PRIVATE London Food Tours – Borough Market, Soho, East End

A Tasty Peek into London’s Food Scene: A Review of Private London Food Tours

London’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its history, offering everything from classic fish and chips to vibrant street foods from around the world. The Private London Food Tours by Chubby Fellow promise a personalized, intimate way to explore some of the city’s most iconic food spots, including Borough Market, Soho, and the East End. With a stellar 5.0-star rating from 255 reviews, this experience is clearly a favorite among travelers seeking authentic, hearty bites and local insights.

What we really love about this tour is how flexible and tailored it feels—choosing from a range of itineraries allows you to focus on areas that excite your palate. Plus, the generous samples—often enough to be considered a full meal—bring a satisfying sense of indulgence without the fixed restaurant menus. One possible consideration is the price tag, which might seem high at $274.04 per person, but given the quality of food, personalized service, and insider access, many find it worth the splurge. This tour suits food lovers, culture explorers, and those who value in-depth experiences over generic sightseeing.

Key Points

Personalized Experience: This is a fully private tour, meaning you get a tailored, intimate exploration with your own guide.
Multiple Itineraries: Options include Borough Market, Soho, East End, and more—so you can pick the vibe that suits your taste.
Hearty Tastings: The samples are plentiful enough to constitute a substantial meal, perfect for those who want to eat on the go.
Local-Loved Spots: You’ll visit venues favored by locals, far from tourist traps, and get stories behind each dish.
Expert Guides: Guides like Tom and David are praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to craft engaging tours.
Convenient & Flexible: Near public transportation and with flexible cancellation policies, it’s easy to fit into your London plans.

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

The Basics: What to Expect

This tour lasts around 3 hours, giving a comfortable window for tasting, chatting, and soaking up the atmosphere. The experience is all about enjoying London’s culinary highlights in a relaxed, personalized setting. Being private means you’re not part of a large group, which enhances the ability to ask questions and get tailored recommendations.

You can choose from several itineraries—most popular are Borough Market, Soho, and East End. No matter which you pick, the tour begins with a warm greeting, often with a complimentary drink like a gin cocktail, and then the adventure unfolds through various venues, including street markets, pubs, restaurants, and specialty shops.

Borough Market: The Heart of London’s Food Scene

Many reviewers rave about Borough Market, describing it as an “amazing culinary tour.” Expect a lineup of vendors offering classic British fare—think fish and chips and sausage rolls—and more international options such as empanadas and cheeses. The guide, often David or Tom, shares stories and tidbits about the market’s history while leading you to the best spots.

One guest noted, “Every selection was delicious, and we finished at a great pub with wine and sticky toffee pudding.” This speaks to the variety and quality of food, along with a relaxed, social atmosphere. The market’s vibrant stalls become more than just a place to grab a bite; you’ll learn about the vendors and their specialties, making it a richer experience.

Soho and Chinatown: A Foodie’s Paradise

The Soho and Chinatown tour, praised for its lively atmosphere and diverse cuisine, offers an exciting mix of Asian street foods, tapas, and local favorites. Guides like David create a friendly environment where you can sample everything from dim sum to innovative cocktails, making it perfect for those who like a bit of everything.

Reviewers have described this tour as a “wonderful trip through SoHo” filled with “stories, surprises, and tasty bites.” It’s a chance to explore a neighborhood brimming with history, culture, and flavor, all through the lens of a local guide who knows the best spots.

East End: London’s Edgiest Food District

While less frequently reviewed, the East End tour offers a chance to see London’s more gritty, authentic side. Expect to visit markets, local pubs, and street food stalls that provide a different vibe from the polished tourist areas. It’s perfect for adventurous eaters and those wanting to see where London’s diverse communities come together over food.

The Food and Drink: Quality, Variety, and Authenticity

From reviews, the quality of food appears to be consistently high. Guests repeatedly mention dishes like fish and chips, empanadas, sausage rolls, cheese, and desserts as highlights. What stands out is the guide’s ability to select vendors with superior offerings based on their experience and relationships.

One guest shared, “The fish and chips is the best I’ve found, and the sausage rolls were great.” That’s high praise, considering the UK’s reputation for hearty comfort foods. Another reviewer, a seasoned food tour lover, stated, “David’s relationships with vendors opened this tour up to really get a chance to know them, and I bought some fun things to take back home.”

Guides: Knowledge, Personality, and Stories

The guides, particularly Tom and David, are consistently praised for their personable approach and wealth of knowledge. Suzanne described Tom as “an absolute delight,” noting his storytelling ability made the experience both engaging and informative. David, often called “Chubby Fellow,” is lauded for his friendly manner, quick responses to dietary needs, and ability to uncover hidden gems.

One reviewer appreciated how David followed up with detailed notes about each sample, adding value beyond the tour. This level of personal engagement makes the experience feel special and tailored to your interests.

Practical Aspects: Price, Duration, and Booking

While the price might seem steep compared to casual food outings, the value lies in the personalized attention, high-quality tastings, and insider access. Booking an average of 48 days in advance indicates how popular this experience is—demand tends to be high.

The tour’s duration—about 3 hours—is well-balanced, giving enough time to savor multiple stops without fatigue. It’s also accessible, with near public transportation options, making it easy to include in your London itinerary.

Reviews: Authentic Perspectives

The reviews reveal a broad appreciation for the guides and food. Many call this the “best tour ever,” praising the combination of great food, engaging guides, and local insights. However, a small handful mention the price as a concern or had miscommunications—highlighting that, like any premium experience, it’s important to confirm details and manage expectations.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who appreciates well-curated food experiences that lean into authenticity and local favorites, this tour is a goldmine. It’s especially appealing if you want to avoid typical tourist traps and instead explore London through its eats, stories, and neighborhoods. The private nature makes it ideal for couples, families, or small groups seeking a relaxed, in-depth dive into the city’s culinary scene.

For those on a tighter budget, this might feel like a splurge, but for foodies willing to indulge, it offers more than just tasting—it’s about connecting with the city’s flavor, culture, and people in a meaningful way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a group tour or private?
This is a private tour, only your group participates, offering a personalized experience tailored to your interests.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 3 hours, providing ample time to enjoy multiple tastings and stories without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes tastings from various venues—street food, restaurants, pubs—and often a complimentary drink at the start. The focus is on quality, local food with enough samples for a hearty meal.

Can I choose my itinerary?
Yes, you can select from different itineraries like Borough Market, Soho, or East End, depending on your interests.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, many reviews mention bringing kids along and having a fantastic time. It’s suitable for foodies of all ages, as long as everyone is happy to walk and eat.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
Guides like David are attentive to dietary needs—just inform them ahead of time, and they will adjust the experience accordingly.

How far in advance should I book?
It’s recommended to book about 48 days in advance, as the experience is quite popular.

What if the weather is bad?
Since the tour is outdoors and visits multiple venues, poor weather might lead to cancellations or rescheduling, but you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

In essence, this private food tour offers an authentic, tasty, and personalized way to uncover London’s culinary treasures. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply curious about local flavors, you’ll walk away with delicious memories and perhaps some new favorite dishes. Just be prepared for a generous sample size and a guide who truly loves sharing the city’s best kept secrets.