An artisan movement has been sweeping the nation for a few years now, and has led many enthusiastic entrepreneurs around the country to begin developing their own versions of the things they love using a blend of modern and traditional methods. From craft beers, to fine ales, to traditionally made gin and experimental liqueurs, London is full of locally produced and lovingly crafted alcoholic produce and thankfully, there’s a way to sample them all.
London in 7 Drinks
There are many people throughout London who are vastly fascinated with the culture and history of the city. Luckily there’s a tour that has paired the joys of learning about London’s colourful past with the drinks which shaped it.
London in 7 drinks is a fantastic historical tour curated by history and alcohol enthusiast, Dr Matthew Green, which explores how London has been influenced by just seven drinks. The tour commences at St Michael’s Church, Cornhill; just a few minutes walk from our fabulous hotels in Shoreditch.
Liquid History
No list of fantastic tours of London via its most beloved drinks would be complete without a mention of Liquid History. These guided tours take you on a two mile jaunt through the city, ensuring that you see as much of London as possible, while quenching your thirst at a minimum of four of London’s watering holes.
The Liquid History experts will encourage you to enjoy the area’s fine views, while throwing in some ‘quirky history’ for good measure. The tour takes visitors past the Bank of England and the Old Bailey, and ends at Covent Garden - just a 25 minute Tube journey back to the Montcalm Royal London city hotel.
Gin journey Shoreditch
Now that we drink it garnished with grapefruit slices, cucumber or peppercorns alongside delicate flavours of rose lemonade or elderflower liqueur, it’s difficult to believe that gin was once the favoured tonic of London’s lower classes. It was this thought that led mixologist Leon Dalloway to create this magical tour of the spirit's tumultuous history starting with a tasting at the City of London Distillery.
On this tour you’ll taste five different premium gins, and five sumptuous gin cocktails, all while being chauffeured through town on this Shoreditch-based tour, making it incredibly convenient if you’re staying at our hotels in Shoreditch.
East London Liquor Company
If you enjoy a more ‘stationary’ tour, and would rather stay in one place to enjoy your drinks (and we wouldn't blame you) one of the most fabulous places to visit would be the East London Liquor Company. Based in Globe Town, they’re a thirty minute Tube ride from our Montcalm Royal London city hotel, and they concoct all manner of boozy delights, from home-brewed gin and vodka to imported rum and bitters.
The distillery itself was a glue factory and boasts glorious high ceilings and wide open spaces; giving your tour a light, airy feel - perfect for the summer months.
