Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, spots are limited to maintain a quality experience, so booking ahead is recommended.

Are transportation costs included?

Yes, luxury mini coach or minibus transport between pubs is included in the tour price.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

The company requests advance notice to arrange suitable tasting menus for most dietary needs.

Is the tour suitable for children?

This tour is primarily geared toward adults due to alcohol tastings and pacing.

How much walking is involved?

Walking between pubs is generally short and on flat terrain, suitable for most ability levels.

Can I drink alcohol on the tour?

Yes, drinks are included, but responsible consumption is encouraged, and alternative non-alcoholic options are available.

Gastro Pub Tours with The Restaurant Touring Company | Food Tour

The West Midlands, a region historically shaped by industry and countryside charm, now serves up a distinctively modern culinary experience through The Restaurant Touring Company’s Best Independent Gastro Pub Tour. This four-hour journey offers food enthusiasts a chance to taste locally crafted dishes in independent pubs that have elevated their menus to restaurant-quality standards—without the worries of driving or booking hassles.

The tour navigates through a blend of suburban neighborhoods and rustic settings, capturing the evolving character of the region where historic public houses have responded to a new era of discerning palates. Each venue is carefully selected and pre-visited by the company to ensure that the kitchen’s creativity and quality are consistently exceptional. Guests enjoy tasting portions designed to showcase the culinary style of each pub, paired with drinks that highlight local brews and spirits.

Travel between stops is handled in style via luxury mini coach or executive minibus, giving travelers the space to relax and savor each course without distraction. The route balances city-edge charm with the tranquility of surrounding countryside, making it as much a scenic ride as a food journey.

What sets this gastro pub tour apart is its thoughtful design: it removes typical dining uncertainties by coordinating every detail, from transport to timing to menu selections. This approach invites both locals and visitors to engage deeply with the West Midlands’ food culture in a social, comfortable atmosphere.

For those curious about the region’s culinary revival or looking for an engaging, hassle-free food adventure, The Restaurant Touring Company provides a refined lens through which to appreciate the best independent pubs—and the stories behind their kitchens—in one of England’s most dynamic regions.

About The Restaurant Touring Company

The Restaurant Touring Company is a Birmingham-based tour operator specialising in guided food and drink experiences across the West Midlands.

It designs neighbourhood tours, restaurant-hopping itineraries, wine tastings and bespoke private programs that connect visitors with local chefs, producers and independent venues. Tours listed include Jewellery Quarter Neighbourhood Tour, Bearwood Neighbourhood Tour, Stirchley Neighbourhood Tour, Moseley, Digbeth and Harborne neighbourhood tours, a Michelin star tour, A Taste of West Midlands History Tour, The Best Cellars Wine Tour, The Restaurant Tour, The Best Independent Gastro Pub Tour, Corporate Food Tour and Around the World in 80 Tastes Tour.

Guides combine culinary context with local stories to explain ingredients, techniques and regional heritage. Several tours specify durations, with neighbourhood and tasting routes of approximately four to five hours. The Michelin star tour offers private guide and chauffeur options with bespoke extras such as photographers or sommeliers when requested. The Best Cellars Wine Tour is delivered with an expert sommelier from Birmingham Wine School. The Corporate Food Tour can include team-building elements and WFTA-accredited guiding.

The Restaurant Touring Company works with independent restaurants, pubs and food businesses across urban and rural settings to showcase regional quality and diversity. Bookings are arranged per tour and often include multiple tasting stages, meet-and-greets and curated narratives. The operator is featured on The Adventure Collective, providing an authoritative listing of available experiences for visitors seeking curated culinary tours in Birmingham and the surrounding West Midlands. Booking information and accessibility details are supplied for each tour online directly.