Hidden gems:
tower bridge to borough
tours
This tour is about getting you way off the beaten track, supporting small businesses and sharing the places that Londoners love.
Over three hours we visit six very different stops: a little something special very close to Tower bridge, two markets, a gin distillery, view into what London's old warehouses and docklands used to look like along the River Thames and walk down the very trendy Bermondsey area and learn about its fascinating past in the Leather, Hide and Wool trade.
And as with all our tours, we share loads of stories about the history of the area. And tales we've been told by locals who have lived in the area for years.
£64.99pp (includes all the food and drink listed).
Numbers
We keep these tour groups small so we can give you lots of love and attention (and food). We cap the groups at 12 people.
We offer these as private tours too. Just get in touch for a quote.
Logistics
We meet in front of City Hall (the mayor of London's office).
We finish near Borough Market and London Bridge station.
Best to wear comfy shoes and dress for the weather. We tour come rain or shine.
A taste of the tour
We change the tour pretty regularly, but here's our most recent tour.
01
After a spot of history by Tower Bridge we march on towards Shad Thames and Butlers Wharf. We'll talk about how London used to be at the centre of the worlds trade and what's now inside all of these old warehouses and factories. We will explore underneath the arches of the London bridge trainline and will pop out on other side to our first stop:
La Pepiá.
02
We will wander down to the hidden away Maltby Street Market - a weekend hangout that locals love - here, we will try an Arepa. The Arepa is a staple in Venezuela and it will be served by the very charismatic Joel Ferrer Walo who is the proud owner of 'La Pepia'.
03
We will stop and take a short break in Jensen's distillery and get to walk right up next to the copper still where they distil their gin and of course order one for their Old Tom or Bermondsey Dry Gin's or to 'Hiver' which is next door and a micro brewery. We will try a pint of their honey craft beer and learn about their ethos in urban bee farming and see where all the magic happens.
04
Plodding along towards the top of Bermondsey street we will gaze into the front window of Flour & Grape and watch the Italian chefs make their handmade pasta for their service that evening and of course...….try some.
After walking down and taking in the electric atmosphere of Bermondsey we will then take a sharp left down St Thomas's street and descend upon Borough Market.
05
Whilst taking in all the plethora of foods in Borough Market we will have a small break so you can explore the market for yourself and take pictures. We will then try some oysters from Richard Howard's oyster bar and also cheese from Neal's Yard Dairy.
06
We are always on the hunt for new and exciting foods and I believe we have found that very thing; Juma!
Juma is an Iraqi food stall deep in Borough Market and Phillip Juma is the owner. He is half Irish and half Iraqi and truly brings this incredible cuisine to life.
We will end by the Golden Hinde which is very close to Borough Market, so you can explore more there after the tour has finished.