Afternoon Tea on a Big Red Bus
What better way to see the sights of London than while feasting on a banquet of cakes and scones? Belle hopped aboard the B Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus London Tour for a trip around town…
Our hour and a half hour journey around the capital started at Victoria Coach Station and then took in the sights of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, several Royal parks and Nelson’s Column to name but a few. Recorded guide-commentary plays along the route, educating even the most seasoned Londoner with facts about our great city, but it’s the spontaneous additions added by the guides – ours were Elias and Felicia – that gives the experience a really fun feel.
Elias asks the top deck ‘How many bathrooms do you think there are in Buckingham Palace?’ WE shout out guesses but none of us are near. It’s 74. Seriously. And did you know Knightsbridge got its name after two knights fought on a bridge? Store that one up for the next pub quiz.
We enjoyed a delicious array of sandwiches, cakes and pastries which are waiting on tiered trays upon arrival. All the food is all from the famous Brigit’s Bakery, so quality and style are guaranteed.
Savoury treats include a spinach, sundried tomato and feta muffin, pretzels with Philadelphia, cucumber and salmon as well as Philadelphia and mint cucumbers finger sandwiches. The bread was soft, and the filling was flavourful, which made each mouthful more delicious than the last.
The bus also offers vegan, vegetarian, halal and gluten-free afternoon teas, as well as a Gin tour too. Prosecco can be ordered ahead fo the tour, but they do not have a licence to sell alcohol on the bus. Which is a good thing really as there’s no toilet so you don’t want to overload on the fizz or tea too early!
The best part of the experience was tucking into the mini homemade cakes and tarts. The chocolate cupcake and raspberry macaron were surefire winners, as were the lemon meringue tart and of course freshly-baked scones with clotted cream and jam.
The bus is decorated with fairy lights and a proper party list plays in the background – expect Spice Girls and Rick Astley as a backdrop to a whizz past Harrods – which adds to the atmosphere. By the time we returned to Victoria our neighbouring table were firm friends, and Elias and Felicia hugged us goodbye.
All hot drinks are served in a reusable travel mug which you can take home as a memento of the ocassion.
- The bakery also runs tea salons and a Thames cruise. Prices for the bus tours start at £45 per adult. Book a Monday to Friday tour through Buy A Gift here, or see the main website for peak time bookings.
