London: “Here We Go Again” Afternoon Tea Bus

ABBA songs, cream-topped scones, and London landmarks make this afternoon tea bus a cheerful change from a standard sightseeing ride. You travel through Waterloo, Westminster, London Bridge, and other central districts while the music supplies a 1970s soundtrack to Big Ben, the London Eye, the Shard, and the Tower of London.

I like the mix of classic British food and playful entertainment, and I like that you see so much of central London without walking between sights. The main drawback is that this is a moving tea room, not a quiet afternoon tea. You may share a table, the route can change with traffic, and there is no toilet on board.

Key points to know before booking

• ABBA provides the soundtrack: Sing along to the band’s best-known songs during the 90-minute ride.
• Afternoon tea is included: Expect finger sandwiches, scones, sweet treats, tea, and prosecco or a soft drink.
• The route covers major London sights: Look for Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Eye, the Shard, and the Tower of London.
• The host can make the trip: Odun received special praise for keeping the mood lively and helping the bus feel like a party.
• The meeting point matters: Find Golden Tours Stop 1 and look for the pink striped bus marked The English Tea Bus.
• Plan for a bus setting: Tables may be shared, toilets are not available, and the route depends on road conditions.

A pink bus, afternoon tea, and ABBA in central London

This experience is built around a simple idea: turn London sightseeing into a musical afternoon tea. The bus itself is part of the attraction, with a pink striped exterior and a large The English Tea Bus sign that makes it easier to spot at the meeting point.

Once aboard, you receive a traditional tea spread while ABBA songs play during the ride. The result is less formal than tea at a grand hotel and more social than a regular sightseeing bus. I would think of it as a themed city tour with food, rather than a refined dining experience with a few views outside the window.

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and returns to the same meeting point. That compact timing works well if you have only a short stay in London or want to fit another attraction into the same day. It also means the schedule is fairly tight. Traffic, road closures, or a changed route may affect which landmarks you see and how long the bus pauses near them.

Meeting the bus at Golden Tours Stop 1

You meet at Golden Tours Stop 1. Look for the pink striped bus with the large The English Tea Bus sign along its side. Since central London has many tour stops and busy streets, I would arrive early enough to check the exact location without rushing.

One past booking shows why that matters. A passenger arrived early, received confusing information from a different driver, and was told the last bus had already gone. The issue was cleared up after contacting the tour provider, and the correct bus arrived shortly afterward. The practical lesson is simple: if the bus or timing seems unclear, contact Golden Tours rather than relying on a driver from another departure.

The activity ends back at the starting point, so you do not need to arrange transport from a different part of London. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What the afternoon tea includes

The food follows the familiar afternoon tea format. You receive traditional finger sandwiches, fresh scones, sweet treats, cupcakes, fine teas, and a glass of prosecco or a soft drink.

This is useful for visitors who want a light meal as well as sightseeing. You are not paying only for a seat and a city loop. The tea service gives the 90 minutes a clear purpose, and the food helps create the feeling of a special occasion.

Still, keep the setting in mind. You are eating on a moving double-decker bus while it handles London traffic. A careful driver was praised for keeping the ride steady, which matters when tea, plates, and glasses are on the table. Even so, this will not feel as calm or spacious as afternoon tea in a hotel dining room.

You may have to share a table. That can be part of the social fun, especially if you enjoy chatting with other ABBA fans, but it is worth knowing if you are booking for a private celebration or hoping for a secluded table.

A glass of prosecco is included for adults. Alcohol is served only to people aged 18 and over, and you need valid identification. If you do not want alcohol, you can choose a soft drink.

The London route from Waterloo to Westminster

The bus takes you through several central London areas, including Waterloo and Westminster. These districts give you a useful mix of major sights, river views, government buildings, and busy city streets.

Waterloo is a practical starting point for seeing London from ground level. The area connects major transport routes with the South Bank, so the ride can give you a sense of how the city’s cultural quarter fits together. You may also get views toward the London Eye and the river area, depending on the exact route and traffic.

Westminster brings the grandest landmarks into view. This is where you look for Big Ben and the surrounding parliamentary buildings. The bus gives you a passing view rather than a long stop, so have your camera ready before the landmark comes into sight.

The material for this experience also describes views from the water, but the activity itself is a bus ride through London streets. I would not book it expecting a boat cruise. The appeal is seeing famous places from a moving bus while tea is served at your table.

Buckingham Palace and the London Eye

Buckingham Palace is another highlight on the route. Seeing the palace from the bus gives you a quick look at one of London’s most recognizable buildings, though you should not expect entry or an extended stop. If the palace is high on your list, use this ride as an introduction and visit separately.

The London Eye is easier to appreciate from the surrounding streets and river area than from a fast-moving vehicle. You may catch the large observation wheel rising above nearby buildings, along with views toward the Thames. The exact sightline depends on the route that day.

This is one reason I would not use the bus as your only London sightseeing plan. It covers many famous names, but the views are brief and shaped by traffic. The value comes from combining a broad city overview with the food and music, not from detailed commentary at each monument.

London Bridge, the Shard, and the Tower of London

As the ride reaches London Bridge, the character of the city shifts. This part of the route connects the modern skyline with older riverside landmarks and busy streets. The Shard is often the easiest building to spot, rising sharply above the surrounding area.

The Shard gives the ride a strong visual marker. You do not visit the observation deck, but seeing it from the bus helps place London’s modern skyline within the wider city. The Tower of London adds a different note, bringing one of the capital’s best-known historic sites into the same sightseeing loop.

Again, think in terms of passing views. You are not stopping to tour the Tower or explore London Bridge on foot. If you want time inside these sights, plan them for another part of your day. The bus is useful for orientation and for seeing how central London’s districts connect.

ABBA songs and the role of the host

The music is what separates this from an ordinary afternoon tea bus. ABBA’s top hits play during the ride, and you are encouraged to sing along. The atmosphere aims for a shared party rather than a quiet meal.

The experience is not an official ABBA product and is not endorsed by the band. That distinction matters if you expect an authorized concert-style event or official memorabilia. This is a themed tour built around familiar songs and a 1970s feel.

The host can make a real difference. Odun was singled out for keeping the mood high and helping people join in as the bus moved through London. That kind of hosting is especially useful when the group is small or when some people are hesitant to sing at first.

One booking had only 11 people on the double-decker bus, which created a more open feel and worked well for a 21st birthday celebration. Group size can vary, so I would not assume every departure will have the same atmosphere. Some departures may feel lively and full, while a smaller group may feel more relaxed.

The song selection may not satisfy every ABBA fan. One passenger enjoyed the trip but hoped for more of the band’s best-known songs. If you know every album by heart, keep expectations sensible. You are getting a themed sing-along during a sightseeing ride, not a complete ABBA set.

Is the $79.47 price good value?

At $79.47 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see London. You can view several landmarks from public transport for much less, and a simple afternoon tea may cost less in another setting.

The price makes more sense if you value the combination. You receive a 90-minute city tour, afternoon tea, tea service, prosecco or a soft drink, a themed soundtrack, and the novelty of eating on a pink double-decker bus. Booking it for a birthday, family outing, or ABBA-themed celebration may make the extra cost worthwhile.

I would compare it with the price of afternoon tea plus a sightseeing bus ticket. The combined cost may bring this closer to reasonable value, especially if you want an organized activity and do not want to plan the route yourself.

The experience is less good value if your main goal is detailed sightseeing. You will not enter Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, or the London Eye. You also cannot count on seeing every listed landmark if traffic or road closures change the route.

Dietary needs and practical limits

Vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free menus are available, along with the standard non-vegetarian option. You must provide dietary or allergy information at least 72 hours before the visit. If you wait until the day itself, the standard meal will be served and changes may not be possible.

Golden Tours cannot guarantee that food has not been in contact with nuts or other allergens. If you have a serious allergy, contact the provider before booking and ask for clear information.

There is no toilet on board. The ride lasts 90 minutes, so use facilities before departure. Bring a camera and water, but smoking, alcohol brought from outside, and drugs are not allowed.

Children aged 15 and under must travel with a paying adult. Children under five are not allowed. The activity is also listed as unsuitable for pregnant women and people with back problems, which is worth noting because London streets can make any moving vehicle less comfortable.

Wheelchair information needs careful attention. Wheelchair users can sit on the lower deck in one of the fixed-position seats, but the activity is also marked as unsuitable for wheelchair users. Contact Golden Tours before booking to confirm that the bus and seating arrangement meet your needs.

Who will enjoy this ABBA tea bus most?

I would recommend it first to ABBA fans, families with older children, and anyone looking for a lighthearted London activity rather than a formal cultural tour. It can also work well for birthdays and other celebrations, especially when the group wants something unusual and easy to share.

It suits you if you like:

• Singing along in a public setting
• Combining food with sightseeing
• Seeing several major landmarks in one short outing
• A playful 1970s theme
• A hosted activity with little planning required

I would choose something else if you want silence, detailed history, private dining, or guaranteed time at each landmark. It is also a poor fit if you need a toilet during the ride, have serious mobility concerns, or cannot provide dietary requests three days ahead.

The English-language driver and staff keep the activity easy for visitors who are comfortable in English. The music is the main entertainment, so you do not book this for a long, detailed guide talk.

Cancellation and planning advice

You can cancel up to three days in advance for a full refund. That gives you some flexibility, but it does not protect you from last-minute route changes caused by London traffic or road closures.

Check the available departure times before building the rest of your day around the bus. Since the activity returns to its original meeting point and lasts 1.5 hours, it is easy to pair with nearby sightseeing, but leave extra time if you have a timed ticket afterward.

Arrive early, confirm that you are at Golden Tours Stop 1, and look for the pink striped bus. Bring identification if you want prosecco, and send all dietary requests at least 72 hours before departure.

Should you book the London ABBA afternoon tea bus?

Book this if the idea of ABBA, scones, prosecco, and London landmarks sounds better than a quiet cup of tea. The food, friendly service, and music create a fun package, and Odun’s lively hosting shows how much the staff can add to the occasion.

Skip it if you want a serious sightseeing tour or a polished hotel tea. The views are quick, tables may be shared, and the route can change. At $79.47, you are paying for the theme and the full combination of music, food, and transport.

For the right person, that combination is the point. I would choose it for a birthday or a first London visit with someone who loves ABBA, then save the more detailed monument visits for another day.

FAQ

How long does the ABBA afternoon tea bus last?

The activity lasts 1.5 hours and returns to the original meeting point.

Where does the bus depart?

You meet at Golden Tours Stop 1. Look for a pink striped bus with a large The English Tea Bus sign.

What food is included?

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

Is a drink included?

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

Which London landmarks can I see?

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

Are dietary options available?

Vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options are available. You must provide dietary information at least 72 hours before the visit. Requests cannot be guaranteed on the day.

Are there toilets on the bus?

No. There are no toilets on board, so use a restroom before departure.

Can children and wheelchair users take part?

Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult, and children under five are not allowed. Wheelchair users may sit on the lower deck in a fixed-position seat, but the activity is also listed as unsuitable for wheelchair users, so contact the provider before booking.