Join Dr Matthew Green on an immersive walking tour and learn how five drinks forged modern London. During the tour, you’ll stop for revitalising coffees, sample 18th century-style hot chocolate, drink wine out of coconut shells, as they would have done in the Middle Ages, and much, much more.
From the convivial coffeehouses of the 17th century to rowdy “mug-houses” and the grandiose gin palaces of the Victorian era, this whirlwind tour will give you a new perspective on the history of London.
Some of the key stops on the tour…
Harris & Hoole Coffee Shop, 113 Cannon Street
The name of this coffee shop hails back to the very first days on London’s coffee scene, as captured in the diary of Samuel Pepys in 1664. You’ll stop here for a revitalising brew (they serve a killer flat white) and learn about the convivial creative coffeehouse culture of 17th and 18th century London
Merchant House, 13 Well Court.
A secret underground bar in a labyrinth of medieval alleys off Cheapside, the principal thoroughfare of medieval London. Here, the group will gurgle down some delicious medieval-style wine and learn about the the City’s lost vineyards.
Dr Johnson’s House and Museum, 17 Gough Square
An exquisitely preserved timber-framed brick townhouse built at the end of the 17th century and occupied by the legendary Dr Johnson, and his black cat Hodge, while he wrote his dictionary in the 1750s. You’ll visit this charming 300-year old townhouse, nestled among a maze of courts and alleys, and learn how Johnson compiled his great Dictionary of the English Language in the Garret.
Red Lion, 23 Crown Passage
One of the oldest pubs in the West End, this gem lies in a narrow, crooked alleyway off Pall Mall, right in the middle of St James’s Chocolate House district. Here, you’ll drink delicious luxury baroque hot chocolate, brewed to an authentic recipe in the historic manner.
The Red Lion, 2 Duke of York Street
The tour finishes up in this cosy Victorian gin palace, with etched glass panels and a horse-shoe mahogany bar. You’ll learn about the devastating impact of gin in Hogarth’s day, and its more respectable consumption in the grandiose gin palaces of the Victoria era. Plus you’ll learn about the history of ale in London, and polish off the tour with a refreshing gin or beer.
More about your teacher…
Dr Matthew Green is the author of the acclaimed book London: A Travel Guide Through Time, which has been described by the Londonist as ‘easily the best social history of London for a decade’. Matthew also writes historical features for the Guardian and Financial Times among others, and has featured in many TV documentaries. He’s the founder of Unreal City Audio, which produces immersive tours of historic London.
Details
Date: Saturday 30 April, 2016
Times: 1.30pm-5.30pm
Meeting point: The steps of St Michael’s Church, Cornhill, by the site of London’s first coffee house. It’s approached from Cornhill and is a five-minute walk from Bank Tube. A map can be found here.
Price: £89 (includes VAT, booking fee and drinks)
Event capacity: 20
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Returns policy
Tickets may be refunded if you contact us at least 14 days before the course start date. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.
