About Concierge Black
A short list,
properly checked
There is no shortage of places to book a tour. There is a shortage of people who have actually been on the tour they are selling you.
What we do
Concierge Black arranges group tours and experiences across the UK and Europe. Brewery and whisky tours, wine estates, food markets, private boats, hands-on craft days and guided walks — for anything from four people to eighty.
We are not a marketplace with ten thousand listings and no opinion. The list on this site is short on purpose. Every operator on it has been visited, and every experience has been run with a real group before it went up.
How we choose operators
Three things, in order. First, the guide — a mediocre venue with a brilliant guide beats the reverse every single time. Second, whether they can genuinely handle a group rather than tolerate one. Third, whether they do what they said they would do when something goes wrong on the day.
If an operator stops meeting that standard, they come off the list. That has happened, and it will happen again.
How we are paid
We are paid a commission by the operator on what your group books, agreed with them in advance. Your quote is a single figure covering the whole arrangement, and it is the figure you pay — there is no booking fee added on top.
What we will not do is sell placement. No operator can pay to appear on this site or to be pushed up a shortlist, and our rate does not vary between them — so there is nothing steering a recommendation except whether it suits your group.
Who you deal with
One person, from the first enquiry to the day itself. They will have been to the venue, they will know the guide's name, and they will be reachable on the day if anything moves.
Group enquiries get a reply within one working day, and usually a good deal faster than that.
Common questions
Before you enquire
What size groups do you handle?
Four to eighty as standard, depending on the experience — the Thames charter and the Munich beer hall take the largest groups. Below four you are usually better off joining a scheduled departure from the events page.
How far ahead should we book?
Four to six weeks is comfortable for most dates. December, summer Saturdays and the September hop harvest all need considerably longer — for December, aim to have it confirmed by the end of September.
Can you arrange transport and food as well?
Yes. Coaches, minibuses, drivers, lunch, dinner and hotels can all be added. On multi-venue days transport is usually part of the quote rather than an extra.
What about people who don't drink?
Every tasting on this site can run an alcohol-free flight, and there is no price difference. Tell us the numbers when you enquire and it will be arranged quietly rather than announced on the day.
Do you invoice businesses?
Yes — standard terms with a purchase order reference if you need one. Deposits are usually payable on confirmation with the balance due before the date.
What happens if we need to move the date?
Tell us as early as you can and in most cases we will move it without a charge. Terms vary by operator and are confirmed in writing on your quote before you pay anything.
Get in touch
Tell us about the group
Numbers, a rough date and roughly what everyone would enjoy. We will do the rest and come back to you within one working day.