A Toddy Tour: In the footsteps of the historic East India Company
Schedule
Sat Dec 13 2025 at 02:30 pm to 05:30 pm
UTC+00:00Location
The Royal Exchange | London, EN
About this Event
Join me for a 3-hour guided walk to some of the City of London’s taverns and gin palaces, sampling your way through the alcoholic drinks for which the East India Company were responsible.
If you've been on Lisa Honan's EIC tour, this tour provides a perfect mixer. Lisa explained the history of the Company from 1600, now get onboard for the drinks tour!
It is Christmas party season so expect our pub stops to be quite busy. This will make for a fantastic festive atmosphere but likely standing room only!
The East India Company's thirst for profits only slightly outweighed their insatiable thirst for booze. From our love affair with Chicken Tikka to the beer that pairs better with it than anything else, the historic East India Company’s history was drenched in booze. On this walk, we will find out how and why.
We will meander through the City's ancient streets, hearing tales from the time of the East India Company's dominance as we walk and stopping for refreshments in at least three drinking establishments, each showcasing a drink for which we have the East India Company to thank.
We will visit a gin palace with a dark and haunted past, wine vaults home to some liquids almost as old as the East India Company itself and one of the city's oldest pubs - a popular drinking spot for East India Company Directors. You will hear stories of how the East India Company created the drinks we now know and love, some by accident, some to combat disease and all to keep the East India Company's officers in the drunken stupors and impressive parties they were accustomed to.
As a micro-brewer and drinks enthusiast, I have a unique and technical insight into London's drinking history.
We will start at Bank Underground station Exit 3 (by the Royal Exchange) and finish close to City Thameslink & Blackfriars station.
Included: Expert Guide
Not included: Any drinks along the way. All drinks at own expense, so you can indulge as much or as little as you desire.
Where is it happening?
The Royal Exchange, Bank Station, Exit 3 (by Royal Exchange), London, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 25.00
