Departs from Victoria Coach Station, 164 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9TP
The Brigit’s Bakery afternoon tea and sightseeing bus tour in London is a treat for your eyes as well as your taste buds.
From the moment you step aboard the vintage Routemaster, there’s a sense of occasion. The interior includes with small tables set for two or four, afternoon tea stands and big windows and can make the most of the sights rolling by.
Staff greet you with genuine warmth and throughout the journey, they’re attentive and friendly, topping up drinks and snapping photos so you can focus on enjoying yourself.
The food is everything you want from a proper afternoon tea but with a French twist. Each table is set with a tiered stand already laden with savouries and sweets, so there’s no waiting around.
The mini seasonal quiche is light and perfectly seasoned, the cucumber, cream cheese and spring onion on basil bread is refreshingly crisp and the salmon and cucumber pretzel with cream cheese feels indulgent without being heavy. Everything tastes fresh and thoughtfully prepared, with enough variety to keep you happily nibbling throughout the ride.
Then come the cakes, which are the real show-stoppers. The strawberry and coconut choux is airy and fragrant, the mango tart bursts with flavour and the pistachio cupcake is the sort of small but mighty mouthful that makes you want another immediately.
And of course, there’s the freshly baked scone, served with generous pots of clotted cream and jam. It’s warm, buttery and exactly as a scone should be.
Drinks are plentiful, with a wide choice of teas from traditional English Breakfast to more unusual blends like berry and elderflower or chai. Coffee lovers are covered too, with cappuccinos, lattes and Americanos all available, plus hot chocolate if you fancy something richer. The staff are quick to refill and make sure you’ve got what you want, which adds to the feeling of being looked after.
The route is well chosen, winding through some of London’s most famous areas. You’ll pass Whitehall, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, the Natural History Museum, the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Palace, Notting Hill, Marble Arch, Mayfair and more.
It’s a whistle-stop visual tour of the city, and even if you’ve seen these landmarks before, they feel different from the height of a bus seat while you’re sipping tea. There’s a light scattering of fun facts along the way, which is welcome, though it wouldn’t hurt to have a little more commentary for those keen to learn more about the history and quirks of London.
One of the best things about this tour is how relaxed it feels. You’re sightseeing without the faff of maps, tickets or queues and you’re eating delicious food while you do it. The pace is unhurried, so you can linger over your tea, chat, take in the views and tuck into the next plate without feeling rushed.
By the time you return to your starting point, you’re full in every sense and satisfied with good food, warmed by the atmosphere and a little in love with London all over again.
Brigit’s Bakery has found a winning combination here. It’s a treat for visitors wanting a unique introduction to the city and for locals looking to enjoy their hometown in a fresh way. Between the friendly service, delicious food and the ever-changing backdrop of London’s streets, the classic afternoon tea sightseeing bus tour in London seriously delivers for any occasion.
Brigit’s Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus review – 5 stars
The Brighton Bucket List 