I joined a group of 11 tourists to take part in a guided food tour of London’s East End. Often these tours get overlooked by locals, but they can be of great interest – not just to overseas visitors. We met in Spitlefields Market and out lovely guide, Adam, soon had broken the ice and had us all getting on famously. Our group was mostly from the USA and a mix of age ranges. The tour lasted about 4 hours and although we walked a fair distance we had plenty of stops – mostly to enjoy different foods. The walking was on the flat, no hills. First was the ‘best bacon sandwich’ at St Johns Bread & Wine in the Commercial Road, it was the best I have ever tasted! Then onto the English Restaurant in Brushfield Street for a bowl of the most indulgent bread & butter pudding. Some British cheeses with an optional glass of wine (£2 surcharge) was enjoyed at Bedales in Old Spitlefields Market. Over the road to Poppies for fish and chips in a cone of newspaper complete with mushy peas. We took a stroll along Brick Lane and enjoyed a taste of Indian curry at the world famous Aladin Curry House. We soldiered on to one of the oldest Jewish bakeries in London for a salt beef and mustard beigel. Finally the last stop was at a refurbished biscuit factory, which is now Pizza East, and a very trendy establishment. We didn’t have pizza, but did enjoy a lovely cup of tea and slice of chocolate caramel tart – the most popular dessert in London.
As well as all the food, our guide explained much of the fascinating history of the East End making for an excellent experience. Find out more https://www.eatingeurope.com/
Prices start at £80 per person and they have different tours in a selection of European cities. A great idea for a ‘special celebration’, ‘birthday’, or just to enhance a city break.
