A Road to Ruin Walk

Experience the lively and often scandalous drinking culture of 18th-century London on this 90-minute guided walk from Angel Tube Station to Farringdon. Discover how gin, beer, and taverns shaped society, fueled social debates, and inspired the satirical art of William Hogarth. Learn from Hazel Baker, a knowledgeable guide, as you explore historic streets, narrow alleys, and hidden corners of Clerkenwell, uncovering the fascinating stories of breweries, distilleries, inns, and pubs that played a pivotal role in London’s spirited past. Explore the Drover’s Road, visit theatre pubs, and hear unforgettable tales of vice, virtue, and the notorious “Mother’s Ruin,” bringing history vividly to life.

Explore London’s hidden history through the lens of alcohol, art, and social change while wandering atmospheric streets and historic estates. Discover quirky pubs, Georgian pleasure gardens, and legendary taverns, and learn how drinking influenced social status, culture, and daily life in the city. Capture the essence of a bygone era, ask questions, and immerse yourself in the stories of Londoners who drank, danced, and socialised centuries ago on this engaging walking tour.