London: Cheese Tasting Walking Tour

Embark on an exquisite cheese tasting adventure in the heart of London. This intimate walking tour takes participants on a 2-hour culinary journey, exploring the city’s renowned cheesemongers and showcasing the rich history and flavors of English, French, and Italian varieties. From the Royal cheesemonger to the unique drunken cheeses, you’ll savor each bite while learning from expert insights and enjoying harmonious wine pairings. With a maximum of 10 participants, this exclusive experience promises an unforgettable taste of London’s vibrant cheese culture. Discover the hidden gems and let your palate be the guide.

Good To Know

• A 2-hour walking tour in London that offers an immersive culinary journey through the city’s vibrant food scene, focusing on sampling fine English, French, and Italian cheeses.
• The tour includes visits to renowned cheesemongers, providing insights into the history, traditions, and production methods of various cheese varieties from different regions.
• Participants will have the opportunity to taste and learn about the unique flavor profiles, textures, and characteristics of cheeses like Brie, Roquefort, Comté, Camembert, Stilton, and drunken cheese.
• The tour includes expert guidance on the art of pairing cheese with wine, enhancing the overall tasting experience and deepening participants’ appreciation for the harmonious combination of flavors.
• The tour is limited to 10 participants, offering a personalized and intimate experience, and features a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Tour Overview

The London Cheese Tasting Walking Tour is a 2-hour activity that takes participants on a delightful journey through the city’s finest cheese shops and delicatessens.

The tour is limited to 10 people and is conducted in English. The price starts from $64.76 per person, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. Visitors can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

During the tour, you will visit the Royal cheesemonger, F&M deli, an Italian delicatessen, and a dairy shop near Covent Garden, sampling a variety of English, French, Italian, and British cheeses.

They’ll also learn about cheese and wine pairing from the experts at the Queen’s cheese shop.

Exploring Royal Cheesemonger

Participants start their cheese-tasting adventure at the Royal cheesemonger, a renowned hotel that has proudly served the monarchy for generations.

Here, they’ll sample a selection of fine English cheeses, learning about their unique flavors and production methods. The expert guides share fascinating insights into the history and traditions behind these beloved dairy delights.

Guests delight in the chance to explore the shop’s impressive selection, selecting their favorites to savor. With each bite, the group’s appreciation for the art of cheesemaking grows, setting the stage for an immersive and enlightening culinary journey through London’s vibrant food scene.

Tasting French Cheeses

Next, the group heads to the renowned F&M deli, where they’ll indulge in a tasting of exquisite French cheeses.

The expert guide introduces four distinct French varieties:

1. Brie – A soft, creamy cheese with a delicate, slightly nutty flavor.
2. Roquefort – A tangy, blue-veined cheese with a distinctive pungency.
3. Comté – A firm, nutty cheese with a complex, slightly sweet taste.
4. Camembert – A soft-ripened cheese with a rich, creamy texture and earthy aroma.

As the group savors each cheese, they learn about the unique production methods and regional origins that contribute to their exceptional flavors.

Indulging in Drunken Cheese

From the French delicatessen, the group makes its way to an Italian specialty shop to indulge in a tasting of drunken cheese.

This unique offering is a soft, creamy cheese that has been soaked in wine, often red, for an extended period. The result is a rich, complex flavor profile that combines the creaminess of the cheese with the bold notes of the wine.

Participants learn about the traditional methods used to create this delicacy and have the opportunity to sample various types of drunken cheese.

This stop provides a captivating contrast to the previous English and French cheese tasting experiences, offering a new dimension to the group’s cheese exploration.

Sampling British Cheeses

The tour then concludes at a charming dairy shop near Covent Garden, where the group has the chance to sample an array of beloved British cheeses.

The knowledgeable guide leads the tasting, highlighting the unique characteristics of each variety:

• Creamy and crumbly Stilton, a quintessential English blue cheese
• Tangy and buttery Wensleydale, a classic pairing with fruity preserves
• Nutty and firm Cheddar, the nation’s most iconic cheese
• Soft and luscious Brie-style Camembert, a British interpretation of the French classic

With each bite, the tour-goers gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and diversity of Britain’s artisanal cheese culture.

Cheese and Wine Pairing

Pairing cheese with the right wine is an art form that enhances the flavors of both. On this tour, guests will learn the secrets of cheese and wine pairing from the experts.

They’ll discover how the acidity, sweetness, and tannins in wine complement the creaminess, saltiness, and richness of different cheeses. For instance, a creamy Brie pairs beautifully with a crisp, fruity white wine, while a tangy blue cheese is elevated by a robust red.

The tour guides will share their knowledge and guide participants through tastings, ensuring a harmonious marriage of cheese and wine that delights the senses.

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour’s inclusions cover essential elements to enhance the cheese tasting experience. These include:

• A knowledgeable tour guide to lead the journey
• Samples of a variety of English, French, Italian, and British cheeses
• Visits to artisan cheesemakers to learn about their craft
• A small bottle of water to cleanse the palate between tastings

Exclusions, on the other hand, encompass optional expenses. Guests are responsible for providing their own tips, any purchases made during the tour, travel costs to the meeting point, and hotel pickup.

This allows participants to fully enjoy the cheese tasting experience without additional financial obligations.

Important Tour Details

Participants meet at the tour’s designated starting point, located outside the Green Park tube station on Piccadilly’s south side, opposite the M&S shop.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 12, individuals with mobility impairments, colds, food allergies, lactose intolerance, or nut allergies.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and appropriate outdoor clothing, as well as bring a face mask or protective covering.

The tour provides a small bottle of water, but travelers should plan for any additional purchases or transportation costs to and from the meeting point.

This 2-hour cheese tasting experience is limited to 10 participants and is conducted in English.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Purchase Cheese During the Tour?

Yes, you can purchase cheese during the tour. The tour includes visits to artisan cheesemakers, and you’ll have the opportunity to make purchases of the cheeses you sample along the way if you’d like.

Is the Tour Suitable for Vegetarians?

The tour may not be suitable for vegetarians as it focuses on sampling a variety of cheeses, including those containing meat products. Vegetarians should check with the tour operator before booking to ensure their dietary needs can be accommodated.

What Is the Required Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate outdoor clothing are recommended. Face masks or protective coverings are required. Formal attire isn’t necessary, as the focus is on the cheese tasting experience.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Dietary Restrictions?

The tour can’t be customized for dietary restrictions. It’s not suitable for those with food allergies, lactose intolerance, or nut allergies. Individuals with these conditions are advised to avoid the tour.

Are There Any Age Limits for Participants?

The tour is not suitable for children under 12. However, there are no other age restrictions, and adults of all ages are welcome to participate in the cheese tasting experience.

Sum Up

Embark on an exquisite cheese tasting journey through London’s finest purveyors. Savor the rich history and flavors of English, French, and Italian cheeses, expertly paired with harmonious wines. This intimate tour limited to just 10 participants offers a delightful culinary experience you won’t soon forget. Don’t miss the chance to indulge your inner cheese connoisseur.