This afternoon tea experience combines two British staples: tea and a red London bus. The interior of a vintage 1960’s Routemaster has been lavishly upgraded with tables and reupholstered seats to transform this iconic vehicle into a traveling tearoom.
Guests are seated in a booth for two or four and the tables have little cup holders for you to put your drink. No need to rush to board the bus first to get a desired spot. You can choose your seats while booking, just hurry up because top deck is much more popular than the lower deck. You can also reserve VIP tables at the front of the bus (best seats in the house) which is perfect for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
Afternoon tea on the move
For an hour and a half you’ll see all the sights through the heart of London passing by iconic landmarks and historical buildings. Keep an eye out the window for Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, London Eye, Hyde Park, The Royal Albert Hall, Marble Arch, Nelson’s Column, and Downing Street to name a few. Approaching each landmark, the soft background music is temporarily replaced with interesting historical commentary.
Do you know why there are no formal flower beds in Green Park? Rumour has it that Charles II’s wife Catherine caught him picking a bouquet for his mistress, and then ordered all flowers to be removed from the grounds. Did you know that Trafalgar Square is regarded as the official centre of London in legislation and when measuring distances from the capital? How about UK’s “most expensive” hotel? Here we go – The Lanesborough has a £27k-a-night seven bedroom Royal Suite with a 24-hour butler.
Two British classics in one
Speaking of ostentatious, it was difficult not to feel regal while literally looking down on pedestrians and regular buses, whilst spreading clotted cream on a freshly baked scone. However, we noticed the bus got a lot of attention with many people talking photos.
Those who might not expect much from an afternoon tea on a London bus will be pleasantly surprised! Upon you arrival all tables are already arranged and beautifully dressed. Savory and sweet treats are not only elegantly presented in a two-tier serving stand but very delicious.
Tea around town
All food comes straight from Brigit’s Bakery, a family-run café in Covent Garden with the menu changing depending on the season and theme of the Afternoon tea. There are a lot to choose from: The Grinchmas, Bombay Sapphire Gin, Paddington, Peppa Pig and Valentine’s Afternoon Tea are just a few of them.
A wide range of teas are available and you can have as many as you want. If you’re in the mood for something a bit stronger or with a bit of fizz, the Brigit’s Bakery bus offers a range of sparkling wines, Prosecco and Champagne. Just keep in mind that the bus doesn’t have a toilet.
Everything is very well organised and thought-out – crew will offer to take photos, and at the end of the trip each guest was given a little box to take any leftovers. Once back at Trafalgar Square, Victoria Coach station or Somerset House (depending on your route), we were able to keep the lovely Brigit’s Bakery themed travel cup as a souvenir. All these little touches combined with the novelty of a retro bus and exceptional service makes the B-Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour a truly special and memorable experience.
