If you’re looking to indulge in the capital’s rich food scene, Chubby Fellow food tour London is what you need. No, I’m not being rude and referring to someone who likes to eat more than most, but rather talking about a tipple and fare experience that has monopolised the city’s food scene with tours scattered around London’s buzzy and coveted hotspots.
Chubby Fellow food tour in London began during lockdown when a food aficionado saw a gap in the market. Through the Chubby Fellow food tour London experience, you’ll visit well-known spots while eating popular delicacies and soaking up the local culture.
David, the founder and tour guide, has an encyclopaedic knowledge of London’s food culture, having been born and raised there.
Table of Contents
The Tour
I took myself on one such food tour in London, and this time Soho was the destination of choice! Tours last around two and a half to three hours and there’s just one (very important) rule… come hungry!
On a balmy summer’s evening, we started off proceedings standing amongst the bustle of Leicester Square and were quickly whisked to China Town.
Here, we enjoyed delicious gin basil smash fresh from the flask, a brilliant palette whetter while we learnt our first facts about where we were heading, all the while engaging in quick-fire quizzes along the way as a handy icebreaker.
1. First Stop – Lin Lin Crepes
Onwards to China Town and we wandered under the iconic red lanterns with tummies rumbling as we got ready for location number one on our tour — Lin Lin Crepes!
This charming little wall joint and creperie ooze authentic Chinese fare, with a busy kitchen, that arches out onto the street. They take their stuff here seriously, and our guide, clearly a known face at each venue, signalled that we were ready for our bao buns.
You can tell this spot is a popular one, with a queue in the square.
2. Visit Jian Bings & Chinatown Bakery
But the beauty of a Chubby Fellow tour is that everything is pre-ordered, which limits wait time. I had an incredible vegetable bao bun, while my tour companions feasted on Char Siu Pork Belly Jian Bings, which they loved.
After a small jaunt to the next stop, we found ourselves in the midst of China Town’s iconic Gerrard Street. Our guide, in a bid to make the tour as authentic as possible, swooped us into Chinatown Bakery.
Here, we traversed the aisles and became accustomed to all that was on offer — from imported snacks and nibbles like Taiwanese jackfruit chips and bamboo charcoal peanuts!
This is the part where you can pick up whatever sweet treat you like, be it a playful panda cream cake or a Mung Bean pastries. And if you want to challenge yourself, try eating their vivid green Pandan Triangle Sponge Cake in one go!
3. Leong’s Legend
The next spot on the jaunt was my favourite by a China Town mile! Leong’s Legend is a darling little spot that I’ve actually visited before. On a sunny day, sitting outside is so worthwhile as you can really immerse yourself in the goings-on of China Town.
Leong’s Legend really is legendary! It’s a locale that whips up some of the most delicious dim sum and Taiwanese food in a venue that oozes tradition with its bamboo-panelled walls.
Leong is the name that refers to Mount Liang from the Water Mater story, which involves some rebels taking on a corrupt government, and the rebel spirit continues at Leong’s, with bold and exciting menu choices.
To begin it was all about jasmine tea which was swiftly followed by the most delicious pork soup dumplings. We then delved into other classic dumplings filled with prawns, veg, meat, you name it, they’ve got it!
There’s a method to eating them too, which is quite a delicate little way to do things, but you better believe Chubby Fellow will show you the way it’s done! Leong’s serves dumplings that are so moreish but not overbearing, so you find yourself delving in without hesitation, chopsticks first!
Before we continue, you can also check our article on the best Chinese restaurants in London if you really crave Chinese cuisines
4. Soho’s French House & Maitre Choux
Starting to get a little bit more full, Chubby Fellow’s tour allows you a wander through the streets while soaking up history and facts to tell friends, and stopping at iconic places like Soho’s French House.
A favourite among literature lovers where phones are strictly banned– in a bid to work off all that delicious food! But, before long, you’re swept into the next eccentric eatery, and this time it was one for the sweet-toothed.
Maitre Choux is where you’ll get that Instagram shot, with pretty pastries in resplendent shades lining the counter. It’s a popular place amongst foodies and always attracts a hungry crowd.
Here, Chubby Fellow let us pick our pastries, before bagging them up and saving them for later in a very ‘here’s one I prepared earlier fashion. Maitre is the first and only choux pastry specialist patisserie in the world, and oh sugar it’s good!
With swinging bags filled with sweet goods, we did some more exploring and ended up in another spot to try some delicious blackberry mead. Chubby Fellow definitely has the element of surprise, from daring dumplings to mead in the park!
5. Final Stop at Blacklock
Finally, one last surprise – the amazing Blacklock! Chophouses date back to the 1690s and they quickly became popular places to fill your boots with must-have meat dishes.
You’ll go down some winding stairs into a low-lit room which is booming with atmosphere and those looking to revel in the sanctuary of an award-winning steakhouse. Here, it was cocktail o’clock as the last stop saw us enjoying two very unique cocktails using both cider and mezcal!
I also enjoyed some mushrooms on sourdough to top things off, and while I was full to the brim, my dining companions dived in for more and enjoyed the Pig’s Head on Toast and Mutton Crumpets, which Chubby Fellow laid on.
It was an amazing experience to see the chefs in action at this coveted spot, with Blacklock’s open kitchen allowing you a look at the chefs prepping the venue’s iconic dishes, from eyes bigger than your belly to skinny chops piled high.
Check our full review of this restaurant here.
Conclusion
What a food tour! Rolling onto the street after a brilliant evening we were all smiles as we finished up. I’d definitely recommend… and plan on slowly making my way, through Chubby Fellow food tour London!
In a bid to make sure everyone is satisfied, Chubby Fellow food tour London allows you to select dietary requirements beforehand, with food and drink alternatives mapped out for whatever your palette may want – from vegetarians to pescatarians, to drinkers, non-drinkers and those with allergies.
You have the pick of many locations to enjoy your tour too – from cheese tours to British fodder in Borough Market. And if the royals do anything for you, there’s a tour for that too! Bon appetit!
If you wanted to have more options on street foods, you may want to check our full article on the best street food in London, surely it will satisfy your tastebuds.
If you haven’t heard of Eating In London before, here’s a bit about us – we’re a modern-day team of food and drink experts, showcasing London’s best places to drink & dine at. We pride ourselves on providing trustworthy recommendations, just for you.
Also, by using our Eating In London V.I.P Membership, you can save time and money! Use it to learn how to save 30-50 percent on your first dinner from one of our selected restaurants.
Check out our London Map for more places to visit.
- Website: www.chubbyfellow.com
- IG: @chubbyfellowlondon
👨🍳 Our Expert: Lottie Hulme
Celebrity Restaurant Writer
