I can't remember the last time I took public transport (definitely 2014, or earlier) as I have a real phobia of...the public. But there I was — last Sunday, on a traditional London Routemaster having afternoon tea with the people from Thistle Hotel and BB Bakery, thinking: "Oh, this isn't so bad after all...TFL, take note!"
Meals On Wheels: A bus tour of London with afternoon tea on board
The good people at Thistle Hotel picked me up from the South Bank in London's most quintessential people carrier (after the iconic Hackney Carriage) — the classic red Routemaster. These days, it takes a lot to coax me onto a bus but the sight of the afternoon tea spread — cakes, scones, sandwiches, pastries catered by BB Bakery — sweetened the deal. Literally. Spoonful after spoonful of clotted cream (I eschewed the scone, diving straight into the cream pot), surprisingly moreish cucumber sandwiches (I usually despise the taste of cucumber, I prefer it on my eyes not in my mouth), endless orange juices and peppermint teas PLUS an impromptu Backstreet Boys karaoke session (take that, Backseat Girls) made for a very enjoyable bus tour of London's more famous sights — from the South Bank, over the river through Westminster, past Buckingham Palace, and back again. The icing on the cake were the envious looks from tourists on passing London bus tours, looking longingly into my afternoon tea spread on the upper deck, probably thinking: "Why can't I get a slice of that?" Book a BB Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, guys, if you want to have your cake and eat it too!
The old-school London Routemaster (not the terrifying runaway new ones). When I lived in South Kensington I used to hop on the back of the 9 to get to the high street. Clambering up the stairs on the open back to the top deck gave me serious nostalgia for my student days of living with psychotic ballerinas in Queen Alexandra's House — having a view of the Royal Albert Hall being one of my fonder memories of those bygone times.
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A forgotten benefit of taking the bus — flattering, diffused lighting from every angle, perfect for taking selfies.
Why don't my selfies ever look this good when I'm in the back of a car? Note to self, must take the bus more often. Please excuse the repetitive appearance of my face, I was trying to make the most of the optimal lighting.
Prime selfie-conditions aside, another unique benefit of riding a bus is the view from the top deck. The weather was perfect that day — azure skies, Simpsons clouds, glorious sun — showcasing London at its best, making for gorgeous urban landscapes. We rode past London's icons, including some of Thistle's Top 10 London Attractions.
If my blog's name isn't clear enough, you should know that I can be quite the committed snob, especially when it comes to doing anything vaguely touristy in both my cities (London and Kuala Lumpur). Although lately I've had quite the change of heart, playing tour guide to my boyfriend by showing him around Malaysia, and two weekends ago I had a day tour of London in a black cab. I attribute that to, ahem, the spirit of journalism. Fine — for the sake of blog fodder. Besides, jaded cynicism is practically my civic duty — as an (adopted) Londoner (I am practically a naturalised citizen), I'm not supposed to openly admit how awed I am by this fair city, and also I am expected to be dismissive of all things touristy (tourists included). But, I proudly and freely proclaim myself to have thoroughly enjoyed playing tourist with my Thistle Bus Tour of London — quintessentially English afternoon tea and all! I might even be convinced to get myself on the top deck of a London bus — if only all modes of public transport came with refreshments and wait staff.
Contemplating seeing London through my eyes (and palate?) There's the BB Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, which is what I did, or even the boat tour on the Thames. Thank you, Thistle Hotel and BB Bakery for taking good care of me. Now...can I have my own Routemaster? I have some friends from abroad coming to visit me in London, and I want to show them around... x
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