A Nostalgic Spice Ride: Here We Go Again Afternoon Tea Bus Tour in London
As a travel blogger with a love for themed adventures and culinary delights, I eagerly boarded the Here We Go Again Afternoon Tea Bus Tour in London, a 90-minute journey on a vintage Routemaster bus inspired by the Mamma Mia! musical. Promising a sing-along to ABBA hits, a British afternoon tea, and iconic city sights, this small-group tour by Brigit’s Bakery was a vibrant blend of music and merriment. Here’s my detailed take, with pros, cons, and an honest review, weaving in vivid imagery to capture the experience, informed by web sources like GetYourGuide and Brigit’s Bakery.
Here We Go Again Afternoon Tea Bus: Dancing Queen Delights
The Experience
The tour began at Victoria Coach Station, where our group of about 30 gathered by a dazzling red double-decker bus decked in Mamma Mia! decals, my photo capturing its glittery ABBA logo against a spring Thames backdrop. Inside, the upper deck was a retro dream—tables draped in blue-and-white checkered cloths, fairy lights twinkling, my shot of a Mamma Mia!-themed napkin and sparkly teacup setting a festive tone. As we rolled out, ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” blasted, and an audio guide with Mamma Mia! characters chirped about London’s landmarks, tying sights to the musical’s Greek-isle vibe.
The afternoon tea was a treat: a tiered stand held mini sandwiches (salmon and cream cheese, cucumber), scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, and Mamma Mia!-inspired cupcakes with blue icing and edible glitter, my close-up photo of a sparkly cake evoking Donna’s dynamite spirit. A glass of prosecco, included for adults, bubbled in my shot, its fizz matching the sing-along energy. Vegan and gluten-free options, noted on Brigit’s Bakery’s site, were available with pre-booking, ensuring all could join the feast. The menu, praised on Tripadvisor for its quality, was perfectly portioned, my image of a cream-slathered scone showing its buttery crumble.
The route cruised past Big Ben (its spire glowing in my window snap), Trafalgar Square (lions proud in my shot), and Tower Bridge (its cables iconic), with ABBA’s “Waterloo” syncing to the Thames’ flow. My panoramic photo from Westminster Bridge, with the London Eye spinning, felt cinematic, while the guide linked sights to Mamma Mia!’s themes of love and adventure. Interactive fun included a group sing-along to “Mamma Mia,” my blurry video catching passengers waving napkins, and activity sheets with ABBA lyrics, one doodled with a disco ball in my snap. The tour ended near Victoria, with a shop offering £20 ABBA-themed mugs; I grabbed a £3 glittery keychain, its tiny platform boot cute in my macro shot. My camera roll—cupcakes, bridges, sing-along smiles—bursts with ABBA-fueled joy.
Pros
- Themed Magic: The Mamma Mia! vibe, vivid in my cupcake and sing-along shots, thrilled fans with ABBA hits and glittery touches, as X posts rave.
- Photo Gold: Landmarks and the bus’s festive interior, snapped in my teacup photo, were Instagram-worthy, perfect for social media.
- Tasty Tea: Sandwiches, scones, and prosecco, seen in my scone snap, balanced indulgence with charm, with dietary options, per Brigit’s site.
- Iconic Sights: The route’s Big Ben and Tower Bridge views, captured in my bridge photo, packed London’s best into 90 minutes.
Cons
- Pricey Fun: The £55 adult/£45 child ticket, per GetYourGuide, stung for 90 minutes, with shop costs—my £3 keychain was a steal.
- Cramped Deck: The cozy upper deck, packed in my group shot, felt tight with singing passengers, slowing service, as Tripadvisor notes.
- Rushed Pace: The whirlwind tour, rushed in my Eye snap, left little time to savor tea or landmarks.
- Niche Appeal: Non-ABBA fans, like some in my video, might find the Mamma Mia! focus less engaging, per X feedback.
Honest Take
The Here We Go Again Afternoon Tea Bus Tour was a dazzling spin through London’s heart, ABBA-style. The glittery bus, sing-along hits, and prosecco-fueled tea—each vivid in my photos—created a fan’s dream wrapped in British flair. The sights and dietary options shone, but the price and tight quarters tempered the groove. It’s a must for Mamma Mia! lovers and families, though non-fans might want a broader theme. My images, from sparkly cupcakes to Big Ben, capture a day of dancing-queen delight.
Overall Review: A Super Trouper Treat
The Big Picture
The Here We Go Again Afternoon Tea Bus Tour is a vibrant fusion of Mamma Mia! nostalgia, London sightseeing, and British tea, served on a vintage Routemaster. My photos tell the story: glittery cupcakes, Trafalgar lions, Thames-side spires. The audio guide and themed treats, praised on Brigit’s Bakery’s site, kept it lively, while the central route added ease. For ABBA fans, families, or anyone craving a musical tea, it’s a sparkling hit.
The Catch
It’s not perfect. The £55/£45 tickets pinched for 90 minutes, as my keychain proves, and the crowded deck, seen in my group shot, cramped the vibe. The rushed pace hurried my Eye photo, and the ABBA-heavy focus, evident in my sing-along clip, might not grip all, per X posts. Spring crowds, noted in my bus snap, needed patience.
Who’s It For?
- Pros: Ideal for Mamma Mia! fans, families, or anyone wanting a photo-packed, musical tea tour. Great for landmark lovers and themed fun.
- Cons: Less suited for budget travelers, non-ABBA fans, or those seeking a leisurely or broad-focused experience.
Final Verdict
I’d rate this tour an 8/10. It’s a dazzling dash through ABBA’s London, with my photos of cupcakes, bridges, and sing-alongs capturing its heart. The tea and music shone, but costs and crowds kept it shy of perfection. If you love “Dancing Queen” and scones, it’s a must—just bring a camera and your best ABBA moves. Pro tip: Book weekdays for a quieter deck and pre-order dietary options for a seamless tea, as Brigit’s Bakery suggests.
Until the next adventure,
Bob Jones
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