What’s more quintessentially London than afternoon tea and a double-decker bus? How about afternoon tea ON a double-decker bus! That is exactly what Miss P, Miss V, and I did when we went to London and took the B Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. The Lovely Ladies and I had been to London before (you can read about those experiences here, here, and here), so we were looking for something a little different, and indulging in a proper British afternoon tea, while sightseeing around the city definitely fit the bill.
Climbing aboard the vintage Routemaster bus for the B Bakery Afternoon Tea Tour. Photo credit: Monique White
The Setup
The B Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour is a light-hearted, whimsical way to enjoy London’s main sights. Guests board a vintage 1960’s Routemaster bus, and are directed to their tables, which are already set and look stunning!
An array of savory and sweet treats await guests on the B Bakery Afternoon Tea Tour.
Photo credit: Monique White
We took our seats on the top deck (because you HAVE to sit on the top deck of a double-decker bus) and nibbled on a selection of amazing finger sandwiches and pastries, and sipped tea from souvenir cups with lids to prevent spilling as we passed iconic London landmarks such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Victoria and Albert Museum and Buckingham Palace.
On the top of the double-decker bus enjoying tea and a tour of London. Photo credit: Monique White
As delightful as the B Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour is I should caution you that it is by no means a traditional tour. It is not a hop on – hop off bus that allows you to get off and have a more in-depth look at the sights. The bus whizzes by various landmarks, and what you actually see can depend on where you’re sitting or if the bus is stopped at a red light.
Seeing London’s iconic landmarks during the afternoon tea tour. Photo credit: Monique White
A map of the route for B Bakery’s afternoon tea tour. Photo credit: Monique White
Additionally, there is music playing, people chatting away, and the jostling that comes with eating and drinking in a moving vehicle, so the commentary is muddled. My advice to any first-time visitors or people who want a more substantial sightseeing experience is to supplement the tea bus tour with another tour.
Afternoon Tea
Where the sightseeing aspect of the tour may be lacking, the afternoon tea part absolutely makes up for it. B Bakery is an actual brick-and-mortar, family-owned bakery in Covent Garden, so the treats, which include a variety of sandwiches and an assortment of desserts, were delicious! And just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, they brought out warm scones with jam and clotted cream!
Warm, delicious scones with jam and clotted cream! Photo credit: Monique White
The tea flows freely and as frequently as you’d like, however, there are no additional servings of the food, but the finger sandwiches and pastries were quite filling, and I was happy for the to-go boxes that were provided for the leftovers.
Enjoy unlimited refills of tea in a souvenir cup.
Cups with lids prevent spills during the afternoon tea tour.
B Bakery has several tours to choose from, including an afternoon tea cruise on the Thames, an afternoon picnic tea, a Gin lovers tea, and they offer gluten-free, vegetarian and Halal options for a slight additional cost.
Prices for the B Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour start at £45 (€51, $60), and I recommend booking in advance to guarantee a table on the top deck of the bus.
Take a tour of London on a Routemaster bus while having afternoon tea.
For more information on the tour, visit the B Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus, website.
