If you have spent any time scrolling through Instagram or TikTok while searching for things to do in London, you have almost certainly come across the bright red double-decker buses serving afternoon tea. For the longest time, I thought these were just a gimmick for tourists. I figured, surely the food can’t be that good if they are busy driving you around the city, right? Well, last month, I finally decided to put my skepticism aside and book a trip with brigits to see what the buzz was actually about.
I dragged my partner along for the ride, mostly because I needed someone to help me finish the tiers of cakes, and honestly, it turned out to be one of the most memorable afternoons we’ve had in the city. There is something undeniably charming about seeing Big Ben and the London Eye while you are sipping on Earl Grey and nibbling on a scone.
If you are planning a trip to the UK and looking for a unique dining experience, you can check out their options here: Visit Official Website Now
My Personal Experience on the Bus
Walking up to the bus in Victoria, I wasn’t sure what to expect regarding space. Let’s be real—London buses are not known for being spacious. However, once we were seated at our little table on the top deck, it felt cozy rather than cramped. The staff greeted us with genuine smiles, and the table was already set with a glass of champagne and a menu.
The movement of the bus took a little getting used to. It isn’t a roller coaster, but you do want to make sure your tea is covered when the bus makes a sharp turn around a roundabout! That said, there is a certain thrill to drinking tea while navigating the busy streets of Westminster. You feel like you are in a secret club while everyone outside is just stuck in traffic.
Many people ask if the food is pre-packaged. I was surprised to find that the sandwiches were fresh and the pastries were definitely not the dry, supermarket kind. My favorite was the salmon blini—it was small, delicate, and tasted incredibly fresh. My partner, who is a huge sweet tooth, was obsessed with the lemon meringue tartlet.
What Other People Are Saying
Of course, my opinion is just one perspective. To get a better feel for how others found the experience, I chatted with a few people on the bus and looked through some feedback forums. Here is what I gathered from fellow passengers:
“I was worried it would be tacky, but the quality of the food really surprised me. The scones were warm and the clotted cream was generous. It’s the perfect way to see London if you have limited time.” — Sarah, Manchester
“We booked this for my mum’s birthday and it was the highlight of our trip. The staff were so accommodating with my gluten-free request. You just have to make sure you tell them in advance!” — James, Edinburgh
“Is it a bit pricey? Yes. But you’re paying for the sightseeing tour and the afternoon tea combined. It saved us from having to pay for a separate bus tour, so in my book, it was worth every penny.” — Elena, Rome
It seems I wasn’t the only one who went in with low expectations and came out pleasantly surprised. The consensus usually lands on the fact that while it is a “touristy” activity, it is a high-quality one.
Why Choose Brigits for Your Afternoon Tea?
There are hundreds of places to grab afternoon tea in London. You have the fancy hotels like The Ritz or The Savoy, which are amazing but can feel a bit stiff and formal. Then you have the small, hidden cafes. So why choose brigits?
For me, it comes down to the atmosphere. It is fun. It’s not about sitting in silence and whispering over your tea. You are surrounded by people who are excited to be exploring the city. If you are traveling with friends, family, or even on a date, the bus environment breaks the ice immediately. You are all sharing this quirky, moving space together.
Also, the logistics are fantastic. You don’t have to worry about planning a route; the bus takes you past the Royal Albert Hall, Harrods, and Downing Street. It is a very efficient way to tick off some of the major landmarks without having to walk miles in the unpredictable UK weather.
Ready to secure your spot? Don’t wait until you arrive, as these buses fill up incredibly fast, especially on weekends. Visit Official Website Now
Tips for First-Timers
Since I have now done the whole routine, I have a few tips to share to make sure you get the most out of your experience:
- Book well in advance: I cannot stress this enough. I tried to book a slot for a Saturday about two weeks out and everything was gone. We ended up going on a Tuesday afternoon, which was actually much quieter and allowed us to chat more with the staff.
- Use the facilities before you board: There are no toilets on the bus. This is a very important detail! They make a stop, but it is much easier if you just handle your business at the meeting point before you climb aboard.
- Bring a portable charger: You are going to be taking a lot of photos. The views of London from the top of the bus are perfect for social media, and your battery will drain faster than you expect.
- Communicate your dietary needs: Whether it is vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free, their website allows you to specify this during booking. Do not wait until you are sitting on the bus to ask for changes.
The Verdict
Is this the best afternoon tea in the world? Maybe not if you are looking for the absolute pinnacle of luxury service in a five-star hotel. But if you want a fun, lighthearted, and truly “London” experience, brigits is hard to beat.
I walked away from the experience feeling like I had gotten my money’s worth. The food was tasty, the service was attentive, and the view was unbeatable. It’s one of those things that you only really need to do once, but you will definitely remember it for a long time afterward. It’s perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or just a fun afternoon out with a friend who is visiting from out of town.
If you have been debating whether to book it, my advice is to go for it. Life is too short to skip the scones, especially when they come with a view of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Make sure you book your tickets directly through their site to ensure you get the right time slot and to handle all your allergy requests properly.
Final reminder for those ready to plan their London itinerary: Visit Official Website Now
I hope this helps you decide! Honestly, even if you are local to London, it’s a nice way to spend a few hours feeling like a tourist in your own city. I’m already thinking about taking my parents when they come to visit next summer. It’s just one of those classic experiences that makes London feel special. Enjoy your tea and your tour!
Before you go, here is one final piece of advice: do not eat a heavy lunch before your booking! The amount of food they bring out is quite surprising, and you will want to have enough appetite to try everything on the tiers. Between the sandwiches, the mini savory items, the scones, and the cakes, you will definitely be full by the time the bus drops you back off. Treat it as your main meal of the day and you will be perfectly set.
Don’t forget to grab your tickets early via the official link below so you can get the best view from the upper deck. I recommend trying to get a table near the front if you can, as it gives you a great panoramic view of the streets ahead. Enjoy the ride and the treats! Visit Official Website Now
