London: Hidden History & Pubs Tour with a Former Detective｜United Kingdom

Led by a former Scotland Yard detective and lifelong Londoner, this isn’t a conventional pub crawl. Instead, pubs become part of the journey, providing places to pause, enjoy a drink if you wish, and explore the stories of the streets around them.

Starting near Farringdon, travel through centuries of London as the surroundings constantly change. Explore historic streets shaped by markets, prisons, policing, poverty and philanthropy before discovering how war, postwar reconstruction and ambitious social housing transformed entire neighbourhoods.

Continue beyond the areas most visitors explore and discover another London of residential streets, old industries, medical institutions and local communities.

Along the way, stop at a selection of London pubs chosen by your guide on the day. They might range from atmospheric traditional establishments to pubs created as part of London’s postwar estates and neighbourhoods. The route and stops remain flexible, allowing the experience to reflect London as it actually is that day.

There is no obligation to drink alcohol. Enjoy a beer, wine, soft drink, coffee or simply come for the history and conversation. Drinks are purchased separately.

This is London through its layers: centuries of history, remarkable contrasts and the pubs that have remained part of everyday London life.