A Patriotic Tour of the East End of London
If you are a patriotic person who is looking for a tour by people who still hold our British values, then Gangster Tours UK is a must do activity when visiting London. Owned by Micky Goldtooth who works with historian Ian Mckenzie, a duo —reminiscent of the Chuckle Brothers— shares stories of the infamous Kray Twins and informs their guests of what the east end and its people was once like.
Having written about the Kray Twins (Ronald Kray and Reginald Kray) for my book, A Guide to Dark Attractions in the UK, and read the reviews of Ganger Tours UK, I know that it was a must do activity when we were next in London. We joined Mr Goldtooth and Mr Mckenzie and their associates on Saturday 16th August 2025.
We were picked up outside Liverpool Street Station at Bus Stop F, Bishops Gate Exit. The open-top bus was easy to identify among the iconic red buses of London. Mr Goldtooth exited the bus, dressed for the occasion, and greeted each guest with a welcoming handshake. The bus featured pictures and memorabilia related to the Kray Twins and other gangsters of the East End.
As we pulled away from the bus stop, Mr. Goldtooth introduced his acquaintance Mr. Mckenzie, who began by telling us the origins of the term "gangster" and providing historical context about the East End and its community prior to mentioning the notorious Kray Twins. Before arriving at our first stop, Mr. Goldtooth’s son, Alfie, took our first order of drinks. Our first stop was at the former Old Street Magistrates Court and Police Station—now the Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch—where the Kray Twins were tried in 1965 for demanding money through menaces. Notably, the hotel has preserved the original holding cells where the twins were once detained.
Mr. Goldtooth and Mckenzie provided a detailed recount of story as they showed us each of the individual cells, now adored with murals depicting the twins. They encouraged us to get a closer look before theatrically smashing the cell door closed and telling us we were banged up. These individual cells gave us an insight into how confined the Kray Twins must have felt throughout their life. For those interested, these individual cells can be reserved, allowing guest to feel connected to the build’s notorious past while enjoying a few cocktails.
With a sense of anticipation, we re-boarded the bus collecting drinks from the bar that
was looked after Mr. Goldtooth’s wife, Karen. We have to say and noticed that the friendliness of Alfie and Karen contributed to the relaxed atmosphere, making us feel like nothing was too much to ask.
As we made our way through the East End of London, Mr Goldtooth pointed out sites like the E. Pellicci cafe, frequented by the twins, and a bandstand in Shoreditch where he, the twins and Barbara Windsor lived in proximity.
As we made our way to our second stop on the tour, the Blind Begger pub, Mr. Goldtooth and Mckenzie conducted a theatrical reenactment using a blank firing gun to tell us of the infamous incident in which Ronnie Kray shot and killed George Cornell on March 9, 1966, at the Blind Beggar. With adrenaline kicking in, we ordered more drinks, smoked a cigarette, and then joined Mr Goldtooth for a group photo in front of the bus before heading to the famous boozer.
Mr. Mckenzie continues to tell us of the Kray Twins and their criminal undertakings. Since there were also a few familiar faces that Mr. Goldtooth recognised, participants on the tour had the chance to take photographs with individuals of the East End. After returning to the bus, Mr. Mckenzie shared more stories about the East End and its community, highlighting the genuine kindness of its people. He explained that while the Kray twins are often viewed as criminals, they were the kind of people who would see a mother with her children and give her £5 pounds so she could get food, milk and treat her children — the very same persona reflected by Mr. Goldtooth, his family, Mr. Mckenzie, and other colleagues on board the bus.
Our final stop was the historic George pub at Borough Market, this is where Mr. Mckenzie finished entertaining the group with a few captivating magical tricks. Those wishing to are welcome to end their tour here, but I wouldn’t, staying on board means joining the return party to Liverpool Street Station and having a chance to win a high-quality Kray twins t-shirt in the raffle.
Finishing with drinks, music, and free shots is undoubtably the best way to finish a tour. Celebrating my 30th birthday while driving over the iconic Tower of London bridge with prosecco is an accomplished experience. Even passersby and tourists on a sightseeing bus seemed to notice and envy our experiences. I am sure a man on a said to his partner something along the lines of that they were on the wrong bus.
Mr Goldtooth informed us about his Christmas lights tours happening on 6, 13, and 20 December 2025, which are now open for booking—we've already reserved our spot. After returning to our original pick-up point, we took a photo with him and asked some questions. We left the tour feeling enlightened about the East End of London, with plenty of the day ahead for a few more drinks.
