wine tasting tours london

THE 10 BEST London Wine Tasting Tours

Wine tasting tours in london.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Exclusive Late Entry at Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Champagne

2. Royal Historic Pubs Walking Guided Tour in London

3. River Cruise and Six Course Tasting Menu Experience

4. English Wine and Cheese Tour from London

5. Private Royal Walk and Champagne Moet Chandon at Harrods

6. Private Pub Tour of Central London

7. Private Wine Tasting in London with Global Wine Expert

8. London Pub Crawl

9. Private Historic Pub's of London Bridge and Borough Walking Tour

10. Gastronomic 4-course fine-dining Lunch on Luxury London Bus

11. Christmas Lights and Markets Guided Walking Tour with Mulled Wine

12. Haunted Pub Tour of London

13. Private Alcohol-Free Tasting Experience in London

14. Tour de France Wine Tasting

15. Terrarium Masterclass Experience in London

16. Private Food Experience in London

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Hampton Court guided tour Full day and High Tea

Brighton Bar Crawl

Chocolatier workshop

Tour & Tasting Experience

Scenic Vineyards, Villages, & Beauty Spots in Surrey near London

Vineyard & Cheesemaker Bus Tour of Sussex

Half Day Beer Tour of Lewes

Express Workshop

Mini Chocolatier workshop

Owners vineyard tour and tasting at Oastbrook

Brighton Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour

Classic Heritage Pub Tour

Sussex Vineyard & Winery Bus Tour on Iconic Vintage London Bus

Kew Biscuit Decorating Class for Adults

What travellers are saying.

• Royal Historic Pubs Walking Guided Tour in London
• Exclusive Late Entry at Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Champagne
• River Cruise and Six Course Tasting Menu Experience
• Private Royal Walk and Champagne Moet Chandon at Harrods
• Private Alcohol-Free Tasting Experience in London
• Liquid History Tours
• Bespoke Britain
• Travel Curious
• Star Europe Tours
• Opatrip England
• English Wine Tasting Tours
• Historic Pub Tours
• Cheese at Leadenhall
• Pasta Academy
• Shake, Rattle and Stir

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London wine tasting

Learn how to slosh, swill, sip and spit like a pro on one of London’s loveliest wine tasting tours

Let’s be honest: the world of wine can seem pretty damn confusing from a layperson’s perspective. When confronted with all those endless bottles in the supermarket or at London's best bars , it can be tricky to even know where to start. And even harder, can be poring over the wine list in a posh restaurant and convincing the sommelier – or your date – that you have any clue what you’re talking about.

So, if you really want to tell your merlots from your malbecs and your rieslings from your riojas, then we suggest taking a look through our list of London wine tasting classes and tours. There’s a diverse mix here, but we guarantee you’ll be dazzling your dinner party guests with your wine chat in no time. Vino you want to, ahem. Bottoms up!

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London wine tasting tours, courses and classes

1.  Wine with a view: wine tasting at Skylon

If you love wine, and you’ve got a significant other with a head for heights, book a table for two at Skylon. Enjoy five tastings and you won‘t go hungry as there will be posh snacks to nibble on. Cheers.

2.  Berry Bros & Rudd

• Off licences

The more mature palate will certainly appreciate a trip to this family-run wine merchant with its ancient cellars and full-bodied bottles. Yes, a tasting here might cost you the equivalent of a weekend in France – but the wine is more than worth it. 

3.  56 West Smithfield

This family-run wine bar in Farringdon is a cosy little spot in the middle of all the central London madness. The family running it also own a boutique vineyard in the South of France, Château De La Cômbe, so they really know their stuff. They have a small, refined menu, with nice cheese and meats to pair them with, and upstairs there’s a traditional wine tasting room where they run a ton of wine tasting events to get involved in. 

4.  Michael Schuster

Michael Schuster is a real wine educator, with over 25 years of experience. He teaches courses (six sessions each) for both beginners and advanced wine buffs, based at the offices of fine wine merchants Bordeaux Index. There are plenty of wines to be tasted at each session, too, so we think you’ll be more than grape-ful.

5.  Humble Grape

At this Fleet Street spot, all you have to do is find a cute nook to cosy up in and drink in all that delicious grape juice. With more than 400 wines to choose from, the tough bit is deciding where to start. Oh and make sure you take in the decor while you’re there, too, because this watering hole is based in some double-vaulted crypts designed by Sir Christopher Wren.

6.  London Wine Academy

Since 1993, the London Wine Academy has offered a range of courses taught by qualified tutors – including Masters of Wine, buyers and sommeliers. As well as one-day workshops focused on a particular grape or region, there are evening classes and events dedicated to food pairing, such as wine and cheese tastings and a Spanish wine and tapas masterclass.

7.  Bedales Wine Workshop

Wine retailing runs in the bloodstreams of the two families that own Bedales, and while the bar will admit to favouring Italian and French wines, it stocks and has tastings of wines from around the world, including those harder-to-find wines that you might not be able to source yourself. Plus, this course is WSET (wine and spirit education trust)   level one accredited, which means you’ll leave with an official qualification and a pin to prove it.

8.  The Winemakers Club

Lots of winemakers are going au naturel , and this atmospheric independent wine bar is the perfect place to find out why. Join owner  John Baum  to taste his handpicked selection of intriguing organic and biodynamic wines, all set in a romantic candlelit cavern underneath the Holborn Viaduct.

9.  Roberson Wine

The independent wine supplier Roberson has a wine school in its Kensington shop. Its laid-back courses cater for beginners as well as the more knowledgeable, and there are workshops on individual regions.

Image ©Joel Knight

10.  The Wine Tasting Shop

The strap line is ‘try before you buy’, which is one we can definitely get behind. Taste your way around the world through seven types of wine, or splash out on the shop’s home-grown champagne.

11.  East London Wine School

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wine Tasting and WSET Courses London #elws (@eastlondonwineschool)

Treat your taste buds to a gastronomic feast, which will show you how to match the best food with the best booze. Upcoming workshops include an introduction to wine and cheese and wine pairings.

12.  Hedonism Wines

Get your wine fix in this aptly named wine store. Hedonism really does offer a high-end wine tasting experience. The wine tastings often sell out so you’ve got to be quick if you want to be sipping some seriously good wine come 7pm.

13.  Wine Unearthed

Keep putting off learning a new skill? It’s never too late to start, and we don’t know why it‘s taken you so long when there’s booze involved. This course manages to get the balance right between consuming information and consuming wine. So, now you can say a glass of vino has got great legs with conviction.

14.  Wine & Spirit Education Trust

View this post on Instagram A post shared by WSET School London (@wset_school_london)

The WSET is a worldwide organisation providing high-quality training and qualifications for professionals working in the wine and spirit and hospitality trades, but their introductory and advanced courses are popular with amateur enthusiasts too. Its informal 'Wine Enthusiast' events often focus on a particular region or style.

15.  Denbies Wine Estate

• Things to do

This vineyard and winemakers is a little trip out of town (it's in Dorking, Surrey) but it's easily reached from London and well worth the trek. There's a range of wine tasting, tours and classes on offer, all showcasing the estate's many drops. Plus some offer a train ride through the vineyards, which sounds like a very nice way to spend an afternoon.

Check out more great things to do in London

101 things to do in London

This list (hotly debated within the Time Out office on a regular basis) is a good place to start

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Wine Tasting & Vineyard Tours

Taste award-winning wines and explore vineyards in the beautiful English countryside just an hour from London

All of the wine. None of the stress. Award-winning wines, delicious locally-sourced food and breathtaking scenery. You do the drinking, we'll do the driving. 

It was the perfect day out!

“To walk through beautiful countryside with other lovely people and then visit a glorious English vineyard and sample their wines was a true pleasure and one that I shall definitely repeat."

From strangers to friends!

“There are not enough superlatives to properly describe Tom as a tour guide. The sights and wine are secondary to his ability to turn strangers into friends almost immediately.”

I can't rate this experience high enough!

"Our guide Tom knew the area and wines so well. The views were amazing and lunch was incredible too.The entire day was exceptionally well organised."

English Wine & Vineyards

Sunshine, wine and all things fine. Spend a blissed out day exploring England’s best vineyards.

Delicious Lunch

Feast on the region’s gastronomic delights with a mouthwatering locally sourced lunch fit for royalty.

Countryside Walks

Feel the sun on your face as you wander the vine-covered hills of wine country, glass in hand.

INCLUDED FOR ALL TOURS:

Pick up and drop off from london, private transport in luxury vehicle, all winery tour and tasting fees, delicious gourmet lunch, expert ais-qualified sommelier private guide, scenic drive through the english countryside, tour also available in: french, italian, spanish & mandarin chinese, private trips.

We cater for all groups, big or small. Get in touch with our team of experts and we’ll create an unforgettable experience for you.

Romantic getaways

Want to propose in the middle of a vineyard at sunset? Looking for that special gift for your better half? Get in touch, and we'll create your exclusive and unforgettable experience ... just you and her (or him).

We’re a team of wine fanatics on a mission to spread the English wine gospel! Come with us on a wine adventure. Explore the vineyards of England, taste the very best sparkling wine and meet the amazing producers making it all happen.

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NEW | CHARDONNAY 2023

NEW | A TOUCH OF SPARKLE ROSÉ

• Mix Your Own Case
• Personalised Wine
• Kit's Coty Range
• Discovery Series
• Sparkling Wines
• Still Wines
• Mixed Cases
• White Wines
• AKER Apéritif
• Cocktail Sets
• Gift Boxed Bottles
• Magnums and Jeroboams
• Wedding Gifts
• Corporate Gifting
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Vine to Wine

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• Our Journal

Tours & Experiences

Our experiences range from guided tours and tutored wine tastings to lunch in our restaurant and overnight stays. All have been designed to give our guests a relaxed insight into our vineyards and winery, whilst having the opportunity to take in the stunning surroundings of our Tenterden estate.

Guided Tour & Tasting

Enjoy a guided tour of our vineyards and winery where you will learn about the vineyard cycle, the English grape harvest and the intricate process of Traditional Method sparkling wine. The experience includes a tutored tasting of a selection of our award-winning sparkling and still wines.

Prices from £30.00 per person

A Taste of Summer

New for Summer 2024.  Enjoy a tutored tasting of our award-winning sparkling and still wines, followed by a three-course set meal in our Michelin Bib on-site restaurant The Swan. 

The package includes a seasonal set menu paired with a glass of Chapel Down with guests dining together at the exclusive Chef’s Table.

Price: £85pp From May to September  

Deluxe Gift Experience

Our popular Deluxe Experience includes a guided tour of the vineyards and winery and a tutored tasting of an extended range of wines. Then head up to The Swan restaurant for a glass of sparkling wine, followed by a three-course set lunch, plus a gift set to take home.

Price from £130.00 per person

Cheese & Wine Experience

Enjoy a guided tour of our vineyards and winery, followed by a tutored wine tasting paired with local cheese and artisanal crackers. Receive a £10 gift voucher to spend in the winery shop.

Prices from £70.00 per person

Charity Concert

12th May 6pm

After the success of The Bacchus Orchestra last year, they are back with a small intimate concert featuring the clarinet group 'Grenadillas'. Enjoy 4 wine tastings intermixed with classical tunes from Handel to Gilbert & Sullivan and some original jazzy numbers.

Price £25 per person

The Wizard of Oz

19th June 7pm

Following TIMT Theatre Company’s previous touring productions , we are delighted to be back this Spring with another family-friendly adventure, The Wizard Of Oz . Their adaptation is packed with music, merriment and plenty of magic and will be sure to captivate audiences of all ages.

Prices from £15 per person

Walking with Wine Tour

A rare opportunity to taste a selection of wines amongst the very vines from which they are grown. Enjoy a guided tour of the Tenterden vineyards whilst sampling a range of our award-winning wines, including a tasting of tank samples. 

Prices from £40.00 per person

LUXURY DINING EXPERIENCE

An early evening guided tour of our vineyard and winery with an extended tutored wine tasting (including our full range of award-winning Kit’s Coty wines). You will recieved a glass of Chapel Down Sparkling Wine and a 3 course a la carte dinner at The Swan along with a Chapel Down wine flight. Finished with Tea or Coffee and a Chapel Down Gift to take home.

Prices from £150.00 per person

Tea & Tour Experience

Celebrate everything English! An insight into award winning sparkling wine at England's leading winemaker followed by a traditional afternoon tea to be enjoyed with a glass of Chapel Down Sparkling wine. Includes a tour of the vineyard and winery, a tutored tasting of five wines, afternoon tea and a glass of Chapel Down Brut NV.

Prices from £60.00 per person.

Sissinghurst Castle Experience

Enjoy a private tour of the Chapel Down vineyards and winery, with a three course lunch in our restaurant. The package includes a two night stay at the five-star Sissinghurst Castle B&B with access to the world-renowned Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, part of the National Trust estate.

Prices from £800.00 per couple

WEDDING TASTING EXPERIENCE

Start your wedding journey with us! Join a Chapel Down ambassador at our Tenterden winery for a private tasting session.

Discover a selection of our sparkling and still wines. We'll create a bespoke plan for you to match your guest numbers and menu. Price: £20pp

The Bacchus Orchestra

The Bacchus Orchestra Concert

Back by popular demand! Come and enjoy a summer evening with an orchestra of 40 local musicians playing classics from the 'March of Bacchus' to well-known show tunes and culminating in some favourites from Last Night of the Proms Savour a glass of Bacchus while listening to the Bacchus Orchestra next to the Bacchus vines! Price: £20pp Date: 10th July 7:30pm start

Jeeves & Wooster

Tethered Wits cordially invites you to an uproarious adventure with P.G. Wodehouse’s beloved characters, Jeeves and Wooster! Featuring live jazz music, from our ensemble of actor-musicians - a jolly good time awaits you! Price: £16pp Dates: 20th July 7pm start 21st July 5:30pm start

The Railway Children

All aboard! Tethered Wits invites you to embark on a magical journey filled with fun, music, and heartwarming storytelling. Bring your friends and family together, on a journey that celebrates the timeless power of love, community, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Price: £12pp Date: 20th July 2:30pm start

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to own a vineyard? Our Vine to Wine Package offers you the chance to do just that. It's the perfect gift for anyone who loves wine. New for 2023, our Vine to Wine Package includes the leasing of Bacchus vines within our vineyards at the Chapel Down Winery in Tenterden. You are invited to visit your vines throughout the year, as well as take part in the harvest in Autumn. The package also includes a case (or more!) of your own custom-labelled Bacchus white wine

London Wine Tour

Find New Adventures with London Wine Tour

The only wine tasting tour in London

All About us

The one (and only) wine tour guide in London..

Do you like wine? Quirky places? History? A strong french accent? Come with me and explore some of London's eclectic wine bars, taste wine (quite a few and all different!) have a little plate in each bar (it's better if we eat at the same time, trust me!) and I will tell you stories of each place, unique streets, and funny characters of the West End area of London.  

I work and live here since more than 10 years, work in the wine and food industry since 20 years..  and I'm french.. so trust me, I know wine !  

Of course if you have any questions about how is it to live in one of the busiest, old fashion, historical city in the world, please ask me.

Afternoon Wine Tasting

£95 per person

from 3pm 

Come with me, wine bar to wine bar, discovering wines, the history of the places and characters who lived through them. You will taste a few glasses of original wines with succulent home made food in each place.  We will walk through narrow road of the West End London and drink in some historical candlelit places.

The tours are from Tuesday to Friday at 3pm and Friday from 12 noon  .

Due the quirky places we will visit, I will be able to go around with only 5 persons maximum per tour.

£95 per person +£2.38 booking fee

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Our Top Picks For Luxury Wine Tasting Experiences in London

Table of contents.

One of the finest luxury experiences in London has to be that of wine tasting. Whether you are a long-time wine connoisseur, or if you find it difficult to tell the difference between a Merlot and a Malbec, London’s wine scene caters to all levels of wine knowledge and offers an array of exquisite tastings that will help deepen your appreciation for the world of fine wines. 

At Sanctum, we endeavour to provide a full range of expertise and advice for our guests and have researched some of the premium wine tasting experiences in London to help you select a unique excursion that becomes a highlight of your time in the capital.

The Best Wine Tasting in London

Don’t have time to read all the in-depth details of London’s extensive luxury wine tasting options? Here’re our quick picks:

• Berry Bros. & Rudd – London’s first wine merchant, no one knows wine better than the sommeliers at BBR.
• 67 Pall Mall – It’s exclusive for members, so best for regular visitors to the capital, but the wine tasting experiences, like-minded enthusiasts, and comprehensive wine cellars make 67 Pall Mall a desirable location for every wine connoisseur.
• Chapel Down Winery – Just over an hour from London, the Chapel Down vineyard offers the full wine tasting experience with a tour of the vineyards and more. If you really love wine, it’s a must-do excursion.

London Wine Tasting - A Luxury Experience

Unlike the more traditional excursions such as visiting the Tower of London or enjoying a West End show, wine tasting for two offers a unique and education experience that will remain with you throughout your life. 

For those to whom understanding wine feels elusive, a wine tasting experience with any of the incredible London sommeliers will boost your confidence when ordering wine, as well as helping you further enjoy this traditional drink and its many varieties. 

Those who are already enthusiasts will enjoy expanding on their knowledge, finding new wines, and sharing their love of the subject with those accompanying them.

It is worth leaving a few hours for a wine tasting – perhaps two hours for the tasting itself and at least an extra thirty minutes or more as you peruse the options available to buy and take home.

For those visiting London, wine tasting provides a fun, informative, and different experience to remember for years to come; great for birthday gifts , a different romantic afternoon , or as a corporate group activity.

Looking for the perfect accommodation while wine tasting in London?

Sanctum provides five-star luxury serviced apartments, wine tasting in central london.

With Central London a prime location for wine tasting, there’s no need for Sanctum guests to travel far to enjoy the finest wines in the world. London’s wine specialists have maintained their businesses for decades, sometimes centuries, proving their expertise and passion.

1 - Berry Bros. & Rudd

We start with Britain’s oldest wine merchants. Established in 1698, Berry Bros. & Rudd have been in the wine business for over three centuries and boast some of the world’s finest wines as well as being home to the world’s finest sommeliers.

Berry Bros. & Rudd offer a range of wine tasting experiences depending on your expertise on the subject. With Wine School Tastings for beginners to sample different themes and regions of wine, thought the Tutored Tastings, where their expert team will focus on a specific theme such as wine from a particular region or vintage, through to the Fine Wine Tastings for a luxury experience for the true enthusiast.

2 - Hedonism Wines

Located in Mayfair, Hedonism Wines boast a selection of over 7,000 wines and offer curated London wine tasting experiences for all. These include their masterclasses, where their knowledgeable team will guide participants through a selection of wines from a range of themes such as grave variety or style of wine, and the exclusive “wine dinners”, a gourmet meal with a special focus is on the accompanying wine, designed to explore the harmony between food and wine.

3 - 67 Pall Mall

67 Pall Mall is a private members’ club for wine lovers in London. While it is not recommended for those who visit London infrequently, wine aficionados who are regular travellers to the capital would benefit from membership and all the perks that come with it.

Members are given access to the club’s extensive wine cellar, as well as being invited to their exclusive wine tasting events and masterclasses. Not only that, but socially, 67 Pall Mall caters to the true wine enthusiast, bringing like-minded people together for a unique London experience.

With a focus on wine education, 67 Pall Mall really is the perfect option for those with a strong passion for the subject.

4 - La Cave à Fromage

Wine has been paired with cheese for centuries, and for good reason. At La Cave à Fromage, wine tasting experiences are as much cheese tasting as they are wine, giving guests a fantastic understanding of both and educating on how they complement each other.

They offer regular wine and cheese tasting events with expert cheesemongers and sommeliers together to host, as well as offering private customised tastings for those looking for a personalised experience.

A fantastic opportunity for lovers of both wine and cheese.

5 - The Winery, Maida Vale

A small independent shop, The Winery in Maida Vale is growing its reputation as one of the best locations for wine in North London and offers monthly wine tastings alongside its regular business as a premium wine merchant in the area. Located less than a mile from Sanctum’s Maida Vale apartments, many Sanctum guests have enjoyed the professional expertise and wide range of fine wines available.

Wine Tasting at Vineyards

While the inner city London wine experts offer an incredible range of experiences, for some, visiting a vineyard is part of the charm of a wine tasting. Travel just a few miles from the city borders, and there is a range of excellent vineyard that offer wine tasting and tours of their estates.

6 - Chapel Down Winery, Tenterden, Kent

One of the largest and best-known vineyards in the UK, Chapel Down offer guided tours alongside wine tastings to experience their award-winning wines. With over 500 acres of vineyards throughout Kent, Sussex, and Essex, Chapel Down grapes benefit from the region’s favourable climate that has been said to be similar to that of the ever-famous Champagne region of France. Chapel Down has a range of still and sparkling wines, including an award-winning sparkling wine, Chapel Down Brut.

For tasting, their Kent vineyard has a dedicated tasting room, where guests are invited to enjoy the specific characteristics and flavours of each wine. The on-site restaurant means that there’s no need to leave the site early to dine, with a menu of seasonal dishes that are, of course, accompanied by complementary Chapel Down wines.

7 - Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, Surrey

Just over an hour from London lies Denbies Wine Estate in Surrey. Boasting not only a wine tasting experience, their “Indoor Winery Experience” allows visitors to witness the working winery, explaining the process and adding to the appreciation of their diverse range of wines. Rather uniquely, Denbies also has a train that trundles through the vineyard for a guided scenic tour unlike any other.

With an on-site restaurant offering incredible views as well as delicious food and wine, Denbies is a worthwhile day excursion for wine lovers.

8 - Ridgeview Wine Estate, Ditchling, East Sussex

Specialising in sparkling wine, Ridgeview is another vineyard to take advantage of the region’s conditions and grows classic Champagne grape varieties, such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. An award-winning English winery, Ridgeview offers guided tours of the vineyard and winery, educating visitors on every stage of the wine making process.

In addition to wine tasting in their dedicated tasting room, Ridgeview has other events on the calendar, from vineyard picnics to harvest celebrations, well worth a visit if the timing is right.

Staying in London for Your Wine Tasting Experience

With our range of premium serviced apartments, Sanctum is the natural home-away-from-home for wine enthusiasts in London. Our spacious and private apartments have everything you need to relax while you are here, and are perfectly situated for both Central London wine tasting, and visiting vineyards. Our concierge staff will help you plan your excursion, ensuring that you have the best London wine tasting experience possible.

Book with us today.

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A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s 7 Vineyards Near London You’ll Love for Wine Tasting

Today I want to bring you my guide to vineyards near London you’ll love. With hundreds of wineries in England, there are a lot of exciting places to go wine tasting near the UK capital. Whether you enjoy sparkling or still, established vineyards or new operations, there are wineries near London that will get your inner oenophile excited. If you’re looking for an enjoyable day out or a weekend getaway, there’s a vineyard in England for you. I’ve included a map as well.

Vineyards Near London

My guide to vineyards near London includes a variety of locations outside the city. Whether you prefer guided wine tours near London or independent tastings, there’s an ideal place for you.

The British wine industry has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, and there are a lot of places that welcome visitors. From Kent to Sussex and Hampshire, the best vineyards show off British wines at their finest.

And they are fine. Grown from the same chalky terroir as the Champagne region of France, English sparkling wines are winning awards right and left. White varietals like those common in Germany are thriving in the English climate, too.

Add to that bucolic landscapes, peaceful surroundings, and great drinks and food, and these wineries are perfect places to spend a day or two away from the city.

I’ve visited all the vineyards on my list, and I can personally attest to their quality. From the drinks themselves to the atmosphere and entertainment, they’re worth a special trip. You can even combine some of them and visit a few in one getaway.

How to Get to Wineries Near London

If you want to go wine tasting near London, the best way to travel to the vineyards is by car or on a guided tour. Most are located in the countryside, and they’re not next to train stations.

That said, some are near enough to rail lines that you can take a train most of the way and pre-book a taxi for the remainder of your journey. You can use the map below to plan your route. I’ve also noted some of the easier ones to get to by rail below.

If you want to take a guided tour, GetYourGuide offers small-group wine tours in Sussex. They’re great ways to go wine tasting near London without having to worry about driving or the hassle of public transport. You can learn more about them and book your ticket here .

1. Chapel Down Vineyard Near London

I’ll start my list of vineyards near London with Chapel Down in Kent . One of the largest wineries in England, this place is famous for its sparkling wines. Rumor has it they were served at the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Located near the market town of Tenterden, Chapel Down features a tasting room with produce from all over Kent and a rustic-modern restaurant with a rooftop terrace. Outside, the gardens are gorgeous and the vines roll with the hills.

Chapel Down offers a range of tours and tastings for visitors. I did a tasting when I went, and I was impressed by both the quality and variety of the wines. I loved the lush grounds and peaceful atmosphere, too.

If you want to do this as an overnight trip, you can book a hotel in Kent here . There are lots of beautiful places to stay in the area, including the unique Sissinghurst Castle Farmhouse . You can book a room here .

2. Biddenden Vineyard Near London

Biddenden comes next on my list of the best vineyards near London. It’s one of my top picks for places to visit in Kent if you want to feel like a local.

Laid-back and family run, this winery has an intimate atmosphere and a rustic quality that connects visitors to the land and its produce.

Biddenden is also one of the most famous producers of Kentish cider. Their sparkling cider made in the champagne method is particularly delicious.

The winery offers both guided and self-guided tours. I did a guided tour of Biddenden’s vineyards when I visited. They’re home to some of the oldest vines in the country, and they’re impressive to see.

I also got to take a peek at the bottling process before heading indoors for a tasting. It was fun to try the finished product right next to the fields where the produce was grown.

If you want to do this as an overnight trip, you can book a hotel in Kent here . Biddenden is near Sissinghurst Castle Farmhouse , too, so it’s an easy place to stay if you want to visit both here and Chapel Down. You can book a room here .

3. Hush Heath Estate (Balfour Winery)

Hush Heath Estate is home to Balfour Winery, and it’s another of the best vineyards near London. This family-run English winery is set in the rolling hills of the Kent countryside near Staplehurst.

Hush Heath is particularly known for its Balfour Brut Rose, one of Britain’s most recognizable wines. It offers a lot more besides just that one, though.

The 400 acres (162 hectares) of grounds at Hush Heath are bursting with grapevines, apple orchards, and ancient oak woodlands.

Visitors can do a self-guided stroll through the estate or join a guided vineyard tour and wine tasting experience in the winery. I did a guided tour here, and I was impressed by both the size of the place and the range of impressive wines I tasted at the end.

This is one of the best vineyards to get to by train, as it’s only an 8-minute taxi ride from Staplehurst station in Kent.

If you want to do this as an overnight getaway, you can book a hotel in Kent here . Hush Heath Estate is near Chapel Down and Biddenden Vineyards, so Sissinghurst Castle Farmhouse makes sense if you want to visit just Hush Heath or all three wineries.

4. Tinwood Estate

Tinwood Estate in West Sussex is another of the best vineyards near London. This winery is a fun trip from the city and an ideal place to escape from the UK capital for a tasting or relaxing getaway.

Located at the foot of the South Downs National Park near Chichester, Tinwood Estate was established in 2007 and is known for its sparkling wines.

Tinwood Estate offers guided tours and tastings, as well as a sparkling afternoon tea. The winery’s tasting room is set in a modern building with a glass-covered veranda and outdoor terrace overlooking the vines.

I did a tasting here and I loved the contemporary atmosphere, delicious sparkling wines, and verdant surroundings. I felt like I was in an understated English version of a Napa Valley winery from my home state of California.

Tinwood is another good vineyard to get to by train from London. It’s only an 11-minute taxi ride from Chichester railway station.

If you want to make a West Sussex weekend break out of it, you can book a hotel in the area here . Uniquely, Tinwood Estate also has luxurious vineyard lodges you can stay in. You can book one here and stay right next to the vines.

5. Nutbourne Vineyards

Nutbourne is another of the best vineyards near London. Located near Pulborough in West Sussex, this winery has been family-owned and run since 1991.

Not only does Nutbourne Vineyards have great wines, but also a range of other attractions. From an ancient oak sculpture in the vines to a family of alpacas and a viewing platform with panoramas over the South Downs, there’s a lot to see here.

Nutbourne welcomes visitors to its winery and cellar door. It offers a self-guided vineyard trail, guided tours, and picnics. I did the vineyard trail and I loved getting out into the English countryside and taking in the vines.

There are also great country walks in West Sussex that will take you past Nutbourne and other vineyards in the area. You can see the route and map for the one I did here .

If you want to turn this into a country break near London , you can book a hotel in West Sussex here . There are great places to stay in the area.

6. Kinsbrook Vineyard Near London

Next on my list of the best vineyards near London is Kinsbrook. This family-owned vineyard and wine producer is located in Thakeham the heart of West Sussex at the foot of the South Downs.

Kinsbrook Vineyard focuses on hand-crafted wines from grapes grown on its third-generation farmland. Its owners are building an inclusive, sustainable lifestyle culture, starting with experience-led tastings at the source.

Kinsbrook has more than just tours, too. The cellar door offers coffee, cake, and antipasti in addition to wine. And that’s to say nothing of the farm shop and eatery, supper clubs, events, and live acoustic music every Sunday in the summer.

I happened to visit the winery one Sunday afternoon, and I loved the laid-back atmosphere. The wine, music, and vines all combined to make it a memorable experience.

Conveniently, Kinsbrook is located right near Nutbourne and two other vineyards: Nyetimber and Ambriel Sparkling. You can combine a trip to all four of them and make a weekend trip from London of it. You can book a hotel in West Sussex here .

7. Hambledon Vineyard Near London

Out on the South Downs in Hampshire , Hambledon is another of the best vineyards near London. Established in 1952, this family-run winery is the oldest commercial vineyard in the UK. Its mission: create the finest English fizz.

Located in Hambledon village, the cradle of cricket, Hambledon Vineyard offers tours and tastings that take visitors through the winemaking process and into the vines. I did a tour when I visited, and I loved getting to see how the wine was made.

Hambledon also has pop-up restaurants, afternoon tea, and seasonal events. I enjoyed lunch in a converted double-decker bus when I visited, and the food was delicious.

If you want to turn this trip into an overnight getaway to Hampshire, you can book a hotel here . There are lots of great places to stay in the South Downs.

Map of Vineyards Near London

Below is an interactive map of all the vineyards near London I covered in this blog post. If you click on the blue pins, you can find more information about each one. I hope it helps you plan your getaway!

I hope you’ve liked my list of vineyards near London, and that it’s helped you discover new places to travel from the UK capital.

There are more spots to enjoy wine tasting outside London, too. For example, Denbies Wine Estate in Surrey is England’s biggest vineyard and one of the largest wine producers in the UK.

Other important names include Ridgeview Wine Estate and Bolney Wine Estate, both of which are in Sussex.

You can even go wine, cider, and beer tasting in Kent . It’s the perfect way to discover the area through its famous English drinks .

New vineyards and wineries are popping up all the time, too, so there’s always an excuse for another trip. Happy tasting!

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English Wine Escapes 

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As a boutique tour operator, we offer daily escapes to beautiful nature where guests can celebrate special occasions or simply relax with good wine and food in a fantastic setting. 

Our guests taste the finest English wines and discover the fast-growing wine industry, including its hidden vineyards. Few know that there are already nearly 900 vineyards in our country.

We specialise in exploring the picturesque regions of Kent and Sussex. It's worth noting that Champagne producers are investing in new vineyards in this area.

Discover the beauty of English wine with us as your guide. Let us help plan your perfect day out.

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THE 10 BEST Wine Tours & Tastings in London, England

Wine tours & tastings in london.

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1. Exclusive Late Entry at Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Champagne

2. Royal Historic Pubs Walking Guided Tour in London

3. River Cruise and Six Course Tasting Menu Experience

4. English Wine and Cheese Tour from London

5. Private Royal Walk and Champagne Moet Chandon at Harrods

6. Private Pub Tour of Central London

7. Private Wine Tasting in London with Global Wine Expert

8. London Pub Crawl

9. Private Historic Pub's of London Bridge and Borough Walking Tour

10. Gastronomic 4-course fine-dining Lunch on Luxury London Bus

11. Christmas Lights and Markets Guided Walking Tour with Mulled Wine

12. Haunted Pub Tour of London

13. Private Alcohol-Free Tasting Experience in London

14. Tour de France Wine Tasting

15. Terrarium Masterclass Experience in London

16. Private Food Experience in London

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Hampton Court guided tour Full day and High Tea

Brighton Bar Crawl

Chocolatier workshop

Tour & Tasting Experience

Scenic Vineyards, Villages, & Beauty Spots in Surrey near London

Vineyard & Cheesemaker Bus Tour of Sussex

Half Day Beer Tour of Lewes

Express Workshop

Mini Chocolatier workshop

Owners vineyard tour and tasting at Oastbrook

Brighton Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour

Classic Heritage Pub Tour

Sussex Vineyard & Winery Bus Tour on Iconic Vintage London Bus

Kew Biscuit Decorating Class for Adults

What travellers are saying.

• Royal Historic Pubs Walking Guided Tour in London
• Exclusive Late Entry at Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Champagne
• River Cruise and Six Course Tasting Menu Experience
• Private Royal Walk and Champagne Moet Chandon at Harrods
• Private Alcohol-Free Tasting Experience in London
• Liquid History Tours
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Sparkling Tasting Flight

A relaxed and informative tasting of our four classic sparkling wines is the perfect introduction to the Gusbourne range.

Still Wine Tasting Flight

Explore a selection of rare and limited still wines from our cellars. Your host will guide you through four different styles of wine, including our multi-award-winning Chardonnay Guinevere.

Limited Edition Wines Tasting Flight

Taste a selection of our most luxurious and limited wines, including our prestige bottling Fifty One Degrees North.

Picnic for Two

Book a picnic for two ahead of spring and summer. The combination of chilled wine and good food in our beautiful vineyards will be a pleasure to savour.

Estate Tour

A hosted tour of the estate, followed by an extended tasting of Gusbourne wines complemented by a three-course lunch.

The Gusbourne Icons Experience

Enjoy the very finest, rarest and most luxurious wines in our cellar in this exclusive masterclass and four-course lunch.

Special Events

Rare and Limited Still Wines Tasting and Lunch

Our still wines are the epitome of Gusbourne craftsmanship and care. Join us on Friday 17th May for a fascinating expert-hosted tasting of our favourite still wines. We'll delve into a selection of older bottlings, a limited-edition release and new vintages. This will be followed by a delicious three-course lunch.

A Tale of Two Terroirs Tasting and Lunch

Join us this English Wine Week as we explore our Kent and Sussex terroirs. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of our Kent vineyards before we sit down to a side-by-side tasting of our Kent and Sussex wines. After the tasting, our Head Chef will serve a seasonal three-course lunch. Available dates: 15th, 16th, 20th and 22nd June.

Gusbourne Midsummer Barbecue for Two

On Friday 21st June, join us in the vineyards for a convivial summer barbecue. Part of our English Wine Week celebrations, this event is a relaxed chance to enjoy a complimentary tour of the vineyards, enjoy seasonal dishes and savour our summertime-ready English Rosé.

The Award-Winners Tasting and Lunch

Celebrate English Wine Week with our highly anticipated tasting and lunch on Saturday 22nd June. Featuring some of the most awarded wines in the country, you will taste an exclusive selection of Gusbourne wines which have been credited with gold medals at the Decanter Awards, Wine GB Awards and the internationally renowned CSWWC.

Harvest Estate Tour

Harvest is one of the most exciting times to visit our vineyards and these Estate Tours come with a twist, as we seek out opportunities for our guests to step behind the scenes and see what happens at Gusbourne during this crucially important time in the annual cycle of the Estate.

Head Winemaker Masterclass and Lunch

Explore Gusbourne’s cellar with Head Winemaker Mary Bridges. During this experience, Mary will give you a behind-the-scenes preview of the 2024 vintage and introduce you to the processes of making Gusbourne’s award-winning wines. Be guided through a special wine tasting and enjoy a three-course lunch paired with our wines.

Corporate Experiences

Host your next corporate event with us, discovering what makes our corner of England so special for winemaking.

Gusbourne Estate, Kenardington Road, Appledore, Ashford, TN26 2BE

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London Tours

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The London Mixer

Enjoy tastings as you visit London’s first cidery & meadery, time at Heeman’s retail space, and taste your way through award winning local breweries!

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Sudsy Sips London

A tour through London to experience 4 of our favourite breweries. Sip, savour and learn about what goes into the making of your favourite local craft brews.

Private Custom Tour

Visit your choice of wineries, cideries, distilleries and/or breweries with a vehicle booked privately for you and your guests.

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The best tasting menus in London await at these 10 stellar restaurants

London has a wealth of unique culinary gems, MICHELIN-starred restaurants and expert chefs championing creativity and cutting-edge practices. Featuring local produce, international inspirations and surprising flavours, sometimes it’s worth letting the kitchen be in charge of a dining experience. With this year’s London Restaurant Festival coming up in June, many restaurants boast unique menus and special culinary experiences dedicated to the festival season. From omakase to fusion food, the best tasting menus in London await.

Watch the action of a MICHELIN-starred kitchen in Mayfair or learn the story behind each dish at an interactive restaurant in Covent Garden. Dig into a smorgasbord of Scandinavian cooking or visit one of the best Indian restaurants in London . In Hackney, you can try a signature tasting menu from a restaurant that focuses on simplicity. Piccadilly is home to a traditional omakase experience , while a two MICHELIN star restaurant in Bermondsey hosts outstanding tasting menus especially for this year’s London Restaurant Festival. Close partnerships with local producers help a Mayfair restaurant create unforgettable dishes, while a taste of California comes to Soho.

With this much and more, you won’t want to miss out on the best tasting menus in London for an unforgettable culinary journey, so book your spot on OpenTable today.

Read on for the 10 best tasting menus in London

For one of the best french tasting menus in london – visit pavyllon in mayfai r.

Pavyllon invites you to take a front-row seat to view the action of a MICHELIN-starred kitchen . Soft blue stools gather around an intimate counter where the chefs take centre stage, preparing a menu that is both innovative and approachable. Watch the chefs create tantalising starters like Louet oysters on flaky granita and braised beef cheek agnolotti. Highlights from the menu include a lobster tail civet and a wagyu beef and blue lobster tail surf and turf . Finish off with a cloud of hazelnut praliné ice cream, served with a fragrant coffee and cardamom sauce. For the London Restaurant Festival, get a full taste of the expertise on offer by booking the seven course Pavyllon experience .

Discover more restaurants in London

For a unique interactive experience – book at Frog by Adam Handling in Covent Garden

MICHELIN-starred Frog by Adam Handling is renowned for its interactive dining experience that allows diners and chefs to truly connect. The velvet, peach-pink chairs are arranged around the round white tables specifically to provide a view into the busy kitchen. Throughout the year, Frog serves up a signature tasting menu alongside a shorter lunch tasting menu. For the London Restaurant Festival, don’t miss the eight course tasting menu . As the meal unfolds, you’ll get to know each member of the team as they deliver dishes like tender Balmoral quail with wild garlic or the complex flavours of caviar. The team often forages ingredients themselves and always aims to use them fully, whether that’s in dishes or cocktails. Celebrating British ingredients sourced from local growers and producers , chef Handling creates unforgettable dishes with a personal touch. There’s always a story behind each plate, whether it’s a recent inspiration or a fond childhood memory from Handling and his team.

For a journey to Scandinavia – try Ekstedt at The Yard in Westminster

Scandinavian cooking comes to London via Ekstedt at The Yard . Ekstedt’s A Journey to Scandinavia six-course tasting menu is an excellent way to experience the full range of unique flavours on offer. The kitchen goes back to cooking basics, using mostly charcoal and natural heat to create smoky dishes. Plus, with an open kitchen, you can get an up-close look at the rising flames. Try hay-smoked veal tartare with a wild garlic ice cream and birch touch scallops with smoked trout roe to start. For your main, enjoy a juicy, aromatic juniper smoked lamb saddle before refreshing your palate with pine sorbet. Finally, savour the toasty sweetness of cookie dough baked in a wood oven and served with smoked caramel. There’s also a must-try chef’s table nine-course experience , where up to seven diners are taken on a culinary adventure, narrated by the chef, with an intimate look into the kitchen.

For one of the best Indian tasting menus in London – head to Benares in Mayfair

Benares is one of London’s most iconic Indian restaurants, serving up a refined dining experience for over 20 years . Bright red and blue accents add a colourful touch to the calm, dimly lit interior. The best way to immerse yourself in the Benares experience is with its tasting menus. For £129 per person (with a sparkling cocktail included), the main tasting menu lets diners enjoy the breadth of Indian flavours. Bite into soft malabar scallops and juicy hiran boti tikka (deer skewers). Alternatively, try the vegetarian-tasting menu for dishes like goat’s milk paneer tikka (cottage cheese skewers). For a shorter meal, try the lunch tasting menu . You’ll get to enjoy some of the most popular dishes, including the rasmalai, a spiced milky dessert. Each dish comes with a recommended wine pairing, or you can choose your own glass from the wine list with over 400 options.

For one of East London’s best tasting menus – book at Cornerstone in Hackney

Cornerstone likes to keep things simple. From its minimalist dining space with leafy touches to its produce-led cooking , the restaurant lets the dishes do the talking here. Awarded with a MICHELIN star , Cornerstone’s tasting menu focuses on seafood dishes and modern British cooking. For the London Restaurant Festival, the kitchen has created a four-course signature tasting menu featuring its best trademark dishes. Think sweet, refreshing seabream tartare and crispy hake Kyiv. Add on a wine or cocktail pairing for the most harmonious flavour experience. During the rest of the year, you can expect Cornerstone’s menu to change depending on the season, so you always get the freshest flavours. Serving up refined dishes in an informal atmosphere, this Hackney Wick gem is ready to welcome you for a meal to remember.

For a traditional Japanese omakase experience – visit Engawa Restaurant in Piccadilly

Embark on a traditional Japanese experience at Engawa Restaurant , nestled in the heart of Piccadilly. With table and countertop seating in a long, pale wooden dining space, this restaurant creates a relaxed yet intimate feel. Choose between three, five and six-course omakase experiences focused on either sushi or wagyu. Both begin with a daily special appetiser and an assorted sashimi course. The wagyu menu continues with melt-in-your-mouth wagyu steak, while the sushi menu features fresh nigiri and fish alongside a fragrant soup. With sides of fresh vegetables and fluffy rice, Engawa is a great choice for a special lunch or dinner. The menu is always changing, as the kitchen lets the produce of the day act as the inspiration. During the London Restaurant Festival, diners will receive a free glass of Engawa’s finest sake included in the three, five or six-course omakase menu.

For one of the best MICHELIN tasting menus in London – try Trivet in Bermondsey

Food and wine create the rhythm and harmony of Trivet , a culinary gem tucked away in Bermondsey.  Awarded two MICHELIN star s in 2024, both the menu and the wine list bring you flavours from around the world. Think flavour-packed, fuss-free dishes like creamy saffron risotto and earthy roasted celeriac. While the restaurant usually focuses on an à la carte experience, during 2024’s London Restaurant Festival you can try two different tasting menus: the taste of Trivet at lunch with homemade fries and a hot ox tongue bun, and the full taste of Trivet featuring the iconic umami drunk lobster with noodles cooked in sake. These menus celebrate everything that makes Trivet so special, and both include a glass of wine. Trivet’s warm dining space, with large windows and exposed brick walls, creates a cosy atmosphere ideal for savouring an excellent meal.

For London’s longest-standing MICHELIN-starred restaurant – book a table at Pied à Terre in Fitzrovia

With over 30 years of experience, Pied à Terre is the longest-standing MICHELIN-starred restaurant in London . Grab a seat in the red-carpeted, intimate dining room, underneath the lights and floral arrangements hanging from the ceiling. With four tasting menus (omnivore, pescatarian, vegetarian and plant-based), there’s something for everyone to enjoy. There’s even a treat menu for your canine companions. The London Restaurant Festival coincides perfectly with the appointment of Pied à Terre’s new executive chef Phil Kearsey. To celebrate the occasion, you can book the LRF four courses menu for £75 or the LRF six courses menu for £95 featuring creative, French-inspired dishes with a twist, and a glass of bubbles. From plant-based options like creamy tagliatelle carbonara to meat-based dishes like velvety chicken liver eclairs, everything is prepared with attention to detail.

For one of London’s best tasting menus for special occasions – don’t miss The Cocochine in Mayfair

With a slightly retro vibe , each table at The Cocochine gets its own booth, allowing diners to immerse themselves in the food in an intimate setting. Upstairs, sleek counter seating offers a glimpse into the action of the kitchen, which is overseen by chef Larry Jayasekara, who brings over 20 years of experience to your table. Long-term partnerships with producers, fishermen and farmers allow the kitchen to source some of the finest British ingredients (alongside a few international ones). Much of the fruit, vegetables and livestock (including rare-breed pigs) comes to The Cocochine directly from regenerative Northamptonshire farmland . Try hand-dived Orkney Island scallops with sweet and salty pickled strawberries and dry-aged turbot with a fragrant lemongrass sauce. Book a three course à la carte experience for the London Restaurant Festival and enjoy the old-school hospitality and creative cooking at The Cocochine.

For Californian cooking in the heart of London – book at SOLA SOHO in Soho

SOLA SOHO was awarded a MICHELIN star for its creative approach to Californian cooking . The airy, relaxed dining space is filled with greenery, bringing sunny West Coast vibes to the heart of London. The five-course taster menu includes a unique surf and turf with smoked eel and goose liver and a bubbling mushroom and langoustine hot pot. Finish off with cheeses and your dessert choice from a selection of unique sorbets and ice creams. Each dish comes with an optional drink pairing, with many bottles celebrating the best of Californian and North American vineyards . During June, you can book the LRF grand tour preview , a nine-course comprehensive tasting menu for the same price as the usual five-course menu. It’ll take you on a journey through North America that closes out with a decadent OG hot chocolate.

The best tasting menus in London are a great way to sample the range of flavours available at some of the finest food destinations in the world. For your next special occasion, celebrate by letting experienced chefs curate an unforgettable experience for you. With MICHELIN star approval and international cuisines, it’s easy to find something you’ll love. Plus, with unique tasting menus available for the 2024 London Restaurant Festival, there’s no better time to book a table at one of these excellent restaurants.

These restaurants fill up fast – book your spot on OpenTable today

If you’re looking for more great restaurants in london , check out these guides below:.

• The 12 best MICHELIN star restaurants in London to book for a stellar meal
• The best Sunday roasts in London for a memorable lunch out
• The best outdoor restaurants in London to visit this summer
• The 10 best restaurants near the O2 in London to visit right now
• 15 dazzling fine dining restaurants in London

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Money blog: 600 new skyscrapers 'on way' for London, report finds

A reader seeks help as her employer of 24 years is bringing in a new clock-in system to pay her by the minute. Read this and all the latest personal finance and consumer news in the Money blog - and share your own problem or dispute below.

Monday 13 May 2024 15:52, UK

• Gen Z would rather deliver parcels than work in restaurants, Michel Roux Jr claims
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• Money Problem: My workplace is bringing in new clock-in system to pay us by the minute - is this allowed?
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Once the UK's favourite alcoholic beverage, beer's popularity seems to be fading among the younger drinking generation... 

In fact, only 30% of people aged 18 to 24 ever drink it, according to a study commissioned by the Society of Independent Brewers. 

Instead, younger drinkers say they prefer drinking spirits, wine and cider. 

Pub visits appear to be suffering as well, with almost a quarter of the 2,000 people surveyed saying they have never visited their local. 

SIBA's 2024 Craft Beer Report paints a more positive picture for small and independent brewers, however, with more than 55% of beer consumers saying they now drink "local craft beer". 

It also found average beer production volumes among independent breweries has risen by 14% since last year - a return to pre-pandemic levels for the first time in 4 years. 

"Demand for local, independently brewed beer in the UK is strong, with independent brewers reporting production volumes up by 14%, meaning they have returned to 2019 volumes again," Andy Slee, SIBA's chief executive, said. 

But, he said, it's time for "cautious optimism" only, with the industry still plagued with a number of issues. 

"The short-term issue for small independent breweries isn't demand; it's profitability, rising costs and financial pressures such as lingering COVID debt," he said. 

"Far too many breweries are simply trying to survive rather than thrive, so while there are many positives signs highlighted in the report, for now it's cautious optimism."

Earlier this year, our Money reporter Emily Mee explored whether the UK's big night out culture was dying out. 

Nightlife experts warned we're losing one club every two days at the moment - and if we stay on this trajectory, we will have none left by 2030.

You can read more about her findings here...

A total of 583 skyscrapers are "queuing up in the pipeline" to be built across central London, a development thinktank has said. 

That is more than double the 270 built in the past decade. 

In the eastern borough of Tower Hamlets alone, 71 tall buildings were completed in that time that time, the report by New London Architecture found. 

A further 24 were in the City of London and 27 in Canary Wharf and Isle of Dogs. 

The report said the rapid change has been fuelled by a "burgeoning demand" for office and residential space, overseas investment and a supporting planning environment. 

"Tall buildings have changed the face of London substantially over the last 20 years and will continue to do so - the pipeline that NLA has tracked means there is at least 10 years' supply that has already been defined," Peter Murray, the organisation's co-founder, said. 

"London's population continues to grow, passing the 10 million mark at the end of this decade.

"We'll still need tall buildings; and NLA will continue to keep a close watch on what's going on." 

Restaurants might only be able to open three or four days a week due to staffing problems, Michel Roux Jr has warned. 

Speaking to The Telegraph as he gears up to open his new restaurant Chez Rouz, the Michelin starred chef admitted the industry needs to change to accommodate flexible working hours. 

"Just because I worked 80 hours a week or more doesn't mean the next generation should," he said. 

"Quite the contrary. That is something that we have to address in our industry."

But, he warned that the move will come at a cost... 

"It will mean ultimately that going out is going to be more expensive, and that maybe your favourite restaurant is no longer open seven days a week - it's only open three or four days a week," he said. 

The industry is known for its long, unsociable working hours, and Roux Jr explained that the real issue hit after the pandemic, with people no longer wanting to work weekends. 

"People don't want to work unsociable hours and would rather work delivering parcels as and when they want to. It's as simple as that," he added. 

Earlier this year, Roux Jr said goodbye to his famous restaurant Le Gavroche in London. 

It had been opened by his father Albert Roux and uncle Michel Roux in 1967. 

Now, he said it's "brave" to open a new restaurant, with the market "very, very tough". 

"I really feel for anyone that is brave enough to open up a restaurant now. It's incredibly difficult," he added. 

Chez Rouz at The Langham in Marylebone, central London, is due to open on 22 May. 

By James Sillars , business news reporter

A pause for breath on the FTSE 100 after a 3% gain over the course of past week that took the index to a fresh record closing high.

The rally of recent weeks - significant for London's standing and pension pots alike - has been broad based and reflects several factors.

A major driver has been sterling's weakness versus the US dollar.

The US currency has been strong as the Federal Reserve, its central bank, has hinted it will be some time yet before it begins to cut interest rates.

Language out of the Bank of England last week sparked a flurry of bets that UK rates could be cut as early as next month.

A weaker pound boosts dollar-earning constituents on the FTSE 100 because they get more for their money when dollars are converted to pounds.

Also at play is the view that UK stocks represent good value, as they are cheaper compared to many of their international peers.

A few moments ago, the FTSE 100 was trading 6 points lower at 8,423.

A major talking point is the possibility of the Chinese fast fashion firm Shein listing in London.

According to Reuters, the company has shifted its focus to the UK after receiving a lukewarm reception in the United States.

The news agency, citing two sources, reported that Shein was stepping up its preparations for an initial public offering in London that would be expected to be one of the biggest carried out globally this year.

By Emily Mee , Money team

No one likes the date in their calendar when their MOT rolls around. 

But to make things a little less stressful, consumer expert Scott Dixon - known as The Complaints Resolver - has given us some tips on what to look out for to help your vehicle pass with flying colours. 

Some of the most common failures are faulty steering, brakes, suspension, worn or damaged tyres, cracked windscreens and faulty lights. 

Mr Dixon recommends you get your car serviced a couple of weeks before your MOT, in case there are any complex or costly issues. 

This will give you time to get them fixed and get your car through first time without any advisories. 

Aside from taking your car for a service, there are also some easy checks you can run yourself... 

Listen for unusual clunks while you're driving - this could be a sign of a damaged suspension. 

You could also check by pushing the car down on each corner. It should return to normal without bouncing a few times. 

Another option is to look with a torch under the wheel arch, as this should reveal any obvious defects. 

Blown bulbs are a common MOT failure, but they're cheap to fix. 

Walk around your car and check all the bulbs are working - this includes the headlights, sidelights, brake lights, indicators and the number plate bulb.

Mr Dixon says it's "not an easy job" to change the lightbulbs yourself on most modern cars, as the MOT will also check the positioning of the light. Therefore he recommends getting this done professionally. 

Squealing or grinding noises may be a sign your brake pads need replacing. 

You should also check whether your car stops in a straight line, or whether it pulls in different directions. 

Don't forget about the handbrake, too. Test it out on a slope and see if it securely holds the car. If it doesn't, you should get it adjusted. 

It's easy to check if your wipers work okay, but you should also make sure to inspect the blades for tears and rips. 

They should be able to clean the windows with no smears. 

Mr Dixon says you don't need to pay Halfords to change your wiper blade as you can "do it yourself in seconds". All you need to do is look for a YouTube tutorial. 

He also recommends buying the Bosch wiper blades, as he says these are good quality and will also be a sign you've looked after your car well when you come to sell it. 

One thing to look out for is tread depth. You can do this by looking for the "wear bar" that sits between the tread. 

If it's close to 1.6mm and is low, you should get the tyre replaced so it's not flagged as an advisory. 

Also check for perished tyre walls, which can happen when a vehicle is standing for any length of time. 

Uneven tyre wear is another potential issue, and if there are signs of this you should get the tyre replaced and tracking and suspension checked. 

These must be in good condition and working order, with no tears or knots. 

Registration plates

Your number plates should be clean and visible with a working light bulb at the rear. You may need to give them a wipe and replace the bulb if necessary. 

This should be in good condition, without damage such as loose bumpers or sharp edges. 

Mr Dixon advises against using automatic car washes during your car's lifetime, saying they "wreck your car". 

"It's not just your paintwork but they can also damage the wiper blades and the bodywork," he says. 

Check for warning lights

You'll need to take your vehicle to a trusted garage or mechanic for this. 

Exhaust emissions

Some diesel vehicles can fail their MOTs based on emissions. To avoid this, you can buy a fuel treatment pack and take your car for a good run to clear the fuel lines and tank.

Driving for at least 30 to 50 minutes at a sustained speed on a motorway or A-road should help to clear the filter. 

You should make sure the driver's view of the road isn't obstructed, so check for stone chips at eye level and remove any obstructions such as air fresheners and mobile phone cradles. 

What else should you think about? 

Make sure your car is clean beforehand, as a tester can refuse to do your MOT if the vehicle is filthy and full of rubbish. 

Giving your car a clean can also give you a chance to inspect it, Mr Dixon says. 

Another thing to do is to check last year's MOT for any advisories that might crop up this time. 

These potential issues will still be there - so it's best not to ignore them. 

You can check your vehicle's MOT history using  https://car-check.co.uk . 

Every Monday we get an expert to answer your money problems or consumer disputes. Find out how to submit yours at the bottom of this post. Today's question is...

I have worked at a bank for 24 years - the facilities are outsourced. This new company is bringing in a system where the staff have to click in and out and are then paid by the minute? Is this allowed? Amber

Ian Jones, director and principal solicitor at Spencer Shaw Solicitors, has picked this one up...

Your rights depend on your contract and what it says about payment. Does it specify an annual salary, or payment by time? Does it allow for changes to how payment is calculated?

If the contract does not allow for this type of payment, your employer may be trying to vary the contract of employment unlawfully.

If you're directly employed by the bank, and your pay arrangements are changing because of a new monitoring system, this would be an internal contract variation. If you work in the facilities department and the new contractor is taking over as your employer, the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE) 2006 may apply. 

In this case, your current terms, conditions and previous service will transfer to the new employer.

TUPE may make the issue sound more complicated but, in practice, either way the changes will be valid only if the employee agrees to them.

If you have not agreed to the change, then this could be a breach of contract. This could give rise to a successful claim in the civil courts or the employment tribunal. 

If the breach is serious (for example, you're paid less than agreed in the original contract) and you resign in response, this could amount to constructive dismissal for which a claim can be made in the employment tribunal. 

It would be sensible to get the contract reviewed by a solicitor for advice. But act swiftly - if you continue working for the employer, you are effectively waiving the breach and accepting the change to your contract.

To make it possible to pay by the minute, employees may be monitored while at work. When collecting and processing data and using it to make a decision, the employer must comply with data protection laws. If not, the employee could be entitled to compensation, depending on the breach, or the employer could be at risk of a sanction by the regulator the Information Commissioner's Office.

This feature is not intended as financial advice - the aim is to give an overview of the things you should think about.  Submit your dilemma or consumer dispute via:

• The form above - make sure you leave a phone number or email address
• Email [email protected] with the subject line "Money blog"
• WhatsApp us  here .

Please make sure you leave your contact details as we cannot follow up consumer disputes without them.

We're back for another week of consumer news, personal finance tips and all the latest on the economy.

This is how the week in the Money blog is shaping up...

Today : Every week we ask industry experts to answer your Money Problems . Today, a reader's employer is bringing in a new clock-in system to pay workers by the minute - but is this allowed?

Tuesday : This week's  Basically...  explains everything you need to know about the PIP. 

Wednesday : We speak to one of London's top chefs for his Cheap Eats at home and in the capital.

Thursday : Savings Champion  founder Anna Bowes will be back with her weekly insight into the savings market.

Friday : We'll have everything you need to know about the mortgage market this week with the guys from Moneyfacts.

Running every weekday, Money features a morning markets round-up from the  Sky News business team  and regular updates and analysis from our business, City and economic correspondents, editors and presenters -  Ed Conway ,  Mark Kleinman ,  Ian King ,  Paul Kelso  and  Adele Robinson .

You'll also be able to stream  Business Live with Ian King on weekdays at 11.30am and 4.30pm.

Bookmark  news.sky.com/money  and check back from 8am, and through the day, each weekday.

The Money team is Emily Mee, Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young and Ollie Cooper, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. The blog is edited by Jimmy Rice.

By Jess Sharp , Money team 

Money saving trends are constantly popping up on social media - but one in particular has been gaining huge amounts of attention.

Created accidentally by a comedian, loud budgeting is breaking down the taboo of speaking about money.

The idea is based on being firmer/more vocal about your financial boundaries in social situations and setting out what you are happy to spend your money on, instead of "Keeping up with the Joneses". 

On TikTok alone, videos published under the hashtag #loudbudgeting have garnered more than 30 million views - and that figure is continuing to climb. 

We spoke to Lukas Battle - the 26-year-old who unintentionally created the trend as part of a comedy sketch. 

Based in New York, he came up with the term in a skit about the "quiet luxury" hype, which had spread online in 2023 inspired by shows like Succession. 

The term was used for humble bragging about your wealth with expensive items that were subtle in their design - for example, Gwyneth Paltrow's  £3,900 moss green wool coat from The Row, which she wore during her ski resort trial...

"I was never a big fan of the quiet luxury trend, so I just kind of switched the words and wrote 'loud budgeting is in'. I'm tired of spending money and I don't want to pretend to be rich," Lukas said. 

"That's how it started and then the TikTok comments were just obsessed with that original idea." 

This was the first time he mentioned it...

Lukas explained that it wasn't about "being poor" but about not being afraid of sharing your financial limits and "what's profitable for you personally". 

"It's not 'skip a coffee a day and you'll become a millionaire'."

While talking money has been seen as rude or taboo, he said it's something his generation is more comfortable doing. 

"I've seen more debate around the topic and I think people are really intrigued and attracted by the idea," he said. 

"It's just focusing your spending and time on things you enjoy and cutting out the things you might feel pressured to spend your money on."  

He has incorporated loud budgeting into his own life, telling his friends "it's free to go outside" and opting for cheaper dinner alternatives.

"Having the terminology and knowing it's a trend helps people understand it and there's no awkward conversation around it," he said. 

The trend has been a big hit with so-called American "finfluencers", or "financial influencers", but people in the UK have started practising it as well. 

Mia Westrap has taken up loud budgeting by embarking on a no-buy year and sharing her finances with her 11.3k TikTok followers. 

Earning roughly £2,100 a month, she spends around £1,200 on essentials, like rent, petrol and car insurance, but limits what else she can purchase. 

Clothes, fizzy drinks, beauty treatments, makeup, dinners out and train tickets are just some things on her "red list". 

The 26-year-old PHD student first came across the idea back in 2017, but decided to take up the challenge this year after realising she was living "pay check to pay check". 

She said her "biggest fear" in the beginning was that her friends wouldn't understand what she was doing, but she found loud budgeting helped. 

"I'm still trying my best to just go along with what everyone wants to do but I just won't spend money while we do it and my friends don't mind that, we don't make a big deal out of it," she said. 

So far, she has been able to save £1,700, and she said talking openly about her money has been "really helpful". 

"There's no way I could have got this far if I wasn't baring my soul to the internet about the money I have spent. It has been a really motivating factor."

Financial expert John Webb said loud budgeting has the ability to help many "feel empowered" and create a "more realistic" relationship with money.

"This is helping to normalise having open and honest conversations about finances," the consumer affair manager at Experien said. 

"It can also reduce the anxiety some might have by keeping their financial worries to themselves." 

However, he warned it's important to be cautious and to take the reality of life into consideration. 

"It could cause troubles within friendship groups if they're not on the same page as you or have different financial goals," he said.

"This challenge isn't meant to stop you from having fun, but it is designed to help people become more conscious and intentional when it comes to money, and reduce the stigma around talking about it." 

Rightmove's keyword tool shows Victorian-era houses are the most commonly searched period properties, with people drawn to their ornate designs and features.

Georgian and Edwardian-style are second and third respectively, followed by Tudor properties. Regency ranked in fifth place.

Rightmove property expert Tim Bannister said: "Home hunters continue to be captivated by the character and charm of properties that we see in period dramas.

"Victorian homes remain particularly popular, characterised by their historic charm, solid construction, and spacious interiors. You'll often find Victorian houses in some of the most desirable locations which include convenient access to schools and transport links."

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Beer Tasting in London: Beer History Through Its Best Brews

London’s storied relationship with beer stretches back centuries, forming a pivotal part of the city’s culture. The beloved beverage has evolved, reflecting changes in society, technology, and tastes. Today, enthusiasts and newcomers alike can go beer tasting in London by partaking in specialized beer tasting tours . These tours offer a unique lens through which one can appreciate both the traditional and contemporary brewing techniques that have shaped the London beer scene. 

Having a beer tasting in London is about understanding the context that made the city a cornerstone of the brewing world. This journey through London’s beer legacy offers more than just a tasting experience—it’s a deep dive into the art and science of brewing. Participants get a first-hand look at how London’s global influences have innovated brewing methods and beer styles. The tour starts in a setting brimming with historical significance—a fitting backdrop to discuss the centuries-old traditions that continue to influence modern brewing practices.

As the tour progresses, participants are treated to a variety of distinctive beers and educated on the historical milestones associated with each type. This approach ensures that each sip comes with an appreciation of the history that helped craft it. By the end of the tour, attendees have tasted some of the finest beers that London has to offer and also gained a comprehensive understanding of why the city remains at the forefront of the brewing industry.

The Roots of London’s Brewing Legacy

The significance of beer in London’s history is profound, as it has been a staple in the diet and daily life of its citizens since medieval times. The city’s brewing heritage took root in an era where clean drinking water was scarce, and beer served as a safer alternative. This necessity drove the innovation and expansion of brewing techniques and facilities. One notable historical site, once home to the world’s largest brewery, symbolizes the scale and economic importance of beer production in London’s past. The remnants of this brewing giant tell a story of industrial advancement and the social roles that beer has played throughout London’s history.

As London grew, so did its breweries, evolving through the centuries under the influence of both domestic and international brewing styles. The introduction of hops and the development of distinctive styles such as porters and stouts marked significant milestones in the London brewing narrative. These innovations were not just advancements in flavor and preservation but also reflected the changing tastes and technologies of the times. The city’s brewers were quick to adopt and adapt, ensuring that London remained a pivotal player in the global beer market.

The Bermondsey Beer Mile: A Modern Beer Revolution

In recent years, London’s beer scene has witnessed a remarkable transformation, with the Bermondsey area emerging as a focal point for craft beer enthusiasts. What was once an industrial neighborhood has now become a vibrant hub boasting a diverse array of breweries, taprooms, and beer-centric establishments. At the heart of this transformation lies the renowned Bermondsey Beer Mile—a stretch of railway arches hosting over a dozen craft breweries, each offering its own unique brews and atmosphere.

The Bermondsey Beer Mile embodies the spirit of innovation and community that defines London’s modern beer culture. Here, brewers push the boundaries of traditional brewing techniques, experimenting with unconventional ingredients and styles to create bold and exciting flavors. While beer tasting in London, visitors to the Beer Mile are treated to a sensory journey, sampling everything from hop-forward IPAs to rich and decadent stouts, all while soaking in the bustling energy of the area.

Beyond the beer itself, the Bermondsey Beer Mile offers a glimpse into the collaborative and supportive nature of London’s brewing community. Brewers often collaborate on special releases and events, fostering a sense of camaraderie that extends beyond competition. This sense of unity is palpable as visitors wander from brewery to brewery, engaging with brewers and fellow beer enthusiasts alike. In this dynamic environment, every pint tells a story—a story of passion, creativity, and the enduring love affair between London and its beer.

The Art of Beer Tasting in London

Beer tasting in London is an art that extends well beyond the simple act of drinking. In London, where the variety of beers spans centuries of brewing history and innovation, learning to taste beer like a connoisseur adds a rich layer to the drinking experience. Participants in beer tasting tours are equipped with the skills needed to discern the subtle differences and complex flavor profiles that distinguish one brew from another. This educational aspect emphasizes not just enjoyment but an appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each pint.

When Beer Tasting in London, particularly on our Secret Beer Tour , attendees explore a wide range of beer styles. From historic IPAs that hark back to the British Empire to contemporary craft interpretations like fruit-infused sours and robust stouts, each variety offers a different palate experience. The tour guides ensure that participants understand the historical significance of each style, enhancing their appreciation. Moreover, learning the correct way to taste beer—examining its appearance, swirling to release aromas, and savoring slowly—allows participants to fully engage with the beer’s character.

The variety encountered on these tours also demonstrates the evolving landscape of London’s beer scene. For instance, participants might sample a smokey stout that uses traditional smoking methods alongside a modern sour beer that experiments with new fermentation techniques. This juxtaposition highlights the breadth of London’s beer offerings and showcases the innovative spirit that London brewers continue to embrace. Each sip is an invitation to explore further, to learn more, and to develop a nuanced understanding of London’s dynamic beer culture.

Experience London Through Its Beers

Beer tasting in London offers a unique perspective on the city’s deep culture. A beer tasting tour , such as the one provided on the Bermondsey Beer Mile, immerses them in the locales that have shaped the city’s brewing history. Each stop on the tour is carefully selected not only for its beer quality but also for its historical significance, providing a backdrop that enhances the storytelling element of the tour.

As tour attendees navigate from one brewery to another, they are introduced to sites where significant brewing history unfolded. For example, starting the tour in a 17th-century tap room offers a direct connection to the past, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of the next stops on the tour and also the overall evolution of brewing in London. This setting allows participants to visualize the historical context while tasting beers that might have been enjoyed centuries ago. The guided experience is designed to connect the dots between past and present, showing how historical influences shape today’s brewing techniques and flavors.

Furthermore, the tour emphasizes the sensory experiences associated with beer tasting. Participants learn to engage all their senses to fully appreciate what they are drinking. This includes not just tasting but also observing the color and clarity, smelling the aromas, and feeling the texture. Each beer stop becomes a mini-lesson in brewing science and art, with direct insights from the brewers themselves or knowledgeable guides. This comprehensive sensory engagement ensures that participants walk away with an educational experience that deepens their appreciation for beer as a craft.

Book Your Beer Tasting in London

As our journey through London’s beer history and culture concludes, we invite you to join us on this beer tasting in London adventure. Our Secret Beer Tour connects you with the very heart of London’s brewing heritage. 

We encourage you to secure your place on our next available tour and discover for yourself why London remains a pivotal city in the world of beer. Visit our website, browse our tour dates , and book your experience today. Embrace the opportunity to taste, learn, and explore as you embark on a memorable journey through London’s beer legacy.

For those of you looking to enhance your understanding of beer tasting fundamentals, we also recommend checking out our article, “ Exploring the Art of Beer Tasting “. It’s a great resource to get you started or refine your tasting skills.

Secret Foodie

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