My friend and I took the Grinchmas Bus Tour by Brigit's Bakery on Thursday evening to combine two activities we wanted to do: High Tea and see the Christmas lights. This tour is led by Brigit's Bakery with a shop in Covent Garden. This is a special tour during the holidays, but they also have tours throughout the rest of the year for young (Paddington Bear and Peppa Pig) and adult (Gin and proper afternoon tea).
We enjoyed the tour which includes a full English High Tea (finger sandwiches, quiche, savory tarts), scones (with cream and jam), and a selection of delicious sweets (cakes, tarts, eclairs, cookies, and cupcakes). There is an option of hot and/or non-alocholic beverages included in the price. For additional price, there are signature cocktails, champagne, and for the holidays mulled wine.
The following are the highlights/lowlights of the tour for those considering to book in the future.
Highlights
- Experience: the red bus was outfitted with Grinch regalia on the outside (check out the website or Instagram) and inside the theme continued. They had options of tables that seat 2 or 4 people. The booths were covered in green fake fur and the tables we covered in a green Grinch table covering. They had an MC, two Whoville girls helping to serve the tea, and lots of fun games, music, and jokes. We even had to make up our own Whoville name. It was colorful and everyone on the bus was in the Christmas spirit.
- Food: I have to say, I was not expecting much for the food. Even though this is run by a bakery, it would have been very easy for them to skimp on the food as the bus tour is really about the experience. So imagine my surprise when the food came and it was beautiful and delicious. The finger sandwiches (turkey and cheese, cucumber) were nicely proportioned, bread was soft and actually had flavor, and the fillings were well seasoned. They served the smoked salmon and cream cheese in a seeded role with fresh cucumber and dill. The quiche and the savory tart were served at room temperature and the pastry dough was flaky (and for the fans of the British Baking Show--no soggy bottom). The scones were green (for the Grinch theme and tasty). The standouts were the sweets. The shortbread cookie was done as a stained glass cookie in the shape of a tree with a red candy center and the eclair was shaped like a Christmas ornament.
- Goodies: they had a commemorative Grinch cup that they served the tea in and additional add-ons for tote bag, book, keychain. All created some nice souvenirs for a nominal price.
Lowlights
- Eating on a Bus: It is a bit challenging to eat on one of those buses. They were smart in serving our tea in the equivalent of an adult version of a sippy cup (so no hot liquids spilled). However, the Champagne was a different story and it was challenging not to have spill over.
- London Traffic: Taking a bus tour at 17:30 in the evening is the height of London traffic and therefore, the ride lasts a bit longer than advertised.
- Not a Sightseeing Bus. This was really a Christmas lights tour and our MC didn't really point out the major sights along the way. If you are new to London, you won't really get a good bus tour introduction (like the Hop on and Hop off busses).