Flavours of Royal Docks: Food, Architecture & Memory

Part of Open House Festival, this free guided walking tour explores how London's food industry helped shape the Royal Docks and the communities around it. Developed by Royal Docks resident and creative producer Joanna Dong, the tour draws on local research, oral histories and community stories to uncover the area's rich food heritage. Advance booking is required.

Across ten stops, visitors will trace the journey of food from ship to table, visiting historic docks, warehouses, grain silos, flour mills and industrial landmarks including Millennium Mills and Tate & Lyle. Along the way, you'll discover how global trade, architecture and everyday life became closely connected through food.

The tour includes storytelling, oral histories and optional sensory activities, such as smelling spices and tea, handling ingredients and, where appropriate, tasting food samples. Visitors will also be invited to share their own food memories as part of a travelling community archive.

What to expect

• Guided walking tour lasting approximately 2 hours
• Around 4km of walking with regular stops
• Optional sensory activities and shared storytelling
• Meeting point outside City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE
• Finishing point: the tour finishes near King George V Dock.

Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather, as the tour takes place entirely outdoors. This event is free, but advance booking is required via the Open House website.

Make the most of your Open House Festival visit by exploring more buildings, places and projects across the Royal Docks. Explore more Open House Festival events in the Royal Docks.