London Soho Food Tasting Tour With Secret Food Tours

Explore Soho’s Food Scene and Cultural Landmarks in 3-4 Hours

The London Soho Food Tasting Tour with Secret Food Tours offers a lively and intimate way to experience the heart of London’s nightlife and culinary diversity. Priced at $139 per person, this 3 to 4-hour walking tour is limited to just 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed pace. Starting at 17-18 Golden Square, the tour takes you through seven distinct stops that showcase Soho’s evolution from a fashion hub to a melting pot of cultures, history, and flavors.

This tour excels in blending food tasting with a cultural exploration of iconic sites. Highlights include skip-the-line access to diverse eateries, sampling bao buns, croquettes, and truffle arancini, alongside three historic gins and a local bar visit. The tour is perfect for those who want a comprehensive, engaging introduction to Soho’s culinary and cultural vibrancy in just a few hours.

Key Points

• Limited to 10 participants for a more personal experience
• Includes all food and drinks, such as alcohol and water
• Features seven stops, spanning historic, artistic, and foodie landmarks
• Tastes multiple cuisines including Italian, Malaysian, and Chinese
• Visits iconic sites like Carnaby Street, Broadwick Street murals, and Chinatown
• Guided by knowledgeable hosts with a passion for Soho’s history and food

Starting Point and Tour Duration in Soho

This guided food tour begins at 17-18 Golden Square, a convenient location near public transportation. The entire experience lasts about 3 to 4 hours, making it an accessible option for travelers wanting a deep dive into Soho’s food and history without a full-day commitment.

The tour ends back at the original meeting point, allowing for easy access to nearby sites or transportation. The moderate physical activity involved makes it suitable for most visitors, provided they are comfortable walking through busy streets and historic venues.

Highlights of Soho’s Iconic Stops and Cultural Landmarks

Carnaby Street: The Fashion and Cultural Icon

The tour kicks off at 51 Carnaby Street, famous for 1960s fashion and counterculture. This lively street captures the spirit of London’s swinging sixties, setting a vibrant tone for the adventure ahead. While there’s no entry fee, its significance lies in its fashion history and energetic ambiance, making it a great first stop to soak in Soho’s creative vibe.

Broadwick Street and the Spirit of Soho Mural

Next, the guide takes you to Broadwick Street, home to the Spirit of Soho Mural. This large-scale artwork celebrates Soho’s artistic and cultural identity, serving as a visual reminder of the neighborhood’s creative roots. The stop offers a brief, engaging look at Soho’s evolution into a cultural hub.

The John Snow Water Pump and Soho’s Historical Roots

A visit to 44 Broadwick Street reveals the John Snow water pump, a site linked to the 1854 cholera discovery—a breakthrough in disease understanding. This iconic landmark provides a tangible connection to London’s medical history and the public health revolution that changed the city forever.

The Windmill Theatre and WWII Entertainment

On Great Windmill Street, the tour uncovers the historic Windmill Theatre, famous during WWII for its nude revues that challenged censorship and brought entertainment to wartime London. This stop highlights Soho’s entertainment legacy and its role as a resilient cultural space through turbulent times.

Soho’s Red Light District and its Past

The guide then explores Peter Street and Berwick Street, home to Soho’s Red Light District and its adult entertainment history. This area reflects Soho’s edgy past and its long-standing reputation as London’s seedy yet fascinating nightlife scene.

Berwick Street Market: A Historic Marketplace

A key feature of the tour is the Berwick Street Market, which has been bustling since the 18th century. This vibrant marketplace offers a glimpse into everyday life in Soho, with stalls selling fresh produce, street food, and local specialties—an authentic flavor of London’s market culture.

The French House and Artistic Hangouts

The group visits 49 Dean Street, home to The French House, a revered pub frequented by artists and writers like Dylan Thomas and Francis Bacon. This venue embodies Soho’s artistic spirit, blending literary history, cultural significance, and lively pub atmosphere.

Chinatown: A Multicultural Culinary Hub

The tour’s final stop is Gerrard Street, the heart of London’s Chinatown. Here, the multicultural diversity shines through, offering authentic Chinese cuisine and a bustling, colorful street scene. This stop emphasizes Soho’s global culinary influence and vibrant community.

Food and Drink Highlights Included in the Tour

Throughout the tour, participants enjoy a delicious variety of foods and beverages:

• King Prawn Croquettes with Seafood Aioli provide a crispy, savory start
• Jamon & Migas Croquettas showcase Spanish flavors
• A classic Italian Truffle Arancini filled with Gooey Fontina Cheese offers a luxurious taste
• Coconut Beef Rendang Curry served with Roti Canai flatbreads highlights Malaysian cuisine
• Fluffy BBQ Pork Bao Buns serve as a flavorful, handheld snack
• An exclusive Secret Dish adds an element of surprise
• Three Historic Gins are sampled, reflecting Soho’s famous gin scene
• A visit to a local bar brings the drinks component full circle
• Plus, water is provided to keep guests refreshed

All Eats and Drinks Are Included

All food and drinks, including alcohol, are covered in the ticket price, allowing a relaxed tasting experience. This includes complimentary water and the three gins at the bar. There’s no need to worry about extra costs for the food, making it good value for the comprehensive experience.

Meeting Point, Group Size, and Practical Tips

The tour starts at 17-18 Golden Square and is limited to 10 travelers, creating an intimate atmosphere. The small group size fosters more engaging conversations and personalized attention. The tour is near public transportation, making it easy to access from different parts of London.

Guests should wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for Soho’s lively streets and venues. The tour advises avoiding full tracksuits or flip-flops due to venue dress codes. Participants should also be aware that some venues do not accept under 18, and dietary restrictions such as eggs, dairy-free, gluten-free, nut allergies, or vegan are not accommodated.

Cancellation Policy and Booking Details

The experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind for planning. The tour is confirmed within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Why This Tour Stands Out in London’s Food Scene

The Secret Food Tours approach combines culinary exploration with cultural and historical highlights. The stops are thoughtfully curated to give a sense of Soho’s diverse history, from fashion and entertainment to medical breakthroughs and multicultural cuisine.

The small group size ensures an intimate, engaging experience, and the all-inclusive food and drink feature simplifies planning. The guides, praised for their knowledge and friendliness, make learning about Soho’s hidden stories and flavors a highlight.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This tour appeals to food lovers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a more personal, relaxed exploration of Soho. It’s particularly suited for adults over 18, given some venues’ restrictions, and for those who enjoy a variety of cuisines and drinks in a lively setting. It’s ideal for visitors wanting a quick cultural fix combined with delicious samples in a short, manageable timeframe.

The Sum Up

The London Soho Food Tasting Tour offers a rich blend of history, culture, and cuisine in a compact 3-4 hour experience. Its limited group size, all-inclusive food and drink, and carefully selected stops make it a standout choice for anyone interested in exploring Soho’s culinary diversity alongside its historic landmarks.

While it’s best suited for adults and those prepared for moderate walking, the tour provides a compelling taste of London’s vibrant Soho neighborhood. Whether you’re new to the area or a repeat visitor, this tour delivers insights and flavors that make for an enjoyable, educational, and delicious afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Soho Food Tasting Tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, providing ample time to enjoy the stops without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour begin?
It starts at 17-18 Golden Square in Soho, London.

What is included in the ticket price?
All food and drinks, including three historic gins, water, and samples at seven stops, are included in the $139 price.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions?
No, this tour cannot accommodate dietary restrictions such as eggs, dairy-free, gluten-free, nut allergies, or vegan options.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Some venues do not accept under 18, so guests under 18 will be turned away and miss out on some stops.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour start time.

Is transportation provided?
No, this is a walking tour, and participants are expected to meet at the designated starting point.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to 10 travelers, ensuring a small-group experience.

What are the guide’s strengths?
Guests praise knowledgeable guides like Tom, Anita, Paul, Theo, and Chris for their friendly demeanor and insights into Soho’s history and food.

What makes this tour different from others?
The combination of historical landmarks, diverse cuisines, local drinks, and intimate group size creates a well-rounded experience that highlights Soho’s rich culture and culinary scene.