Afternoon tea on a Brigit’s Bakery Bus is a brilliant way to see some of the major London sights while also enjoying a traditional afternoon tea. Prefect if you are short on time or if you just fancy an afternoon tea experience that’s a bit different from the norm. There are several routes and themed afternoon teas to chose from including the Standard Route, Peppa Pig, Paddington, Valentine’s, Grinchmas and Mothers Day. There is also a Gin Lovers option.
What to expect?
The afternoon tea buses are vintage London Routemaster buses converted in to tables seating 4 both upstairs and downstairs. There are two forward facing tables at the front of the bus upstairs which allow you a fabulous view of the route. You can choose your table when you book online.
The buses depart from Victoria Coach Station, Trafalgar Square and Sommerset House. Our bus started from Victoria Coach Station where we boarded from one of the gates inside the station. We checked in and were shown to our table and then off we went.
The tour starts with some safety information and information about the next 90 minutes. The tables are already set up with your cakes and sandwiches so you can tuck in straight away. With warm drinks on tap and warm scones brought around during the journey.
The bus takes in many of the London sights including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, The Houses of Parliament and the London Eye among many others. There is some information over the bus’ sound system about some of the sights but you are mainly able to just sit back and enjoy the views. Sitting on the top deck of the bus gives you a great view.
After about an hour cake boxes are brought round so that you are able to pack up anything that you haven’t eaten to take with you.
There’s an upbeat sound track during your afternoon tea which gives a real fun atmosphere. We finished the journey with a sing along which included ‘We will rock you’ and ‘YMCA’.
The menu
Our savoury options were mini mushroom quiches, feta & red pepper muffins, cucumber, cream cheese & mint sandwiches, ham, cheese & mustard mayo sandwiches and tuna mayo pretzelss.
The cakes were mini apple &cinnamon sable bretons, halzlenut chouxs, chocolate biscoff cupcakes with pink pearls and lemon meringue tarts.
Warm scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam were also served.
There is a range of hot drink options that include coffees and a range of teas and hot chocolate. Bottled water is also available.
There are also vegetarian , vegan, halal and gluten free menus.
There is also the option to add a glass or bottle of sparkling wine or champagne to your afternoon tea.
Is it child friendly?
This is definitely a child friendly afternoon tea. The ever changing scenery means there is always something to look at and tourists taking photos of the bus to wave at. The staff were really friendly, the food is amazing and there is a sing along! It’s definitely a more relaxed afternoon tea.
Dress code:
There is no dress code. Dress up, dress down, fancy dress? Anything goes! We did see some other passengers waiting for the Grinchmas bus in full Grinch Christmas outfit and this was at the end of January.
Location
Brigits’s Bakery is based in Covent Garden where you can buy cakes to take away or eat in. The buses depart from Victoria Coach Station, Trafalgar Square and Somerset House depending on the bus you choose.
We had our afternoon tea experience in January 2023 when Pip was 10.
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