The BB Afternoon Tea Bus Tour just SCREAMS millennial travel! Sightseeing on a Vintage Routemaster Bus while dining on delicate finger sandwiches and mini desserts for a traditional afternoon tea with a twist.
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I actually have my beautiful Mum to thank for this one, since her search for a cool surprise for a trip to London resulted in finding the BB Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. At the time of booking this was a completely new experience, meaning an introductory price. While the price has increased since then, It’s still well worth the money and has expanded to a Gin Afternoon Tea, Thames Cruise Afternoon Tea, London Night Bus Tour and seasonally themed afternoon teas.
I’ll be the first to admit that often what seems like a game-changing experience is let down by teething problems or crappy service, but the BB Bus Tour did not disappoint – they literally thought of everything!
It’s the little things that count.
Firstly, your choice of tea or coffee is served in beautifully illustrated ceramic flask with an red silicon lid rather than mug to avoid spillage. Secondly, at the time we boarded the flasks came with a suction cup on the bottom so it would stick to the table – genius.
Edit – having recently boarded the bus in Bath, they now have special holes within the table to hold your cup. The cups are now plastic and not ceramic.
Everybody loves cake!
It’s hard not to flutter around with excitement like a child, first upon seeing the bus, and second taking your seats where your sweet and savoury treats await you upon expertly designed tables using the old bus seats. The mini lemon meringue pies were hands down the best lemon meringue’s I’ve ever tasted, even to this day as I write the review three years on!
Edit – the lemon meringue pies are still hella tasty, and if you’re boarding this in Bath you can buy larger versions of the cakes in the Bakery just 2 minutes walk from the departure point.
Don’t Forget About the Views
It’s easy to get lost in a sea of cake, sandwiches and tea but you’ll soon be reminded of the sights as you pass The London Eye, Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park, Hyde Park, The Royal Albert Hall, Marble Arch, Nelson’s Column, Downing Street and more with great on board commentary.
Don’t Be Late!
At the time of our experience, the only departure was from 8 Northumberland Avenue, located off Trafalgar Square at 12:00 and 15:00 sharp! Today, departure is also available from Victoria Coach Station. The vintage route master bus leaves on time and is unlikely to wait around for stragglers so don’t be late, or do because the leftover food is distributed between the remaining passengers who did make it on time!
With prices from from £45 to £63 per person, it might seem a little steep but I can promise you it’s worth every penny. I love the experience, and I’m seriously considering doing it again!
Book online at London B Bakery
Have you been on the Afternoon Tea Bus Tour? Let me know in the comments.