A Road to Ruin Walk

The perfect guided walk for those with a keen interest in history, London and alcohol.

You will also explore how the famous English past-time of drinking was interpreted by journalists and artists of the day, fascinating to compare to the modern world.

Why a Road to Ruin? The tour will take you along an ancient Drover’s Road in through Clerkenwell into Smithfields which was once full of pubs, breweries and distilleries. Many of those institutes may have gone but the buildings, history and stories of local characters remain. Visit interesting buildings including an ‘in and out pub’, a world famous inn, a brewery, two gin distilleries and even a licensed pawn broker!

Hazel will also share with you rare and interesting facts and tales and you’ll leave the walking tour knowing the stories behind the expressions “one for the road”, “a Mother’s ruin” and “dead drunk”.