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Which London Pub Crawls Are Best?

Updated: March 11, 2024
 By Margaret

This post compares the best pub crawls in London, including historic bar tours as well as club tours in every major neighbourhood throughout the city.

Below you'll find a guide to numerous different pub tours in London.

But, make sure to check out the tours we run first, as there's something for everyone on these incredible tours!


Our Pub Crawls

Others to Consider


LONDON PUB CRAWLS

The tours listed in this section mostly appeal to younger visitors who are looking for a fun and sometimes wild night out in London.

All visit both clubs and pubs and go on well into the early hours of the next morning.

Disclosure: While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the full text.

You will receive 4-5 free shots at each stop with all of the tour companies listed below, as well as discounts on drinks, free drinks, and drinking games.

Group sizes can be large, but most guests seem to really enjoy being surrounded by lots of new people to party with and befriend.

We recommend taking some time to read the reviews.

There are common complaints about weak "free" shots or empty bars, but these complaints are in the minority.

The companies listed below tend to offer very similar experiences to their guests.

Therefore, when trying to decide which pub crawl to go with, you should first choose where you want to go out.

The competition is fierce, so expect discounts on the prices that we list below.

There are 5 neighborhoods that the most popular pub crawl companies visit.

We have listed our favorite tours in each of those neighborhoods to help you decide which one to choose:


CENTRAL LONDON

As the name implies, this is the centre of London and it's filled with historic pubs to visit. 

You can expect to learn about famous people who once lived in the area and perhaps even frequented the pubs included on these outings.


Secret Beer Tour

If you're looking for a pub crawl that's less about the party and more about the history behind London's best beer, this tour is sure to please.

In addition to learning about a variety of different craft beers in London, you'll also enjoy 7 unique beer tastings at pubs, microbreweries, and more.

You can also add an upgraded food package if you're interested in grabbing a few snacks along the way!

This company has an overall 5 out of 5 star rating on TripAdvisor, and their beer tour frequently receives excellent scores.

  • Where: Starbucks Shad Thames Tower Bridge Piazza (map)
  • Duration: 3 - 3 ½ hours
  • When: Fridays @ 5 pm (17:00) and Saturdays @ 12 pm
  • Public Tour Cost: £70 per person
  • Private Tour Cost: £171 per person
  • Purchase tickets or learn more.

1 Big Night Out Pub Crawl

The longest-running and biggest pub crawl in London is the 1 Big Night Out Pub Crawl which leaves from the infamous Zoo Bar Leicester Square.

Running since 2009, 1 Big Night Out pioneered the concept of 5 free shots, in 5 different bars, in 5 hours, ending at a big nightclub with queue-jump entrance.

This may be the cheapest crawl, but it also comes with slightly lower reviews than its competitors but is still decent nonetheless.

With exclusive drinks deals all night with your wristband, you'll save the ticket price during the night. 

1 Big Night Out specializes in ending in superclubs, with Ministry of Sound, Heaven and Piccadilly Institute among some of the bars they visit.

  • Where:  Crawl begins from Rumba at 36 Shaftesbury Ave (map)
  • Duration: Up to 5 hours
  • When: Sunday - Thursday at 7:30 pm  (19:30)
  • Cost: £15 (often their tickets are as cheap as £5-£10/person)
  • More information or to purchase.

Secret Gin Tour

This is a tour for those who are more interested in liquor such as Gin rather than craft beer and other brews that you'll find in London.

In addition to learning about the history of Gin in this city, you'll also discover the best botanicals used to give it flavour and visit a craft distillery where this drink is made.

The Secret Gin Tour includes 8 gin tastings at a variety of different locations, giving you several opportunities to find a drink you'll enjoy.

As with their Secret Beer Tour, this company has received excellent ratings of 5 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor and is pretty well received by most guests.

  • Where: Outside Wooden Shed in the centre of Soho Square
  • Duration: 3 - 3 ½ hours
  • When: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday at 3 pm
  • Public Tour Cost: £89 per person
  • Private Tour Cost: £204 per person
  • Purchase tickets or learn more.

NOTE: This tour is not currently running as of November 2023 but they will likely begin offering it again soon so check back with us.


New Europe - London Pub Crawl

Though SANDEMANS New Europe is most well known for their pay-what-you-like tours, they also offer prepaid tours like their London Pub Crawl.

Like its competitors, this pub crawl visits 5 different bars/clubs in London.

Your ticket also includes free entry and no waiting in line at each venue, as well as drink specials and group discounts.

The reviews are a bit less stellar but still good. 

  • Where: Brewmaster, 37 Cranbourn St
  • Duration: Approximately 4 hours
  • When:  Nightly, starting between 7:30 pm (19:30)
  • Cost: £10
  • More details or to book.

NOTE: This pub crawl is not currently available as of November 2023, but they will likely begin offering it again soon.


WEST END

Known as the entertainment hub of London, this neighbourhood is filled with theatres, restaurants, shops, and of course bars.

Pub crawls in this area tend to include at least a little detail about some of the bars you'll visit, as some of them can be quite full of history.


London Pub Crawl

This company offers one of the most affordable pub crawls in the whole city, and they currently have crawls in 4 major neighbourhoods throughout London.

Their West End Pub Crawl covers 5 different bars and includes free shots at each venue.

You'll also be eligible for several drink deals with the exclusive wristband provided at the beginning of this outing.


Fat Tire Tours

Although this company is usually known for its bike tours, it also offers other services such as this West End Pub Crawl. 

Over the course of 4 hours, you'll visit 5 different pubs and taste at least 6 unique beers. 

In addition to learning about the history of the West End and its more notable pubs, you'll also go off-the-beaten-path to experience this neighbourhood from the perspective of a local.


In The City Tours

If you're looking for a more affordable West End pub crawl, this group offers a reasonably priced outing that is all about the details.

Although you will have to purchase your own drinks, this outing allows you to decide your own limits and try out only the brews that interest you the most.

Along the way, you'll learn all about the history of this neighbourhood and its pubs, including which famous musicians, actors, writers, and politicians used to hang out at each location!

  • Where: Outside Covent Garden Station.
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • When: Daily at 1 pm (13:00) and 5:30 pm (17:30)
  • Cost: £25 per person

NOTE: This pub crawl is not currently available as of November 2023.


SOHO

Music and art lovers will definitely find themselves drawn to this neighbourhood for its rich artistic history.

Many artists called Soho home and some of the pubs they would frequent still exist today.

Find out more about these locations on one of the following pub crawls.


Soho Music and Historic Pubs Tour

Visit venues made famous by bands such as The Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and other musical artists.

This outing focuses on the history of famous and notable people who once lived in (or at least drank in) Soho.

As with other pub crawls, you'll be on your own when it comes to how many beers to drink, but you'll receive plenty of recommendations and a lot of historical facts about each of the pubs included on this tour.


In The City Tours

Much like their West End pub crawl, this outing is also very well-priced and you'll have the chance to decide how much (or little) you want to drink along the way.

This tour will take you to some of the most notable bars and pubs in Soho, providing details about the musicians and artists who used to live in the area and visit these locations.

Aside from the history of the pubs, you'll also learn about notable sites between each stop and some of the buildings where celebrities once lived.

  • Where: Piccadilly Circus Station.
  • Duration: 3 hours.
  • When: Daily at 1 pm (13:00).
  • Cost: £25 per person.
  • Book your tour or learn more.

NOTE: This pub crawl is not currently available as of November 2023.


CAMDEN

The area is known for its impressive music scene, having once been home to big-name musicians like Amy Winehouse.


London Pub Crawl

In addition to their West End Pub Crawl, this company also offers an outing in Camden as well. Much like their other crawls, this is one of the best-priced options on our entire list!

The Camden Pub Crawl includes admission to 5 different bars, free shots at every venue, and drink deals with their exclusive wristband.

  • Where: Meet at Simon's Camden Town, next to Camden Town Station
  • Hours: Starts at 7:30 pm
  • When: Friday and Saturday
  • Cost: From £18 and up
  • Purchase tickets or learn more.

Undiscovered London

Advertised as "the original Camden Pub Crawl", this tour by Undiscovered London is extremely popular with 20 and 30-something visitors hoping to explore Camden's nightlife.

A ticket to the tour gets you free shots, free entry, drinks discounts, and no waiting in line.

As with most pub crawls, this one averages about 4 out of 5 stars.

NOTE: As of March 2023, there is no word about whether or not this tour will be offered again this year. That said, most pub crawls are returning this summer, so keep an eye out.

  • Where: Belushi’s Camden, 48-50 Camden High Street, NW1 0LT
  • Duration: TBD
  • When:  Nightly, starting between 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm (19:30 and 21:30)
  • Cost: £16
  • More information or to book online.

NOTE: This pub crawl is not currently available as of November 2023, but they will likely begin offering it again soon.


London Party Pub Crawl Camden

The Camden Pub Crawl is the newest addition to London Party Pub Crawl's wild nights out.

Like their other 2 locations, the Camden Pub Crawl visits at least 5 different bars/clubs and includes 5 free shots.

  • Where: Belushi’s Camden, 48-50 Camden High Street, NW1 0LT
  • Duration: Up to 5 hours
  • When: Nightly starting between 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm (19:30-20:30)
  • Cost: £25
  • More information or to book online

SHOREDITCH

Shoreditch is a very trendy area with lots of interesting street art and coolly converted warehouses.

The pub crawls in this neighbourhood cover both the history of the area and of course the pubs you will visit.


London Pub Crawl

As with their West End and Camden Pub Crawls, this company also provides a similar outing in Shoreditch.

This is one of the most affordable options on our list, and it also includes savings of up to £50 or more on your night out.

This Shoreditch pub crawl provides free entry to 5 bars, free shots at every location, and a variety of drink deals with their exclusive wristband.


London Party Pub Crawl

Similar in style to their Central London Pub Crawl, this company's Shoreditch Pub Crawl is another popular alternative for young people looking for a fun night out.

You will visit at least 5 different bars/clubs and get a free shot at each one.

The tour's overall review profile is good, just like their Central London crawl, averaging just over 4 out of 5 stars.

Though the tour is scheduled to last approximately 5 hours, most guests seem to carry on well into the night because they're having such a great time!

  • Where: 333 Old Street, Shoreditch (map)
  • Duration: Up to 5 hours
  • When: Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm (19:30)
  • Cost: £25 (discounts often available) 
  • More details or to book.

HISTORIC LONDON PUBS TOURS

Unlike the tours listed above, Historic Pub Crawls have a much greater focus on history and tend to appeal to a wider audience.

Typically, these pub crawls take place in the afternoon or early evening, making for a more mature experience.

Guides share their in-depth knowledge of the history of each pub, as well as entertaining anecdotes about London's drinking culture.

Most of the Historic Pub Crawls only include 1 beer sample at the end of the tour.


Drink London (Liquid History Tours) - London Pub Tour 

Described as a "gentle 2-mile amble", the London Pub Tour by Drink London will bring you to some of the most historic pubs in the city.

This is the only company solely dedicated to running historic pub crawls in London, which is probably why they do such an amazing job (just read the reviews).

You will visit at least 4 stops throughout the tour, sampling as many beverages as you wish along the way. Drinks are not included in the price.

  • Where: outside St Paul's underground station (Exit 2) on Panyer Alley
  • Duration: 3.5 hours
  • When: Nightly at 7 pm (19:00)
  • Cost: £25 per person.
  • More information or to book.

Meet the Street - London Pub Tour

This tour will take you to 6 of the oldest and most well-known pubs in London.

As you move from pub to pub, be prepared to learn all about "London's seedy drink-obsessed past whilst taking in the splendour of modern-day London and sensing the ghosts of yesteryear at some of the city’s top landmarks."

At the end of the tour, you will get to enjoy half a pint which is included in the price. No other drinks are included, though guests can buy beverages along the way.

This tour is as well-reviewed as the one above (read the reviews).

  • Where: Outside Chancery Lane Tube Station, corner of Grays Inn Road
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • When: Friday - Sunday, 1 pm - 3 pm (13:00-15:00)
  • Cost: £25 per person.
  • More information or to book online.

LONDON BAR BUS

If you’d rather see the city while enjoying a few drinks, this is an interesting alternative to the traditional pub crawl. 

Rather than visiting several notable pubs, this bus tour actually includes an open-air rooftop bar that offers a variety of drinks.

This bus tour visits some of the most popular landmarks in the city, including the River Thames, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.

Tickets can be purchased with either 2 Meantime London Lagers, 2 cans of G&T, 2 Prosecco Miniatures, half a bottle of Rose wine, or soft drinks.

  • Availability: Friday & Saturday
  • Hours: 6:30 pm (18:30)
  • Duration: 90 minutes
  • Tickets: person including drinks | £34 without drinks |Must be 18+
  • Purchase tickets or learn more.

TIP: Make sure to check for sales before purchasing your ticket, as this company will sometimes offer additional discounts on the London Bar Bus.


LONDON NIGHTLIFE TICKET

If you really want to take full advantage of London's incredible nightlife, then consider purchasing a pass that will give you access to several different clubs around the city.

The London Nightlife Ticket is an all-access pass that gives you entry to 19 different clubs and bars around the city!

Though there is no guided tour that accompanies it, this ticket allows you to do a 'self-guided tour' of all the best venues in London at a reduced price.

Also included with the ticket are special drink offers at participating clubs.

Some of the most popular venues include Underworld, Gilgamesh, Loop Bar, and Rumba. In terms of dress code, be sure you aren't wearing flip-flops or beachwear as most places will not let you in!

Cost: 


London Food Tours

If you are looking to try London's food, you might like a food tour.

Our guide Jessica in the video below breaks down the top foods to try in London's East End.


Related Posts:

About The Author

Margaret

An American simply by accident of birth, Margaret moved to London over 16 years ago and hasn’t looked back since! With a keen interest in History – and a BA degree to match – Margaret prides herself on her knowledge of the amazing city she calls home and she's been guiding here now for nearly a decade. Social history is her real expertise, with sound understanding of the day-to-day lives of Londoners over the past centuries. Read More...
Updated: March 11th, 2024
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