Cheese in London is a real thing, not a gimmick. I like that this tour mixes high-end stops with lots of tasting, and I also like the interactive cheese trivia quiz that turns the walk into a game. One thing to consider: you’ll be on your feet for about two hours, so comfy shoes matter, especially if the day is rainy.

You start in Mayfair near Green Park, then head to Fortnum & Mason for classic blue-cheese sampling and Prosecco. Along the way, you pass familiar names, plus one storied cheesemonger tied to Winston Churchill’s cheese habit, then you wrap up in Covent Garden.

If you enjoy figuring out what you like (and why), this is a fun way to learn fast without a boring lecture. Just know the tastings will include cheeses you may not pick at home—though the tour can be tailored for vegetarians and vegans.

Quick takeaways before you go

• Fortnum & Mason’s legendary cheese counter: tastings with serious London pedigree, including Stilton tradition.
• A walk with real variety: Mayfair stops, Soho streets, a Little Italy vibe, and an easy finish in Covent Garden.
• QUIZtro Formaggio: cheese trivia that keeps you alert and makes the flavors stick.
• Churchill’s cheese story: you hear it at a classic cheesemonger along the route.
• Prosecco + cheese pairing energy: especially at the later stop with Italian cheeses.
• Flexible for plant-based eaters: the tour can be tailored for vegetarians and vegans.

Why this 2-hour cheese walk feels like a smart London food plan

London can be heavy on museums and heavy on walking. This tour is different: it’s short, focused, and built around one theme you can actually taste. In about two hours, you’ll sample multiple cheeses, hear how London got its cheese reputation, and play a trivia game that makes you pay attention.

The other big win is location. You’re not doing a long commute out to the countryside. This is central London—Mayfair to Covent Garden—so you get an easy dose of city atmosphere between tastings.

And yes, it’s meant to be fun. Guides on past departures (like Perla, Jack, Bettina, Louis, Nic, Si, and Monterey Jack) tend to bring humor and stories, from dry jokes to a Churchill-style impression. That matters because cheese tasting is better when the guide keeps the group relaxed.

Meeting at the Statue of Goddess Diana near Green Park

Your meeting point is straightforward: take the Green Park exit from the Underground and look for the Statue of Goddess Diana. Your guide will be holding a blue flag.

This setup helps you get moving quickly. You’re not hunting for a storefront or guessing which corner someone means. If you’re arriving by tube, plan a few extra minutes and you’ll be calm instead of rushing.

Bring comfortable shoes. This is a walking tour, and while it’s paced for tasting stops, you’ll still be covering several blocks in central areas like Soho and Covent Garden.

If you’re traveling in cooler months, consider a light rain layer. A few past participants mentioned the experience staying enjoyable even in wet weather.

Fortnum & Mason: where blue cheese meets old-school London tradition

Fortnum & Mason is the kind of department store that feels like it’s been there forever. The tour leans into that. You’ll stop at the famous cheese counter early in the experience, and you’ll likely taste blue cheese there—plus Prosecco.

The reason this stop is valuable isn’t just the brand name. Fortnum & Mason has served cheese for over 300 years, and it sells tonnes of Stilton every December. Even the royals get their dairy fix through this long-running connection. That means your tasting isn’t random; it’s tied to the way London built its food reputation.

How to make the most of this moment:

• Slow down and compare textures. Blue cheeses can range from creamy to crumbly, depending on the maker.
• Pay attention to how the guide explains the cheese. The stories make it easier to remember what you liked later.

Potential drawback: if you’re not a blue-cheese person, this is still where you start. The tour can be tailored for vegetarians and vegans, but the overall concept is tasting a range of cheeses, not only mild ones.

The Churchill cheese stop and the classic cheesemonger vibe

One of the tour highlights is seeing the cheesemonger where Winston Churchill bought his cheese. On the route, that story connects with a classic London shop stop: Paxton & Whitfield Ltd.

This matters because it gives the tour texture. You’re not just sampling in showy places. You’re getting that behind-the-counter world where cheese is treated like an everyday craft—something Londoners buy regularly, not just a tourist splurge.

You also pass other food-focused landmarks along the way, including Whole Foods Market. That kind of passing stop can be useful in two ways: it helps you notice modern food culture without breaking the walking rhythm, and it gives you easy reference points for exploring after the tour.

In Soho, the feel changes slightly—more street energy, more small shop windows, more “you’re actually in the city” moments. It’s a good contrast to the big-department-store feel of Fortnum & Mason.

QUIZtro Formaggio: how a cheese quiz turns tasting into learning

At the center of the experience is an interactive cheese trivia quiz called QUIZtro Formaggio. Instead of telling you cheese facts and hoping they stick, the tour turns the learning into a game.

This is one of the most praised parts of the tour format. Past groups described the quiz as competitive and fun, and guides like Jack and Nic were especially good at keeping energy up while answering questions.

Why it works:

• You taste first, then you connect the flavors to clues.
• You’re forced to think on the spot, not just nod along.
• You leave remembering the cheeses you tried, not just the general idea of cheese.

If you’re the type who worries about “getting it wrong,” don’t. The vibe is more about participation than scoring. The quiz gives the group something shared to react to at each stop.

Little Italy and the Italian drunk cheese moment

After the early Fortnum & Mason cheese counter stop, the tour swings into a more Italian-leaning segment described as Little Italy. This is where pairing gets more playful, and where you’ll sample Italian-style cheeses, including the tour’s signature mention: drunk cheeses.

That phrase is a clue that the cheeses aren’t just styled; they’re flavored with something—typically wine or spirits as part of the process. Even if you don’t know the details beforehand, that stop is where you’ll notice the difference between a plain cheese and one that’s been treated like an ingredient.

How I’d approach this tasting:

• Try one bite before you overthink it. Let your tongue register salt, fat, and aroma first.
• Then think about what the guide says the alcohol/aging process does. You’ll start noticing why the cheese tastes rounder or more complex.

The tour also includes more dairy delights here, plus Prosecco as part of the overall tasting set. It’s a nice arc: start classic and London-famous, then shift into something more playful and Italian.

Covent Garden finish: turning full bellies into smart next steps

You finish in Covent Garden, which is a practical landing point. It’s easy to grab a snack afterward, find a café if you need to sit for a minute, or plan a show or evening stroll.

If you’re feeling a little cheese-sated (totally possible), you can still keep the day going without overcommitting. Covent Garden is a good place to regroup. The area also gives you options: you can walk it off, call it an early night, or keep the food mood going with something lighter.

One more tip: if you liked a particular cheese, don’t be shy about asking the guide what to look for later. The best part of learning on a tour is using it immediately in a shop.

Price ($47) and whether the value holds up

At about $47 per person for a 2-hour guided experience, this tour sits in the “worth it if you’ll actually eat” category. The value isn’t just the guide—it’s the combination.

You’re getting:

• Multiple tastings (soft cheeses and Italian cheese samples)
• Prosecco
• A structured route that includes big-name Fortnum & Mason and classic cheesemonger storytelling
• A quiz that keeps the group engaged

In plain terms: if you like tasting food and you’d otherwise pay for bites plus a drink, the math usually works better than going in blind. And because the stops are established shops, you’re sampling what they’re set up to sell, not random tourist trays.

The only time I’d hesitate is if you hate walking or you only want a very narrow type of cheese. The concept is variety, and you should expect that not every bite will match your personal taste.

Vegetarian and vegan tailoring: how much can you expect to change?

The tour states it can be tailored to vegetarians and vegans. That’s a big deal because cheese walking tours can easily become dairy-focused with no real flexibility.

Still, here’s how to keep expectations realistic: the tour’s theme is cheese, so the tour will likely steer you toward plant-based alternatives and vegetarian-friendly options that fit the same flavor and learning goals. If you’re vegan, it’s smart to mention that clearly when you book so the guide can plan tastings accordingly.

If you’re vegetarian, you’ll still likely get a fun mix that teaches differences in texture and aging. Even when you’re not eating the exact same cheeses as everyone else, the quiz and stories should keep the experience aligned.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This is a great fit if you:

• Love food tours that actually let you taste, not just watch
• Enjoy learning through a game format (the quiz is a major part of the fun)
• Want a central London route that hits Mayfair, Soho, and Covent Garden without stress

It may be less ideal if you:

• Get uncomfortable walking around busy streets for about two hours
• Really dislike blue cheese or strong flavors
• Want only one type of cheese with no surprises

It’s also a solid choice for a birthday or a group outing. The tour’s humor and interactive structure make it easier for mixed groups—people who love cheese and people who just enjoy a good afternoon.

Should you book the London Cheese Walking Tour with Tastings?

I’d book it if you’re the kind of traveler who loves taking home flavor memories. The combination of Fortnum & Mason tradition, a classic Churchill-linked cheesemonger stop, and the Italian drunk cheese tasting gives you variety in a short window. Add Prosecco, plus QUIZtro Formaggio, and you get a tour that feels like an experience, not a checklist.

I’d think twice only if you strongly prefer low-odor cheeses or you don’t want to walk. Otherwise, this is the rare London food tour that’s built around real tasting moments and a guide who keeps things playful.

FAQ

How long is the London Cheese Walking Tour with Tastings?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet at the Green Park exit from the Underground, by the Statue of Goddess Diana. The guide will be holding a blue flag.

What’s included in the tour?

Included items are soft cheese samples, Italian cheese samples, Prosecco, and an expert guide.

Does the tour include alcohol?

Yes. Prosecco is included.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Can the tour be adapted for vegetarians or vegans?

Yes. The tour can be tailored to vegetarians and vegans.

What cheese trivia game do you play?

You’ll take part in a cheese trivia quiz called QUIZtro Formaggio.

What should I bring?

Wear comfortable shoes.

What is the price?

The price is $47 per person.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.