London: Afternoon Tea Bus with a Glass of Prosecco

London: Afternoon Tea Bus with a Glass of Prosecco – A Unique Sightseeing and Dining Experience

The London: Afternoon Tea Bus with a Glass of Prosecco offers a distinctive way to see the city while enjoying a traditional afternoon tea. For $66 per person, this 1.5-hour tour combines stunning views, delicious food, and refreshing Prosecco aboard a classic double-decker bus. It’s perfect for those seeking a relaxing yet fun way to explore London’s most iconic landmarks.

The tour departs from Golden Tours Stop 1, where you’ll find a pink striped bus bearing the sign “The English Tea Bus”. This experience suits visitors looking for a combination of sightseeing and a leisurely tea, with the added bonus of friendly onboard service and beautiful city views. While the food quality and friendly staff earn high praise, it’s worth noting that no tour guide commentary is provided, and large bags or luggage are not allowed.

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Key Points

• Price: $66 per person
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Location: Meets at Golden Tours Stop 1 in Greater London
• Includes: Afternoon tea, a glass of Prosecco or soft drink, and seating on the lower or upper deck
• Highlights: London landmarks such as the Coca-Cola London Eye, Tower of London, and St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Notable features: Beautifully decorated bus, delicious food, and friendly service
• Limitations: No live guide commentary and no toilets onboard; large bags are not permitted

Starting Point: The Pink Bus at Golden Tours Stop 1

The tour begins at Golden Tours Stop 1, where a pink striped bus with a prominent “The English Tea Bus” sign signals your departure. The meeting point is straightforward to find, and it’s recommended to arrive at least 15 minutes early to settle in comfortably.

This starting spot is easy to access and offers a convenient location to begin your relaxed exploration of London’s top sights. The driver, who speaks English, ensures a smooth journey, though the route may change depending on traffic and road closures.

The Route and Sightseeing Highlights

The double-decker bus offers panoramic views of some of London’s most famous landmarks. As the bus glides through the city, you’ll see the Coca-Cola London Eye, the Tower of London, and St. Paul’s Cathedral from the comfort of your seat.

Although there isn’t a live commentary, onboard staff highlight points of interest and notable landmarks during the ride. Passengers often find the views impressive, especially given the decorative and festive atmosphere onboard, with beautiful decorations contributing to the charm.

Food and Drink: A Tasty Twist on Afternoon Tea

The food served on the bus is consistently praised for being well-presented and delicious. You’ll start with homemade finger sandwiches and an assortment of mini pastries and desserts, complemented by scones and cakes. The portion sizes are generous, often surpassing expectations, which means you’re unlikely to need lunch beforehand.

Your choice of beverage includes a glass of Prosecco or a soft drink, served at the perfect temperature. The Prosecco is described as refreshing and tasty, with many reviews mentioning it as a highlight. The food quality often receives high praise, with some reviews noting the freshness of the sandwiches and delicious cakes.

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Room for Improvement: Commentary and Accessibility

While the food and service are highly rated, some reviews mention disappointment over the lack of live guide commentary. The staff onboard do highlight landmarks, but there is no narration during the tour, which might limit the informational experience for those interested in detailed history.

A further consideration is that large bags or luggage are not allowed onboard, and no toilets are available during the journey. The route may change due to traffic or road closures, so travelers should be prepared for potential adjustments.

Staff and Service: Friendly and Attentive

Many reviews commend the friendly and attentive staff, with Ameen, Aneesh, Amish, Diya, and others receiving praise for their welcoming attitude. The servers are noted for pouringProsecco with cheerfulness and making everyone feel comfortable. Some reviews highlight guides such as Marco and Dee for going above and beyond to make the experience memorable.

The buses are reported to be clean and well-decorated, enhancing the festive atmosphere. The music playing during the ride adds to the relaxed vibe, making it more than just a sightseeing tour.

Practical Tips for Booking and Participation

It’s advisable to reserve your spot in advance and pay later to keep your plans flexible. When booking, guests can confirm their menu preference (general or vegetarian) at least 72 hours before the tour. It’s recommended to arrive 15 minutes early to ensure smooth boarding.

Children under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult; children under 5 are not permitted. Since no alcohol is served to those under 18, valid ID is required for purchasing Prosecco.

Comparing this Tour to Similar Experiences

This Afternoon Tea Bus offers a more relaxed and food-focused alternative to traditional sightseeing tours. Unlike guided bus tours with commentary, it emphasizes a leisurely pace with delicious food and drinks. The decorations and friendly staff create a festive and welcoming environment.

Similar experiences, such as luxury coach tours or guided sightseeing buses, may include more detailed commentary, but often at a higher cost or longer durations. For those seeking a short, enjoyable tour with food and drinks included, this experience is a good value.

Limitations and Considerations

While the food quality and service are praised, the lack of narration could be a downside for visitors wanting more historical context. The route may change unexpectedly due to traffic, which could affect the timing and sighting order.

Plus, the absence of onboard toilets and restrictions on large bags are important to consider, especially for longer days or travelers with extra luggage.

Final Thoughts: A Fun and Tasty Way to Explore London

The London: Afternoon Tea Bus with a Glass of Prosecco stands out as a unique blend of sightseeing and leisure. The delicious food, friendly staff, and beautiful views create a relaxed atmosphere that appeals to anyone wanting to enjoy London in a different way.

This tour offers great value for $66, especially for those who appreciate good food, friendly service, and stunning city vistas. While it may not satisfy those seeking detailed commentary or specific accessibility needs, it remains an entertaining and enjoyable experience for most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult. Children under 5 are not allowed on this tour.

Can I bring large bags or luggage onboard?
No, large bags or luggage are not permitted onboard the bus.

Does the tour include a guide explaining landmarks?
There is no live guide commentary; onboard staff highlight points of interest but do not narrate during the journey.

How long does the tour last?
The tour duration is 1.5 hours, with starting times available based on check availability.

What is included in the price?
The price covers afternoon tea, a glass of Prosecco or soft drink, and seating onboard.

Are there vegetarian options?
Guests can confirm menu preferences (general or vegetarian) at least 72 hours in advance; otherwise, a general menu is served.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
This experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Are there toilets onboard?
No, the bus does not have toilet facilities.

What landmarks can I expect to see?
You can expect to see the London Eye, Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, among other landmarks, from the comfortable upper or lower decks.

Can I book this tour last-minute?
Yes, you can reserve in advance with the “Reserve now & pay later” option, which keeps your plans flexible.

Is alcohol served to minors?
No, Prosecco is only served to guests aged 18 and over, with ID required.

Would I recommend this experience?
Yes, especially for those seeking a fun, food-focused way to see London with friendly service and great views.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby