All of Celia’s Gastrotours are a unique opportunity to join her for an insider’s view of London’s vibrant culinary hotspots. She has specially designed each day to be bursting at the seams with exclusive food and wine tastings and encounters with passionate foodies and producers: a chance to discover new tastes, rediscover old ones, and to acquire knowledge about food, wine and a London neighbourhood through all your senses.
Celia founded the company in 2002 and conducts all the tours personally.
Any dietary restrictions can be catered for to the best of her ability.
You can book on to public specified dates, or as a private/corporate group for a date of your choice. More info on private events
Questions about Gastrotours?
For general questions, please contact Celia’s PA (Cecilia Edmunds). If you have questions about private tour bookings, please contact Celia directly.
What’s the minimum number for a private group booking?
Usually 6. A group of fewer than 6 pay the same as 6.
What is the maximum number for a group booking?
Usually 12 people for Borough Market; up to 25 for some other locations. Please contact Celia to discuss.
I want to buy a gift voucher, but I’m not sure which tour the recipient would prefer; what should I do?
I offer a General Voucher which gives a choice of 3 tours (Portobello, Covent Garden, and Borough Market). You pay for the cheapest (£90) and if they choose Borough Market (£110), they make up the difference when they book - or you can pay this, if requested.
Do the gift vouchers have an expiry date?
They are good for 1 year.
Are Gastrotours suitable for people with special diets, ie vegetarians?
I do my best to accommodate any special diet, as long as I am informed in advance.
Are children under 18 allowed on the tours?
Yes, but alcohol will only be served to guests aged 18 and over. Unfortunately, I am not able to offer a discount for those not drinking.
Can I bring my child in a pram?
Yes, with advance notice.
Is it suitable for wheelchair users?
Most tours, yes. I will inform you of any awkward points to be aware of in advance.
If I am sick on the day or unable to come for some reason, can I get a refund?
Unfortunately no. You can, however, send someone in your place.
What if I have to cancel or postpone a private group booking?
For private groups, I request a deposit (usually £250), which is non-refundable due to high demand for dates. If you wish to reschedule, you must give me 3 weeks' notice, and your deposit will be carried over. I will be in touch a week before the booked date to confirm numbers and arrange payment in full.
What is your Covid-19 policy?
If a public or private tour has to be cancelled or postponed due to government-imposed restrictions, I will issue a full refund or offer rescheduling. If someone has to cancel due to Covid-19 related illness, I'll offer an opportunity to reschedule once.
“Celia, you are a brilliant food guide and supporter of all the market stall holders who looked upon you with great respect and affection. Thank you for your guidance, anecdotes and a simply fascinating experience.”
“Thank you so much for a fantastic day yesterday! I thought I would enjoy myself but I had no idea how much. I laughed so much and learnt so much and then using what I learnt I brought home a sumptuous 4 course supper so my husband was thrilled as well!”
“We booked a private tour of Portobello Road with Celia for a group we were getting together for a conference in London. The tour was the perfect ice breaker for the group to get to know each other while enjoying Celia’s excellent knowledge of the area and food! The tastings were very generous (don’t eat before you start)!”
“Celia’s enthusiasm and energy was the cherry on the cake for this highly enjoyable tour of the oldest market in London. Lots of stories, cooking tips, and fabulous products carefully chosen with her culinary expertise. Highly recommended.”
Join Celia to discover the secrets and delights of London’s oldest and most renowned food market. Explore the huge range of exceptional British and international produce available and learn all the fascinating facts about the Market’s rich history.
Join Celia to discover the secrets and delights of London’s oldest and most renowned food market. Explore the huge range of exceptional British and international produce available and learn all the fascinating facts about the Market’s rich history.
Kicking off with a meet and greet session over drinks and pastries at a chic restaurant within the Market, you’ll then accompany Celia for an exclusive tasting tour.
As a passionate food expert, Celia will show you the best that Borough has to offer and lavish you with bespoke tastings of the unique foods and wines on offer here. You will taste a bounty of treats, including exceptional charcuterie, many fine cheeses from Britain and beyond, fresh oysters and scallops, hot street snacks, fine chocolate, Sicilian cannoli, plus many more, whilst hearing the stories behind the creation of these fabulous artisan foods. Fine wine and more delicious boozy tipples are also included in this educational, delicious and demystifying Borough Market experience.
Celia is the only person permitted by Borough Market to conduct tours there.
All diets can be catered for where possible. Tastings may vary from those described.
You can book as an individual, couple or small group on the open specified mornings, 10:00am – 1:00pm, and afternoons, 2pm - 5pm.
Private group bookings are available for up to 12 people on available on weekday mornings (10am - 1pm) and afternoons (2pm - 5pm). Not available on weekends due to overcrowding. Please contact Celia to discuss prices (variable according to requirements), dates and any bespoke requests.
Celia is the only person permitted by Borough Market to conduct tours.
Before contacting us, please see the dates available for your chosen tour, then email Celia’s PA (Cecilia Edmunds): info@celiabrooks.com who will take care of your booking.
Please DO NOT try to book online using your voucher, but do visit the site to see available dates.
Portobello Road is known as one of the funkiest street markets in London, but few are aware of the inspiring culinary secrets peppered throughout this famous neighborhood. As a former Notting Hill resident, Celia is armed with all the local foodie knowledge and lets you in on the scene of fabulous food shops and restaurants.
Portobello Road is known as one of the funkiest street markets in London, but few are aware of the inspiring culinary secrets peppered throughout this famous neighborhood. As a former Notting Hill resident, Celia is armed with all the local foodie knowledge and lets you in on the scene of fabulous food shops and restaurants, introducing you to some trendy as well as eclectic destinations.
You'll taste your way around the area, with authentic Italian and Spanish treats such as fine hams, cheeses, olives, and wine, plus samples from artisan market stalls. We'll be unearthing culinary treasures including exotic spices, luxurious sweet treats, chocolate, cookbooks, tableware, and much more.
All diets can be catered for where possible. Tastings may vary from those described.
You can book as an individual, couple or small group on the open specified Tuesday & Sunday morning dates, 10:30am-1:30pm.
Available for private / corporate groups with flexible timings, every day, up to 20 people. Please contact Celia to discuss prices, dates and any bespoke requirements.
Before contacting us, please see the dates available for your chosen tour, then email Celia’s PA (Cecilia Edmunds): info@celiabrooks.com who will take care of your booking.
Please DO NOT try to book online using your voucher, but do visit the site to see available dates.
Celia will escort you through the tourist mayhem to uncover the Covent Garden neighbourhood's true foodie gems, where you'll be treated to a host of indulgences.
Celia will escort you through the tourist mayhem to uncover the Covent Garden neighbourhood's true foodie gems, where you'll be treated to a host of indulgences. You’ll learn the secrets of this iconic London quarter, while sipping and supping its highlights, including British cheeses, Egyptian street food, Singaporean curry puffs, Portuguese tarts, a lavish and boozy chocolate experience, and more. A unique and luxurious Italian wine and tapas tasting completes this varied and colourful foodie day out, all peppered with stories of Covent Garden's rich history.
All diets can be catered for where possible. Tastings may vary from those described.
You can book as an individual, couple or small group on the open specified Thursday morning dates, 10:30am-1:30pm.
Available for private / corporate groups with flexible timings, every day, up to 15 people. Please contact Celia to discuss prices, dates and any bespoke requirements.
Before contacting us, please see the dates available for your chosen tour, then email Celia’s PA (Cecilia Edmunds): info@celiabrooks.com who will take care of your booking.
Please DO NOT try to book online using your voucher, but do visit the site to see available dates.
This special tasting event uncovers the gastronomic secrets of one of London's chicest neighbourhoods. Celia will lead you to some of the area's finest boutique shops to enjoy exclusive tastings and shopping discounts as you learn about sourcing and cooking with specific ingredients while you indulge in some seriously lush nosh.
This special tasting event uncovers the gastronomic secrets of one of London's chicest neighbourhoods. Celia will lead you to some of the area's finest boutique shops to enjoy exclusive tastings and shopping discounts as you learn about sourcing and cooking with specific ingredients while you indulge in some seriously lush nosh.
The walking tour will cover quite a bit of territory so comfy shoes are a must as you sample the delicacies of Belgravia and Knightsbridge, including chocolate galore, extraordinary British cheeses, a generous spread of luscious Arabic mezze, and a whizz through Harrod's incredible food hall. You'll wrap up this decadent half-day with fine wine and a gift from one of London’s most iconic cookshops.
All diets can be catered for where possible. Tastings may vary from those described.
For group bookings only, up to 15 guests
Available for private / corporate groups with flexible timings, up to 15 people. Please contact Celia to discuss prices, dates and any bespoke requirements.
Join Celia for a deliciously energising tasting tour around London's new superfood mecca - Notting Hill. You’ll learn where to shop for exquisite natural food products with tips on how to use them in your own kitchen. You’ll taste your way around the area's hottest health food destinations.
Join Celia for a deliciously energising tasting tour around London's new superfood mecca - Notting Hill. You’ll learn where to shop for exquisite natural food products with tips on how to use them in your own kitchen. You’ll taste your way around the area's hottest health food destinations, trying cutting-edge superfoods, a plethora of fresh vegetables in colourful and hearty salads, cleansing green juices, and healthy sweet treats.
We’ll chat with experts who will introduce you to the latest trends in healthy eating, and sample innovative dishes from the newest raw and vegan restaurants. You'll come away inspired to get addicted to healthy eating.
All diets can be catered for where possible. Tastings may vary from those described.
For group bookings only, up to 15 guests
Available for private / corporate groups with flexible timings, up to 15 people. Please contact Celia to discuss prices, dates and any bespoke requirements.
Marylebone Village is currently experiencing a gastronomic Renaissance and here's your chance to get inside it through day of specially arranged tastings, with expert Celia as your guide. The tour can be run daytime or early evening for up to 20 people.
Marylebone Village is currently experiencing a gastronomic Renaissance and here's your chance to get inside it through day of specially arranged tastings, with expert Celia as your guide. The tour can be run daytime or early evening for up to 20 people, and depending on the time frame, may include a fascinating Japanese knife-skills demonstration, plus tastings from a wonderful cheese emporium, an award-winning butcher, a sumptuous chocolate shop, a secret subterranean champagne bar, Swedish and Arabic treats, Italian aperitivo, and more.
All diets can be catered for where possible. Tastings may vary from those described.
For group bookings only, up to 20 guests
Available for private / corporate groups with flexible timings, every day, up to 20 people. Please contact Celia to discuss prices, dates and any bespoke requirements.
Join Celia for a tutored shopping and tasting experience in Borough Market followed by a cooking session with Celia or a specialist chef in the Borough Market Cookhouse. It contains a top-of-the-range kitchen, with high spec Magimix appliances, together with a table large enough to seat 10 diners. The functionality of the space means that it is suited to a wide range of uses, including chef’s table dinners, cookery masterclasses, presentations, tastings, photo shoots and filming.
The Cookhouse accommodates 10 people maximum. For groups over 10 people, alternative venues near or within the Market are available for a private dining experience after the tour.
I often get requests from visitors to London – tourist and executive – to give bespoke, personal guided tours for individuals or couples.
It would be my utmost pleasure to be your personal food guide in London. I’m from Colorado, but I’ve lived here for over 30 years and forged my entire foodie career here, whilst witnessing the thrilling gastronomic revolution which has taken place during this time.
I’ll personally design an unforgettable, inspiring, educational, entertaining and delicious food and drink tour just for you. We can spend an hour, a few hours, a whole day, or more uncovering culinary gems in this truly cosmopolitan food-lover’s paradise.
Celia’s private Gastrotours in London are unique, bespoke events - ideal for client entertainment or a memorable, interactive treat for your office team or party group.
Think of Celia’s private and corporate tours as an informative roving canapé party - whatever the venue, you and your guests will experience a multitude of scenes and flavours, while being plied with plenty of food and drink and Celia’s entertaining morsels of food knowledge. Plus the group gets naturally shuffled at each different stop.
Celia sends out a handful of emails a year offering exclusive money-off deals on her tours, sneak previews of special events, and seasonal recipes.