Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
Soho has some of the best pubs in London. It certainly has the pubs with the best stories. Soho is full of history, charm, character, local characters, and it is often said that Soho is ‘London’ for Londoners. It’s certainly our favourite place in London to stroll around, drink in, and where we celebrate with friends. From historic pubs with Victorian décor, to sites where rock ‘n’ roll royalty drank, and bars where future presidents planned and plotted during the Second World War, Soho is full of fun, fantastic, and friendly places to drink which your expert local guide will help you explore.
During the tour you’ll hear captivating tales of Soho’s wild past — from bohemian artists & swinging ’60s icons to its role as London’s historic red-light & LGBTQ+ heartland. Developed with a former manager of one of the pubs we’ll visit as part of the tour, you’ll also discover some behind-the-scenes secrets and tales where ‘what happens in Soho stays in Soho’.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The tour will start outside the Palace Theatre. Please note that this location can be very busy, and it is therefore vital that you provide us with the contact cell number of the person who books the tour.
The tour will finish at the final pub - The John Snow.
Itinerary
-
1
This legendary Soho boozer was for many years run by Norman Balon, who was known as the rudest landlord in London. Many drinkers were often victims of his wrath as he would announce, "You're barred, you ba****ds”. Drinkers have been enjoying themselves in the Coach and Horses for two hundred years. In recent decades the pub has been a haunt of journalists and many actors, performers and artists such as John Hurt, Francis Bacon, Tom Baker, Peter Cook and The Beatles. Your guide will tell you about all these drinkers and why the interior of the pub was recreated on a West End stage.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
This famous Soho thirst quencher was established by a German at the end of the 19th century. Your guide will explain why the pub is not called The German House. The pub is genuinely popular among the French as General Charles De Gaulle is set to have written his Appeal of 18 June in the pub. The French House is another Soho pub that is a favourite of actors, writers and artists. Your guide will explain what scandalous connection the artist Augustus John had with Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, what role the lead singer of legendary British band Madness performs every April 1st and why this singer's mother was such a legend in Soho.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
This stunning and atmospheric pub was once a favourite of the writer George Orwell. The pub has a dining room named after him. Orwell drank absinthe at this pub in 1945 and became very ill. Luckily for the staff and patrons of The Dog and Duck, Orwell was in another pub later that evening when he threw up over the bar. Pop royalty Madonna has had a drink in this pub, and your guide will tell you all about a genuine Royal visit and the aptly named beer that was poured.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
This was another pub frequented by George Orwell as well as writer Graham Greene and giant of Victorian literature Thackeray. Up until 1736 this pub was called The Crown and your guide will tell you the story behind the name change. You will also hear about the very famous next-door neighbour and his influence on world history. If you are very lucky you will meet Maxwell the pub’s resident border collie
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
This is the pub to get the best pint of Guinness outside of Ireland. You will hear how in the 1990s The Toucan was turned into a haven for Guinness lovers. This pub is not as old as some of the others on the tour but the premises has quite the 60s musical history and your guide will tell you all about it. How the basement had been run as a disco by the drummer of a famous English rock band. And how in October of 1966 Jimi Hendrix was introduced to the bar.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6The Ship, Soho
This wonderful pub dates back to 1780 when it was known as The Ship in Distress. In recent decades, it was known locally as The Ship That Rocks because of its proximity to legendary rock music venue The Marquee and Trident Studios which was used by the Beatles, Elton John, Queen and Black Sabbath. You will hear which music greats drank here, a song by a legendary punk band that was inspired by a meeting in the pub and why Keith Moon the drummer from The Who was barred.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7
This famous Soho pub dates from the 1870s and was originally known as the Newcastle-upon-Tyne. While enjoying a drink in this lively pub you will find out why the pub was named after teetotaler John Snow (nothing to do with Game of Thrones!) and why his actions saved millions of lives around the world. Your guide will also tell you the story behind a protest in 2011 that caused the pub to temporarily close.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Popular Countries
Get our app
