Part Karaoke, Part Sightseeing, All Taylor — with a Side of Prosecco
There are few things more iconic than sipping tea on a London bus while belting out “Enchanted” with a group of strangers who feel like besties by the second chorus. Enter: the Taylor Swift-Inspired Afternoon Tea Bus Tour — a pastel-drenched, glitter-infused, Prosecco-pouring dream rolling through the heart of London.
As a longtime Swiftie and connoisseur of themed experiences, I knew I had to check it out — and it absolutely delivered on the magic. But like any great Taylor album, there were a few moments that hit harder than others, and a couple that could’ve used a little remix.
What Is the Taylor Swift Afternoon Tea Bus Tour?
Hosted by Brigit’s Bakery, this 90-minute rolling experience combines a traditional British afternoon tea with a soundtrack of Taylor’s greatest hits, themed décor inspired by her album eras, and a sightseeing tour of London’s most iconic landmarks — all served with clotted cream and champagne energy.
Whether you’re a seasoned Swiftie or just love a good cup of tea with a view, this is a must-add to your London itinerary.
See London Through a Swiftie Lens
From the panoramic upper deck, you’ll cruise past:
- Big Ben
- Westminster Abbey
- The London Eye
- Hyde Park
- Buckingham Palace
- Harrods and more
With “Style” playing as the city glides by, even the grey London skies feel like part of the aesthetic.
Suggestion for Improvement: I would’ve loved a little Swiftie trivia or themed narration sprinkled in. Even a few subtle “Taylor lived nearby” or “This street feels very ‘Cornelia Street’” moments could’ve added some extra sparkle.
The Music: Every Era, Every Mood
Let’s be clear — this is not passive background music. The playlist is a mood-board of bangers, with hits across Taylor’s entire discography. From heartbreak ballads to empowered anthems, the bus transforms into a mobile karaoke session that lives up to the hype.
Songs that hit especially hard:
- “Cruel Summer”
- “Enchanted”
- “Bejeweled”
- “Love Story”
- “You Belong With Me”
- “Karma”
- “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)”
One small note: The volume was a little uneven in parts of the bus. If you’re sitting toward the back or lower deck, it can get drowned out by street noise or chatter. A few speaker upgrades would make this truly immersive for everyone.
My Afternoon Tea Menu: Vegetarian Edition
Let’s talk about the real star of the show: the food. As a vegetarian, I was thrilled to see a full menu designed with meat-free options that didn’t feel like an afterthought. Everything was flavorful, thoughtful, and totally photo-worthy.
Vegetarian Savoury Bites
- Falafel & Roast Pepper Salsa in a Tomato Wrap – Bold, tangy, and perfectly textured. The falafel wasn’t dry (rare!), and the tomato wrap added a fresh punch.
- Cheddar Cheese & Pickle on White Bread – Classic British comfort food. Sharp cheddar and sweet pickle made this nostalgic and satisfying.
- Cream Cheese & Cucumber on Brown Bread – Light, creamy, and cool — like a palate refresher between bites.
- Red Pepper Hummus, Cucumber & Tomato on White Bread – Flavour-packed and fresh. The hummus was velvety, and the veg added crispness.
It was a satisfying balance of hearty and delicate. Nothing felt overly processed or filler-y, which I’ve seen too often on vegetarian menus.
Sweet Bites I Loved
- Red Velvet Cupcake with Cream Cheese Frosting – Lightly spiced, perfectly sweet, and topped with that iconic tangy frosting.
- Mini Donuts with Caramel Sauce – These were addictive. Warm, cinnamon-sugar dusted, and made better by a rich caramel dip.
- Raspberry Macaron – Light, chewy, and not overly sweet — a lovely bite of elegance.
- Chocolate Éclair – A classic choux filled with cream and topped with glossy milk chocolate. Rich but not heavy.
- Freshly Baked Plain Scone with Clotted Cream & Strawberry Jam – Warm, crumbly perfection. No British afternoon tea is complete without one.
Drinks I Chose
- Glass of Prosecco – Because Swifties sparkle, and so should your drink.
- English Breakfast Tea – Smooth and traditional. It paired beautifully with the sweet bites and gave me my grounding moment after all the singing.
Everything arrived fresh, beautifully presented, and thoughtfully portioned. The balance of savory and sweet was just right — though I wouldn’t have said no to one more savory option (just to slow down the sugar rush).
Theming: A Seat at the Table of Eras
Each table reflects a different Taylor Swift album era, and I was lucky enough to sit at a “Lover”-inspired table — soft pastels, floral touches, lyric cards, and heart-shaped accents. It felt like the inside of a Lisa Frank notebook and a Pinterest board had a baby.
Other tables I saw:
- Reputation – All black, snakeskin details, and sleek metallics
- Folklore/Evermore – Moss runners, dried flowers, and handwritten lyric quotes
- 1989 – Neon, sparkle, and city glam
- Fearless – Golden tones and sunflowers
Small suggestion: It would be amazing if you could choose your era when booking. It’s all luck-of-the-draw right now, and being placed at your least-favourite table can be a bit of a letdown — especially when the “Reputation” table is right behind you glowing in black glittery glory.
Capturing the Moment: Content Creation Paradise
From the pink-wrapped bus exterior to the glittery cupcakes and Prosecco clinks, this experience is a content goldmine. Bring your best outfit, a charged phone, and let your inner aesthetic queen roam free.
Best photo ops:
- Outside the bus with Taylor-inspired signage
- Scone shots with London landmarks in the background
- Friendship bracelets wrapped around your teacup
- Your themed table setup (trust me, the vibes are immaculate)
Final Thoughts: Flawless Fun with a Few Refinements
Was the Taylor Swift Afternoon Tea Bus experience perfect? Not quite. But was it one of the most joyful, creative, and delightfully extra things I’ve ever done in London? Absolutely.
The themed decor, energetic soundtrack, sweet and savoury bites, and enthusiastic crowd make this an unforgettable way to celebrate friendship, music, and the beauty of being a little dramatic over tea.
Final Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
What worked:
- Great vegetarian menu options
- Stunning decor and immersive theme
- High energy, fun atmosphere
- Delicious tea and desserts
- Gorgeous London views
What could improve:
- Option to choose your table/era
- Slight sound quality issues
- More Swiftie commentary during the tour
Book Your Taylor Swift Tea Bus Experience
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Departure Point: Victoria Coach Station, London
- Price: £50–£70
- Includes: Afternoon tea (vegetarian available), glass of Prosecco, themed decor, London tour, and a Taylor Swift soundtrack
- Booking: Book your Taylor Swift Inspired Afternoon bus tour in London
Roger Moore