London: “Here We Go Again” Afternoon Tea Bus

The best thing about this experience is the mix of London sightseeing and ABBA sing-along fun. You sit with afternoon tea in front of you, watch the capital roll past the windows, and sing along to songs from the 1970s. It is part city tour, part themed party, and part birthday treat.

I like the friendly service, especially the warm attention from hosts such as Chris and Odun. I also like the small extras, including colored sunglasses and reusable cups that some people get to keep. The main consideration is the music: the playlist may include less familiar ABBA songs, so the experience is not always wall-to-wall greatest hits.

• Pink-striped double-decker bus: Meet at Golden Tours Stop 1 and look for the large English Tea Bus sign.
• Classic afternoon tea: Expect finger sandwiches, scones, cakes, cupcakes, tea, and prosecco or a soft drink.
• Central London route: The bus passes Waterloo, Westminster, London Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Eye, the Shard, and the Tower of London.
• Party atmosphere: ABBA songs, sing-alongs, colored sunglasses, birthday shout-outs, and friendly hosts add to the fun.
• Important limits: There are no toilets onboard, tables may be shared, and the route can change with traffic or road closures.
• Best for: Friends, birthdays, families with older children, and anyone who prefers a playful city tour over a formal tea room.

A London Afternoon Tea With a Dancing Queen Twist

Traditional afternoon tea can be a quiet affair in a grand hotel. This one is quite different. You board a brightly marked bus, take a seat at a small table, and begin eating while London passes outside. ABBA provides the soundtrack, so the tone is relaxed, cheerful, and a little silly by design.

The experience lasts 1.5 hours. That is long enough for a proper look at central London without taking up your whole day. You are not getting a detailed walking tour or a long stop at each monument. Instead, you get a moving view of the city, with tea and music filling the gaps between landmarks.

The bus is the attraction as much as the route. It gives you a fresh angle on familiar sights, though you should keep your expectations in check. This is a sightseeing ride, not a hop-on hop-off tour, and there is no scheduled time to leave the bus and explore.

Meeting the Pink-Striped Bus at Golden Tours Stop 1

The meeting point is Golden Tours Stop 1. Look for a pink-striped bus with The English Tea Bus written prominently on its side. Arriving early is sensible, since the stop can be confusing if you do not know what you are looking for.

One couple arrived well ahead of time and received unclear directions from an earlier driver. They eventually called the tour provider and learned that another bus would follow shortly. My practical advice is simple: check the exact stop before leaving, look for the distinctive bus, and contact Golden Tours if anything seems unclear.

Once aboard, you may share a table with other people. That matters if you are booking as a couple or a small group and want a private table. The seating arrangement is part of the social nature of the experience, not a restaurant-style private dining setup.

The bus is driven carefully because eating afternoon tea on London streets requires a steady hand. Still, the ride can be warm. One person found the bus uncomfortably hot, so light clothing and a bottle of water are sensible choices. Water is allowed and recommended.

From Waterloo to Westminster, London Keeps Moving

The route takes you through several well-known parts of central London, including Waterloo, Westminster, and London Bridge. Traffic and road closures can change the exact path, so you should treat the list of landmarks as a guide rather than a strict promise of a particular street or viewpoint.

Waterloo is a useful starting point for the changing face of London. The area connects major transport links with the South Bank, where modern cultural buildings and broad river views shape the city. From the bus, you get a quick sense of how closely the capital’s transport, entertainment, and historic districts sit together.

Westminster brings the most familiar postcard views. Look out for Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, along with the wider group of monumental buildings around the government district. You will not stop for a close inspection, but the passing view works well if this is your first visit to London or if you want a relaxed reminder of the city’s central sights.

Buckingham Palace is also included among the landmarks you may see. The palace is best appreciated from the outside, and this tour does not provide time to visit the State Rooms or walk the surrounding parks. Think of it as a broad city overview rather than a palace tour.

Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Shard From Your Table

The sightseeing works because you do not have to organize anything while you look. Your tea arrives, the music plays, and the city provides the backdrop. That makes the experience particularly easy for a birthday outing or a small celebration.

The London Eye is one of the clearest modern markers on the route. Its large circular frame is easy to spot, and it helps you understand where the South Bank sits in relation to Westminster. If you have already ridden the Eye, the bus gives you a shorter, lower-level view without another ticket or a long wait.

The Shard offers a sharp contrast. Its glassy tower rises above London Bridge and the older streets around it. Seeing it as part of a moving city scene is more useful than simply ticking it off a list, since you get a sense of how modern London sits beside older districts.

London Bridge adds another layer to the trip. The name is often confused with Tower Bridge, but they are different structures. The route also includes the Tower of London area, giving you a glimpse of one of the capital’s most important historic sites. You will not tour the fortress, view the Crown Jewels, or hear a full history lesson here, so plan a separate visit if those are priorities.

Although some promotional wording refers to taking in views from the water, this is a bus experience on London’s roads, not a boat trip. You should expect views of central London landmarks from the vehicle rather than a cruise on the River Thames.

What Arrives on the Afternoon Tea Stand

The meal includes traditional finger sandwiches, fresh scones, sweet treats, cupcakes, and tea. You also receive a glass of prosecco or a soft drink. The presentation adds to the sense that this is more than a standard sightseeing bus, even if the food is not intended to compete with a top London hotel tea.

The tea is a strong part of the experience. Several people found the food tasty and plentiful, and the combination of savory sandwiches with cakes and scones makes the 90 minutes feel properly filled. One useful caution: sandwich quality may vary, and one person felt the bread and fillings could have been better.

You can choose from standard, vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free menus. You must provide dietary information at least 24 hours before the visit. If you wait until the day itself, the standard meal will be served, and specific changes may not be possible.

Golden Tours cannot guarantee that food has not come into contact with nuts or other allergens. If you have a serious allergy, read this condition carefully before booking and contact the provider in advance.

Alcohol is served only to people aged 18 or older, and valid identification is required. If you do not want prosecco, a soft drink is available. Smoking, alcohol beyond the served drink, and drugs are not allowed onboard.

ABBA Songs, Colored Sunglasses, and the Party Mood

The ABBA theme gives the bus its character. You can sing along to familiar songs and join in with the wider group as the bus moves through London. The setup is designed to take you back to the 1970s without asking you to know anything about the band beyond the big hits.

The strongest moments come when the group joins in. This is not a silent tea service with background music. If you want a calm, formal meal, the music and social mood may feel too lively. If you enjoy a themed event, it gives the afternoon a clear purpose.

The playlist is not perfect for everyone. Some people hoped for more of the best-known ABBA songs and found that several selections were less familiar. You may know every track, or you may find yourself waiting for the songs you recognize. The music is central to the experience, so this is worth considering before you book.

The small visual details help. Colored sunglasses have been provided, and some people have received reusable cups as souvenirs. Birthday shout-outs can also be arranged in the general spirit of the outing. These extras are not the reason to book, but they can make a celebration feel more personal.

Hosts make a real difference. Chris has been praised for handling the food, presentation, and trip with care, while Odun has been especially friendly and willing to take photos. A good host helps turn a basic bus ride into a shared occasion, especially when the group is singing and posing for pictures.

Who Gets the Best Value for $79?

At $79 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see London. You are paying for the meal, the bus ride, the themed entertainment, staff service, and the convenience of combining several activities in one booking.

I think the price makes the most sense for a special occasion. A birthday, girls’ afternoon, family treat, or ABBA-themed day can justify paying more than you would for a simple sightseeing ride or an ordinary cafe tea. The entertainment gives the meal a clear identity.

The value is less convincing if your main goal is serious sightseeing. You will see many famous places, but only from the bus, with no extended stops and no guarantee of a fixed route through every listed area. A traditional afternoon tea in a central hotel may offer better food and a quieter setting. A regular bus tour may offer more detailed commentary and a lower price.

The best comparison is not a formal tea room or a full sightseeing tour. It is a themed experience that happens to include both. If you would otherwise buy a city tour, afternoon tea, and a fun evening activity, this can combine part of those plans in a single 90-minute outing.

Practical Details Before You Book

The driver speaks English, and the activity is conducted in English. Children aged 15 and under must be with a paying adult. Children under five are not allowed, so this is not suitable for families with toddlers or babies.

There are no toilets on the bus. Use one before boarding, especially if you plan to drink tea and prosecco. The short duration helps, but this remains an important limitation.

The experience is listed as unsuitable for pregnant people and people with back problems. Wheelchair access is limited: a wheelchair user can sit on the lower deck but must use one of the fixed-position seats, and the activity is also listed as not suitable for wheelchair users. Contact the provider before booking if this affects anyone in your group.

Bring a camera for the landmarks and water for the ride. You may have to share a table, and traffic can affect the route. Free cancellation is available up to three days before the activity for a full refund, which gives you some flexibility when arranging a London schedule.

Should You Book the ABBA Tea Bus?

Book it if you want a playful London outing, not a detailed monument tour. The combination of tea, prosecco, familiar city views, friendly hosts, and ABBA songs works particularly well for birthdays, groups of friends, and fans who enjoy joining in.

Think twice if you need a quiet meal, a fixed route, excellent gourmet food, or easy access for a mobility limitation. Also remember that the playlist may not focus only on the biggest ABBA hits.

For the right mood, this is a cheerful way to see London without rushing from one ticket line to the next. You sit down, raise a teacup, watch Big Ben and the Shard pass by, and let the city do most of the work.

FAQ

How long does the ABBA afternoon tea bus last?

The experience lasts 1.5 hours.

Where do I meet the bus?

Meet at Golden Tours Stop 1. Look for a pink-striped bus with a large The English Tea Bus sign on its side.

What food is included?

The afternoon tea includes traditional finger sandwiches, sweet treats, fresh scones, cupcakes, and tea.

Is a drink included?

Yes. You receive a glass of prosecco or a soft drink. Prosecco is available only to people aged 18 and over with valid identification.

Which London landmarks can I see?

The route includes views of Waterloo, Westminster, London Bridge, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Big Ben, the Shard, and the Tower of London. Traffic and road closures can change the route.

Is this a boat tour?

No. This is a bus experience on London’s roads. You see the city from the bus rather than traveling on the River Thames.

Are vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free meals available?

Yes. These options are available if you provide your dietary request at least 24 hours before the visit.

Are there toilets onboard?

No. There are no toilets on the bus.

Can children join the experience?

Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult. Children under five are not allowed.

Can wheelchair users take part?

Wheelchair users can sit on the lower deck but must use one of the fixed-position seats. The experience is also listed as not suitable for wheelchair users, so contact the provider before booking to confirm whether the arrangement works for your needs.