REVIEW · LONDON
London: “Here We Go Again” Afternoon Tea Bus
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Golden Tours - Gray Line London · Bookable on GetYourGuide
ABBA songs and tea on the Thames—yes, it works. This London afternoon tea bus experience mixes a classic British spread with a playful ABBA sing-along as you glide past major sights from the water, from the London Eye to Big Ben.
I love that the meal feels like the point, not a prop: you get finger sandwiches, sweet treats, and fresh scones while you’re still taking in views. I also like the vibe control. Hosts and staff keep the mood light, and names like Chris and Odun have been praised for making the whole thing feel like a party (in a good way).
One consideration before you go: there are no onboard toilets, and the trip is only about 1.5 hours—so plan your timing accordingly and don’t wait until you’re desperate.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth knowing
- ABBA sing-along meets afternoon tea with real London views
- What 90 minutes is like on board (and how to enjoy it)
- Meeting point: how to find the right pink bus fast
- The afternoon tea: what’s included and what to watch for
- Landmark route: London Eye, Big Ben, Tower of London, and the Shard
- The ABBA sing-along: fun factor, but don’t expect full control
- Price and value: is $79 worth it?
- Service, staff, and the little things that matter
- Downsides and practical cautions before you book
- Who should choose this London tea bus (and who should skip it)
- Should you book the Here We Go Again afternoon tea bus?
- FAQ
- How long is the London afternoon tea bus experience?
- What’s included with the ticket?
- Do I get a drink if I’m not 18 or don’t want alcohol?
- Are there toilets onboard?
- Can I bring a camera, and what should I pack?
- What about dietary restrictions and allergies?
- Where do I meet the tour bus?
Key highlights worth knowing
- ABBA sing-along soundtrack as the bus moves through the city’s hotspot areas
- Afternoon tea with scones and sweets, plus a drink (prosecco for 18+, soft drink for everyone)
- Landmark views from the water including Big Ben, the London Eye, the Shard, and the Tower of London
- A fun host-led atmosphere with staff who help keep the group in the spirit
- Dietary options available ahead of time (veg, vegan, halal, gluten-free), but not same-day
ABBA sing-along meets afternoon tea with real London views
If you want London that’s a little less museum and a little more fun, this is a smart pick. The whole trick is simple: you’re doing afternoon tea, but the setting is moving—plus music that pushes everyone into the sing-along mindset. It’s the kind of activity where you can dress up a bit, wear silly sunglasses, and treat the day like a celebration instead of a checklist.
What makes it genuinely feel “different” is the view angle. You’re not just sitting in traffic staring at street signs. You’re getting a water-side perspective of iconic spots—exactly the kind of angles you usually have to work for with tickets, timed entry, or a crowded photo mission.
The day also moves at a pace that suits regular humans. It’s short enough to stay pleasant, but long enough that you can actually eat, sip, and watch the city change as you pass key areas.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in London.
What 90 minutes is like on board (and how to enjoy it)
This tour runs about 1.5 hours. That may sound quick, but it’s built around one main loop: meet, board, settle with your tea, enjoy the sing-along, take photos as you go, and finish with everyone feeling like they got their money’s worth.
You should expect a group setting. Tables may be shared, so if you hate sitting close to strangers, just mentally prep for it. Also, there’s no onboard restroom, which matters more than you’d think until you’re halfway through and realizing you’ll be sitting there for the rest of the tea service.
The bus experience itself is part of the fun and part of the reality. One traveler noted the bus ran hot. If you get warm easily, dress in layers you can manage, and bring water (the tour asks you to bring it, and you’ll be glad you did).
Meeting point: how to find the right pink bus fast
Getting on board smoothly is half the battle in London. Meet at Golden Tours Stop 1, and look for a pink striped bus with a big The English Tea Bus sign on the side. Give yourself a little extra time to find it—this kind of experience runs on a tight start, and you don’t want to be rushing while holding a camera and a tote bag.
There’s no hotel pickup, so you’re starting from the meeting point. That’s actually a plus for many people: you’re not building extra “dead time” into your day waiting for pickups. Just be ready to be on time.
The afternoon tea: what’s included and what to watch for
The food is the star here: traditional finger sandwiches, a selection of sweet treats, and fresh scones, served alongside fine tea. You also get a drink included with your ticket—either a glass of prosecco or a soft drink.
A couple of helpful details:
- If alcohol matters to you, remember alcohol is only served to people 18+ (bring ID).
- Your table experience is about comfort and flow. You’ll be sitting while the bus moves and the service happens, so don’t plan on pacing around for snacks.
About quality: the tea setup generally earns strong praise for being tasty and plentiful. That said, one person said the sandwich quality could be improved. So I’d frame your expectations like this: think classic tea-party style, not Michelin-level precision.
Also note the logistics of dietary needs. The menu supports standard (non-vegetarian), vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options, but you must inform the operator at least 24 hours ahead. If you wait until the day of travel, they can’t guarantee accommodations. And because allergens can be cross-contacted in food prep, the company can’t promise that nothing ever touched nuts or other allergens.
Landmark route: London Eye, Big Ben, Tower of London, and the Shard
The big selling point is the way you see London. You’re guided through key areas like Waterloo, Westminster, and London Bridge, then you get views of the skyline anchors you came for. From the water perspective, you can spot the London Eye, Big Ben, the Shard, and the Tower of London—the kind of moments that usually cost extra planning time.
This also helps with photos. Standing on a busy street is one kind of shot; viewing from a moving bus toward major monuments is another. Even if you’re not a photography person, you’ll still feel the difference when you can watch the city “arrive” instead of trying to angle for it.
One small reality check: the route can change due to traffic and road closures. That’s not unusual in London, but it’s worth knowing so you don’t go in expecting every famous view to be photographed from the exact same spot.
The ABBA sing-along: fun factor, but don’t expect full control
ABBA is part of the package in a very literal way: you’ll get top hits and a sing-along atmosphere as you go. The theme is basically Mamma Mia energy, with staff in on the joke and a group that’s encouraged to participate.
But here’s the balanced take. Some people loved the music focus and the party vibe, while another noted that the ABBA songs didn’t always match what everyone expected as the most famous ones. So if you’re an ABBA superfan who wants every chart-top hit in order, keep your expectations flexible.
One more nice touch: groups have gotten extras like themed items (colored sunglasses have shown up in at least one experience). And staff are often keen on celebrating milestones. One traveler specifically called out a birthday shout-out, which is a solid sign that the “host” role is more than just announcements.
Price and value: is $79 worth it?
At about $79 per person for roughly 1.5 hours, you’re paying for three things at once:
1) Afternoon tea (sandwiches, scones, sweets, plus a drink)
2) Guided views of major landmarks, including water-facing angles
3) A curated theme with ABBA sing-along energy and staff to run it
If your goal is strictly the cheapest way to see London landmarks, you can do it for less with free viewpoints. But if your goal is an activity where you eat properly while taking in iconic sights—without hunting schedules, managing crowds, and building a whole day plan—this price starts to make sense.
Also, the included drink can push the value higher. If you’re drinking prosecco (18+), you’re not paying separately for it. If you’re not, you still get a soft drink, so you’re not stuck feeling “penalized” for driving the day.
In plain terms: this isn’t just sightseeing. It’s sightseeing plus a full tea service plus entertainment, timed into a compact, low-stress block.
Service, staff, and the little things that matter
This is one of those tours where the “people factor” really shows. A guide named Chris was praised as exceptional, and a server named Odun got shout-outs for kindness and for taking as many photos as needed. That matters because on a bus tour, you’re often busy holding your tea and trying to grab a shot. When staff help with photos, the experience feels smoother and less awkward.
The driving is also part of your comfort. One person noted the driver was careful through London streets, which you’ll appreciate when you’re carrying a tray or trying to stay focused on landmarks rather than holding your cup in place with your other hand.
And yes—there have been little souvenir perks. Reusable cups were mentioned as a nice surprise. That’s not essential, but it’s a practical reminder that this is meant to feel like an event.
Downsides and practical cautions before you book
Let’s keep it real. There are a few things that could affect your enjoyment.
No toilets onboard. This is the biggest “life logistics” issue. Plan to go before you arrive and keep your timing tight during the tea.
Meeting point confusion can happen. One traveler described arriving early and having trouble getting clear help at first, but they resolved it by contacting the provider when no one appeared at the meeting point. If you’re even a little unsure where to stand, do yourself a favor: take a screenshot of the meeting details and arrive early enough to settle.
Group seating may not be private. You might have to share tables. If you like quiet, romantic tea for two, you may find the bus environment less ideal.
Heat and sitting still. One person said it was really hot on board. Dressing in breathable layers and bringing water helps.
Route changes. Road closures and traffic can alter what you see at any given moment. The major landmarks are the goal, but the exact order and angles may shift.
Who should choose this London tea bus (and who should skip it)
This is a strong fit if you want:
- Fun, themed London that doesn’t demand a full-day commitment
- A group-friendly activity with music and a snack-meal format
- A landmark overview with views from the water, paired with real food service
- Something special for birthdays and celebrations, since staff seem to lean into those moments
It may not be ideal if you:
- Need restroom access during the experience (because there are no toilets onboard)
- Have serious back issues, since the tour flags it as not suitable for people with back problems
- Are pregnant, since it’s listed as not suitable for pregnant women
- Want a fully wheelchair-friendly setup without compromises. The operator notes wheelchair users can sit on the lower deck but must use fixed-position seats, and the general suitability is limited—so it’s smart to think carefully and confirm your seating needs before going.
For families: children under 5 aren’t allowed. Children 15 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult. If your kid is ABBA-ready (or at least willing to tolerate the theme), this can work well—but it’s still a sit-and-sip format.
Should you book the Here We Go Again afternoon tea bus?
Book it if you want London in a single compact slice: tea, prosecco (18+), ABBA sing-along, and landmark views from the water—all without building a route plan yourself. It’s especially good when you’d rather spend time enjoying an experience than spending time queuing for individual attractions.
Skip or rethink if you need private seating, guaranteed restroom access, or maximum control over the exact ABBA track list. The music is part of the fun, but it’s not something you can treat like a custom playlist.
If you’re on the fence, here’s my practical advice: come with a camera, bring water, arrive early enough to find the pink bus at Golden Tours Stop 1, and go in ready to sing at least a few choruses. You’ll get the most out of it when you treat the whole thing like a lighthearted London event—not just another sightseeing stop.
FAQ
How long is the London afternoon tea bus experience?
It lasts about 1.5 hours.
What’s included with the ticket?
You get afternoon tea with traditional finger sandwiches, sweet treats, and a glass of prosecco or a soft drink, plus views of London landmarks and ABBA’s top hits sing-along.
Do I get a drink if I’m not 18 or don’t want alcohol?
Yes. Alcohol is only served to guests aged 18 and over with valid ID, but you still receive a soft drink option.
Are there toilets onboard?
No. There are no toilets on board.
Can I bring a camera, and what should I pack?
Bring a camera and water.
What about dietary restrictions and allergies?
You can request standard, vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options, but you must inform the provider at least 24 hours before your visit. Dietary requests can’t be accommodated on the day of travel, and the company can’t guarantee no cross-contact with allergens.
Where do I meet the tour bus?
Meet at Golden Tours Stop 1. Look for a pink striped bus with a large The English Tea Bus sign on its side.
