London: Secret Beer Tour

If you’re a beer lover or simply curious about London’s brewing scene, the London: Secret Beer Tour offers a fascinating glimpse into both the city’s history and its contemporary craft movement. This 3-hour, private-guided adventure takes you through historic pubs and cutting-edge microbreweries, with plenty of tastings along the way. It’s a well-curated experience designed for those who want more than just a pub crawl — you’ll learn about the evolution of beer in London, enjoy a variety of styles, and get insider access to some of the most innovative brewers in town.

One of the things we really appreciate about this tour is the knowledgeable guides — like Luke, who makes the experience feel more like an informal meetup among friends than a structured lesson. The chance to sample nine different beers, from traditional ales to experimental sours, provides an authentic taste of London’s brewing diversity.

That said, a potential consideration is that the itinerary can change depending on weather, availability, or unforeseen circumstances, which might mean some venues are swapped out. Also, since no food is included, arriving well-fed is key to fully enjoy the tasting experience.

This tour suits anyone keen to combine history, local culture, and great beer — whether you’re a craft beer novice or a seasoned connoisseur looking to explore London’s latest brews.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Experience: Visit historic pubs and trendy microbreweries in London’s brewing hotspots.
• Educational and Fun: Learn the correct way to taste beer and discover why flavors can be just as complex as wine.
• Tastings Included: Enjoy around nine different beers, equivalent to roughly three pints, across the stops.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Luke bring a friendly, informative vibe, making the experience engaging and relaxed.
• Flexible and Private: The tour is private, with the ability to select a convenient time (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday), and offers free cancellation with 24 hours’ notice.
• Worth the Price: At $126.62 per person, the focus on quality, education, and authentic access makes this a good value.

What You Can Expect from the London Secret Beer Tour

Starting Point and First Stop: A 17th-Century Tap Room by the Thames

Your journey kicks off at a historic tap house located along the banks of the River Thames. The location itself is a highlight — imagine sipping a traditional British Ale in a building that’s seen centuries of London history. Here, your guide (like Luke, who receives high praise for friendliness and knowledge) will introduce you to the story of beer in Britain, setting the stage for what’s to come. The pint you’ll sample is a classic British Ale, giving you a taste of traditional brewing.

Exploring Bermondsey Beer Mile

Next, your adventure takes you to Bermondsey Beer Mile, a street renowned for its concentration of more than 16 craft breweries. This area is a must-see for craft beer fans. Walking between breweries and tasting rooms, you’ll get to see the vibrant, innovative side of London’s beer scene. The reviews highlight guides like Luke making this part particularly engaging — not just a walk and taste, but a narrative that connects the city’s brewing history to current trends.

Learning to Taste and Appreciate Beer

A notable aspect of the tour is the focus on proper tasting techniques. The guide will demonstrate how to identify different aromas and flavors, revealing why beer can be as complex as wine. This educational component elevates the experience, turning casual drinking into a more mindful activity.

Visiting a Microbrewery in Action

One of the tour’s highlights is meeting the staff at a microbrewery and sampling beers straight from the tank. This behind-the-scenes look at brewing makes the experience more authentic and insightful. You’ll learn about the process, from raw ingredients to fermentation, gaining an appreciation for the craftsmanship involved. As one reviewer pointed out, the microbrewery visit offers a chance to try fresh, innovative brews you won’t find elsewhere.

Sampling a Wide Range of Beers

Throughout the tour, expect to taste a variety of styles — from smokey stouts, tingling sour beers, to smooth ales and cask ales. The selection is curated to showcase London’s brewing evolution, including the city’s invention of the IPA, historic Black beers, and wild fermented ales. A reviewer mentioned that they especially enjoyed the secret beer, adding an element of surprise to the experience.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: 3 hours, an ideal length to enjoy without feeling rushed.
• Price: $126.62 per person, which covers around eight beer samples (roughly three pints). Considering the quality and diversity, it’s a good value.
• Inclusions: Visits to 3 or 4 venues and tastings.
• Not Included: Food, but your guide will recommend options for afterwards.
• Meeting Point: Starbucks at Shad Thames, near Tower Bridge, with tours starting at 5 pm on Fridays and 3 pm on weekends.
• Group Size: Private, so your experience is tailored and intimate.

Additional Considerations

Remember to arrive well-fed, as no food is included — and alcohol on an empty stomach can diminish the enjoyment. Also, the itinerary might change based on weather or venue availability, but your guide will keep you in the loop and ensure a fun, relaxed experience.

Authentic Experiences and Insights from Reviewers

Guests consistently praise the guides — especially Luke — for being knowledgeable and friendly, making the tour feel more like hanging out with friends than an instructor-led activity. One reviewer noted that Luke’s explanations made the experience feel casual and approachable, yet informative.

Another guest appreciated the varied beer selection, describing it as “an excellent way to discover London’s brewing revival.” The microbrewery visit was a highlight for many, offering a behind-the-scenes view of craft brewing that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Several reviews also mentioned that the tour’s informal atmosphere encouraged questions and discussion, making it suitable for those new to craft beer or seasoned aficionados alike.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for beer enthusiasts eager to explore London’s craft scene and learn about brewing history. It’s also ideal for groups of friends or couples wanting a relaxed, educational outing with plenty of tastings. If you enjoy discovering local culture, trying different beer styles, or want insider access to London’s breweries, this tour ticks all the boxes.

It’s less suited for those seeking a food-focused experience, as no food is included, and participants should arrive well-fed. Also, keep in mind that the itinerary can change, so flexibility and an open mind will help you make the most of it.

The Sum Up

For anyone interested in London’s brewing revival, the Secret Beer Tour offers an engaging, well-paced journey through historic pubs and trendy breweries. It’s a fantastic way to combine history, culture, and craft beers, all guided by a knowledgeable, friendly host. The tasting of nine diverse beers provides excellent value for those wanting to sample the city’s best and most innovative brews.

This tour stands out for its balance of education and fun, making it suitable for both craft beer novices and seasoned drinkers. Plus, the private nature of the tour ensures a personalized experience, and the flexible booking options add convenience.

If you’re after an authentic, insider look at London’s beer scene — with the chance to learn, taste, and explore — this tour is a smart choice. Just remember to eat beforehand and arrive ready for a delicious liquid adventure.

FAQs

Is food included in the tour? No, food is not included, so it’s recommended to arrive well-fed. Your guide can suggest options for after the tour.

How many beers will I taste? You will sample around nine beers during the tour, each roughly equivalent to a small glass or about three pints total.

What venues will we visit? The tour includes visits to 3 or 4 venues, including historic pubs and microbreweries. The exact locations may vary.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

When does the tour start? On Fridays, tours start at 5 pm; on Saturdays and Sundays, at 3 pm. Check availability for your preferred date.

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers? It’s focused on tasting, so non-drinkers may want to consider if participating in tastings is suitable for them.

How long does the tour last? The experience lasts approximately 3 hours.

Is the tour private? Yes, it is designed for private groups, offering a more personalized experience.

What is the price? The tour costs $126.62 per person, which includes all tastings and venue visits.

Do I need to bring ID? It’s not explicitly stated, but since alcohol is involved, carrying ID might be advisable, especially for those under 18 or 21.

In summary, the London: Secret Beer Tour provides a vibrant mix of history, craft, and conviviality. Whether you’re a local or visitor, it’s a chance to explore London’s brewing scene in an authentic, relaxed setting.