

The Stops at Iconic London Cheese Shops

Fortnum & Mason is a highlight, renowned for its historic cheese counter offering some of London’s finest blue cheeses and Truffle Cheeses. The Stilton is a particular favorite, with a history that spans centuries, making it a must-try for cheese connoisseurs.

Lina Stores Soho Delicatessen adds a different dimension with its Italian-inspired cheeses, where drunk cheeses are sampled, often paired with local wines. It’s a lesser-known destination that offers the chance to taste cheeses you might not find elsewhere.

In Covent Garden, the tour wraps up in a lively area perfect for soaking in London’s bustling atmosphere. The final stop often features a mix of local and international cheeses, with opportunities for extra exploration afterward.

Logistics and Meeting Details

The tour departs at 12:00 pm from Constance Fund fountain of Diana in SW1A 1RD. It is a mobile ticket, allowing for easy access. The group is limited to 8 travelers, ensuring personalized attention from the guide.

Public transportation options nearby make access simple, and service animals are permitted. Travelers are advised to communicate any food restrictions ahead of time, especially allergies or dietary preferences.

The Guide and Overall Experience

Guides, such as Nick and Perla, receive praise for their knowledgeable, friendly, and humorous approach. They typically share insights about cheese craft and history, and add fun elements like a cheese quiz.

Reviews consistently highlight the generous cheese portions and entertaining storytelling. Some reviews note that large groups (like 24 people) can be less enjoyable, with longer waits and less cheese per stop, so smaller groups or private bookings might enhance the experience.

Pacing, Crowd Levels, and Tips

The tour’s pacing balances cheese tasting with walking, making it suitable for most fitness levels. The walk between shops is manageable, and the duration is about 2 hours, making it a perfect addition to a busy sightseeing day.

However, during peak times or busy periods, larger crowds could lead to some waiting outside shops and less cheese at each stop. Travelers should consider booking in advance and arriving promptly to maximize the experience.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Other Food Tours

Unlike typical food tours, this one specializes exclusively in cheese, providing a focused experience specifically for cheese enthusiasts. The inclusion of cheese trivia and a cheese quiz makes it engaging beyond just tasting.

The stops at historic and renowned London shops, such as Fortnum & Mason, and the local Italian deli in Soho, provide a diverse range of cheeses and environments. The small group size enhances personal interaction and learning opportunities.

Limitations and Considerations

A few reviews note that cheese portions can vary depending on the group size. During busier times, cheese samples may be less generous, and waiting times might increase. The experience is not suitable for those with severe food allergies unless communicated beforehand.

The tour duration is relatively short, so it’s best viewed as a tasting and sightseeing complement rather than an in-depth culinary immersion. Travelers with mobility issues should be comfortable with walking, but no specific accessibility info is provided.

Why This Tour is Worth Considering

For cheese lovers and curious foodies, this London cheese crawl offers a delightful and informative way to explore central London’s neighborhoods. The expert guides, historical cheese shops, and interactive elements like quizzes make it more than just a tasting tour.

While the group size can impact the experience during peak times, the overall value and personalized approach keep this tour a highly recommended option for those wanting to indulge in London’s cheese scene in a fun, accessible way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and finishes at the Constance Fund fountain of Diana in SW1A 1RD.

Are all cheese tastings included in the price?
Yes, all tasters are included, with no hidden fees.

Is this tour suitable for people with food allergies?
Guests should communicate any food restrictions prior to booking; the tour staff can advise on options.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 8 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start, with a full refund.

Is this tour accessible by public transportation?
Yes, the starting point is near public transit, making it easy to reach.

What makes this tour different from other food experiences in London?
It specializes exclusively in cheese, with knowledgeable guides, a focus on London’s cheese shops, and interactive elements like cheese quizzes.

Are children or families allowed?
While most travelers can participate, those with specific dietary restrictions should inform the tour provider in advance.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes and an interest in cheese are all you need; the tastings are provided.

Is this tour suitable during all weather?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to bad weather, a different date or full refund is offered.

This London Cheese Crawl offers a tasty, accessible way to enjoy some of the city’s best cheese while learning about its history and craft. It appeals most to cheese aficionados and casual food explorers eager for a limited-time, flavorful experience in central London.