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Private tour in London Paul D
A Private Tour of London's Borough Market and its History
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3 hours
1
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3 hours
1
Paul D.
5.0
Guide rating
15
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4 hrs
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Hi, I'm Paul and I started my events business AleHunters five years ago. Originally from South Wales I have been living in London for over 35 years and have got to know my city's rich history and its secrets from years of exploring its streets. Over the years I have amassed a wealth of knowledge about my city. From the major historical sites to those unexplored alleyways with hidden jewels - places that you will not find in the guidebooks. Of course London is also well known for its pubs and I will make sure that I point out the better ones to you so you can quench your thirst after a couple of hours exploring the city. My tours will introduce you to the history of my city, from Roman to Shakespearean and on to Dickensian and the beginnings of modern journalism. You will discover some of the most beautiful heritage pubs in the world and contrast that with London's best modern craft breweries. And I will share with you the amazing history of one of the world's oldest markets, serving Londoners for 1, 000 years. Following a long career in hospitality, I joined the Quality Team at Fuller's Brewery in 2016 and spent three extremely rewarding years there. On Saturdays I started giving tours of the brewery which prompted me to start my own business. At AleHunters we offer historical city tours, heritage pub tours, craft brewery tours and trips to Belgian to explore the beer culture there. An accredited beer sommelier and certified Cicerone® I deliver tutored beer tastings and training on the sensory evaluation of beer and have a thorough knowledge of beer - from grain to glass. I also judge beer at competitions worldwide. When I have the time I also write articles on beer tourism for my blog 'Beer Sommelier Kew' and the Brewers Journal magazine. I look forward to sharing my knowledge, enthusiasm and experience with you. Cheers! - Certified Cicerone® - Belgian Beer Styles Cicerone ® - Accredited IBD Beer Sommelier - Trainer BIIAB Level 2 Award in Beer and Cellar quality - Awarded the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice for the past three years - Brewery Tour Operator of the year 2022/23 Global Awards For my tours, I have no restrictions
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Paul D.
A tour of Borough Market, its history and the story of brewing in Southwark
Overview of your London tour
London has a fantastic history dating back to Roman times when it was named Londinium. Our tour of Borough will uncover the long history of its market and how it ended up being located where it is. Private groups will be personally be guided by me through the area enabling the inquisitive traveller to easily engage with my city's rich culture. We start at the site of the notorious former debtors' prison The Marshalsea, home to the family of Charles Dickens. Fancy a beer at London's only surviving coaching inn, grade 1 listed? See the site of the birthplace of John Harvard and stroll through the remnants of London's brewing history and the location of what was then the largest brewery in the world. We finish in the bustling market just off London Bridge and you will have the opportunity to sample the delicious food on offer. My tour can be customized according to your preferences.
Your London tour itinerary
We will meet at the Royal Oak (located in Borough), next to the former site of the Marshalsea Prison. We then take a walk along Borough High Street and learn about the historic coaching inns that used to line the throroughfare, the only road into London in times gone by. We will stop at the last remaining coaching inn, originally built in mediaeval times which is grade 1 listed and owned by the National Trust. Onwards to the Victorian Hop Exchange and then to the former site of the Anchor Brewery which was built next to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and was once the largest brewery in the world. From there we walk past the notorious Clink Prison which operated for over 60 years. Then on to the 12th century Winchester Palace and the Golden Hinde - the first ship to circumnavigate the world. Our tour culminates at Borough Market where we will explore the many various food and drink stalls, sample the foods on offer and maybe indulge in some shopping.
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Transport details
Type: Walking
Walking tour.
What's included
What's not included
Meeting location
44 Tabard Street, England, England, SE1 4JU, United Kingdom
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: Royal Oak, 44 Tabard Street, London SE1 4JU Nearest Underground Borough (Northern Line)
- You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
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3 hours
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3 hours
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