There can be few places so modern yet so rich in history as the City of London. Beneath the towering monoliths of the financial industry there are traces still of the Romans and even of our Celtic forbears.

Successive waves of destruction, whether by war, fire, pestilence or town planning, have removed much of the physical evidence of the past, but glimpses remain in medieval street patterns and the names of streets and buildings. History is also ever-present in those great survivors: pubs.

Shepherd Neame is the proud custodian of some of the City’s greatest and oldest pubs, and each has a story to tell. Johnny Homer, who has written extensively on the history of brewing, pubs, and who regularly broadcasts on the subject of the history of London, has woven many of these stories together in a new tour guide of the City of London pubs of Shepherd Neame.

Illustrated by Kent artist and map designer, Peter Gander, the City of London Walk takes in eight pubs, beginning by the Thames at the Samuel Pepys, weaving its way through the streets of the Square Mile, and back in time: taking in London’s first coffee house, the Peasants’ Revolt, and the venue of clandestine marriages.

Johnny said: “I’ve always been fascinated by the City of London. Having been born at Bart’s and raised in nearby Clerkenwell, I’ve spent a lot of time wandering it streets and trying to uncover some of its mysteries. With this map, I hope we can share some of the joy of discovery with people who love to walk, love history and, of course, love beer.”

The walk, without stopping for drinks, takes roughly two hours, and it should be noted that many City pubs are closed on the weekend, so it’s best to check in advance if you plan to visit.

The map will be available to pick up at all of the pubs on the route. A digital version is also available for download at  shepherdneame.co.uk/city-london-walk