London Soho: Music Legends & Historic Pubs Walking Tour

Summary

Soho’s wild music past and pubs where legends linger

You’ll wander through Soho with a local guide, ducking into historic pubs where rock legends played (and misbehaved), hearing oddball stories about everyone from Mozart to Marilyn Monroe. Expect laughter over pints, hidden corners with wild tales, and that feeling you’re part of London’s living history—even if your accent gives you away.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the sound—somewhere between the thump of bass from an open bar window and the clatter of pint glasses on old wood. Our guide, Tom, waved us over with this grin like he’d just heard a secret. We were barely three minutes into Soho when he pointed out a battered doorway—apparently, that’s where Hendrix played his last gig. I didn’t expect it to look so ordinary. A bit sticky underfoot, honestly. But you could almost feel the ghosts in there.

I kept losing track of time because every corner seemed to come with another story. Like the pub where The Who got banned for life (Tom told it like he’d been there himself). We squeezed in by the bar, and I tried ordering a bitter in my best London accent—failed completely. The bartender just laughed and slid me something cold anyway. There was this smell of old beer and polish, mixed with something sweet from outside—maybe someone’s late-night chips? At one point, we passed a spot where Mozart lived (yeah, that Mozart), which felt surreal wedged between neon signs and kebab shops.

It wasn’t all music history; Soho’s got this wild mix of people—old regulars nodding at each other, tourists pretending not to stare, a woman in leopard print shouting at her dog. Tom had us duck down an alley where Karl Marx supposedly plotted revolutions (or maybe just drank cheap gin). By the third pub I’d lost count of who’d played or lived where but honestly didn’t care—I was just happy to be part of whatever weird energy Soho has after dark.

I still think about the way the light hit those stained-glass windows in one pub—felt like stepping into another century for a minute. If you’re into music legends or just want to see what makes London tick after sunset, this day trip through Soho’s historic pubs is worth it. Just don’t ask me to pronounce “Chiswick” again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Soho's music and pub history

• Arrive in Soho, London
• Visit historic pubs linked to Rolling Stones
• See Beatles' recording site for Hey Jude
• Discover Jimi Hendrix's last performance venue
• Learn about Mozart's residence in Soho
• Drink at pub where The Who were banned
• Hear stories of famous visitors and locals

Top questions

How many pubs are included on the Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour?

The tour includes entry to four unique historic pubs in Soho.

Are drinks included on this tour?

No, drinks are not included in the ticket price—they’re extra so guests can choose what they like.

Does the tour include a local guide?

Yes, an English-speaking local guide leads the tour through Soho.

What famous musicians are connected to this tour?

You’ll visit places linked to The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Ella Fitzgerald, and even Mozart.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the organizers.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted during the experience.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the meeting point in Soho.

What’s included

Your evening includes entry into four legendary historic pubs across Soho plus stories from your local English-speaking guide as you wander music landmarks and quirky corners together—drinks are up to you along the way.