The Afternoon Tea Tours Routemasters of Brigit’s Bakery have become an iconic sight in London over the last decade. Richard Walter takes a trip on the company’s new Monopoly themed tour, trying carefully to avoid being ‘sent to jail,’ and looks back on the fascinating history of the company
Sunday afternoon at London’s Victoria Coach Station is of course busy. There are coaches arriving and leaving from and to destinations across the UK and beyond every few minutes and passengers mulling around trying to make sure that they are in the right waiting areas, and eagerly checking departure and arrival times. But today I’m not planning to travel any further than the centre of London. I’m not waiting on a fancy modern long-distance coach but rather on a somewhat more iconic double-deck bus from the 1960s. My vehicle of choice is AEC Routemaster Park Royal RML2431 (JJD 531D), part of the fleet of Brigit’s Bakery, and as of last January operating its new Monopoly Tea Tour. On other days, the tour departs from Somerset House on the Embankment but today it is leaving from Stance zero at Victoria Coach Station. As I arrive two other Brigit’s Routemasters have just departed on different afternoon tea tours. The stance is right beside the busy entrance to the coach station but is quite spacious and I note other people sitting around the departure doors who are likely going on the same tour.
Around 10 minutes before departure the bus arrives and Matt, our host and entertainer for the journey, comes around
to check the pre-booked tickets. Those of you reading this who are fans of Routemasters buses will know that many preserved buses have quite dull and dark interiors (as they originally were) but my first impression of RML2431 when I boarded was just how bright it is inside with gleaming white ceilings decorated with images from the Monopoly boards and the welcoming panel reading ‘See, Sip and Play’ at the top of the stairs.
Tasty delights
The next sight is that of the magnificent trays of Mr Monopoly’s British savoury and handmade sweet treats awaiting us on each table. Just to make your mouth water, on offer to each guest were a mini seasonal quiche; cucumber; a cream cheese and mint finger; a turkey ham and cheese mustard mayo finger; a feta, tomato and red pepper savoury muffin; a smoked salmon, cream cheese and cucumber pretzel; a Pass ‘GO’lden chocolate brownie; Mr Monopoly’s millionaire cheesecake verrine; a Fleet Street red macaroon; a 24-carrot cupcake, and; the Piccadilly lemon meringue tartlet.
Once seated, the hosts took drinks orders. Included in the price of the 90 minute tour are a selection of hot and cold drinks with the option to include a bottle of bubbly or a themed cocktail to enjoy a taste of luxury as you play. I’m sticking with orange juice to keep a clear head for the game. I’m hoping to buy some prime properties.
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