London is one of the world's great cities — the capital of England and the United Kingdom, a former heart of a global empire, and today a cosmopolitan metropolis of nine million people drawing visitors from every country. The city holds more UNESCO-listed sites, Michelin-starred restaurants, and free world-class museums than almost any other capital. From the medieval Tower of London and the palaces of Westminster to the street food of Borough Market, the theatres of the West End, and the galleries of Tate Modern, London offers an almost inexhaustible range of experiences across its 33 boroughs.
Top food tours
Guided experiences that show you London through its food.
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Tour formats
Different ways to experience London's food scene.
Items tours
Cooking classes
Take a piece of London home with you.
Leiths School of Food and Wine
One of Britain's most respected culinary schools, offering one-day and half-day classes in baking, patisserie, Italian cooking, and professional techniques. Evening classes also available.
Bread Ahead Bakery School
Artisan bread and pastry school at Borough Market. Classes in sourdough, doughnuts, croissants, and British baking. Small groups with expert bakers.
The Jamie Oliver Cookery School
Classes in Italian, Asian, and modern British cuisine held in a purpose-built kitchen in the City. Taught by trained Jamie Oliver Food Group chefs.
Cookery School at Little Portland Street
Central London cooking school with a wide range of day and evening classes. Focus on seasonal British and European cooking. Suitable for beginners and intermediate cooks.
ATIS — A Taste of India in Spitalfields
Indian regional cooking classes taught by food writer and chef Kris Dhillon. Focus on authentic home-style Indian cooking from different states.
Foodie tips
Get more out of every meal.
Borough Market is at its best Thursday to Saturday morning. Crowds peak after 12:00 on Saturdays; arrive before 10:30 for a more relaxed experience and shorter queues at the best stalls.
London's neighbourhood markets each have a distinct character: Broadway Market in Hackney (Saturdays) is good for natural wine and trendy food; Brockley Market (Saturdays) is community-focused with excellent cheese and bread.
Beigel Bake at 159 Brick Lane is open 24 hours and serves London's best salt beef bagels for under £5/approx USD 6. The queue moves fast even at 02:00.
Chinatown in Soho (Gerrard Street and Wardour Street WC2H) is not a tourist trap — the roast duck, dim sum, and hot pot restaurants are genuine and affordable. New Loon Fung supermarket on Gerrard Street stocks specialist Asian ingredients.
Restaurant reservations at London's top tables (Core, Gordon Ramsay, Ledbury) open 60–90 days in advance and often sell out within hours. Set calendar reminders to book exactly when the window opens.
Ottolenghi (with multiple London locations) offers ready-to-eat salads and pastries that make excellent picnic food for Hyde Park or Regent's Park. The Islington branch at 287 Upper Street N1 2TZ is the original.
Sunday lunches are a British institution. The Drapers Arms (44 Barnsbury Street N1 1ER) and The Anchor and Hope (36 The Cut SE1 8LP) are respected gastropubs serving traditional roasts with Yorkshire pudding and seasonal vegetables.