Afternoon Tea on a vintage double decker bus has been on Nancy's bucket list for years! Ever since it was discovered that this experience happens in London, she has wanted to partake of the adventure. Happily, Vintage Tea Trips in Dublin offers the same opportunity in a 1964 double decker brought in from London, named Katherine, or simply Katie, and affectionately referred to as a 'Biscuit Tin on Wheels'. 
Once we safely stowed the rental car, we wandered our way through narrow streets filled with hoards of tourists to find our destination. The majority of the seating is on the top deck, with an extra fee for the two sections that provide a front row forward facing view. With a gathering of eager tea goers waiting around the bus, we were eventually called by name based upon when you reserved your seat. The place settings were on the tables along with the two tiered tea tray laden with sandwiches and sweet treats.
The two youngest in our party hopped on and settled into the front row seats (only two were available when we made our reservations).
The sandwiches and desserts were already on the trays and at the tables. We were informed that the scones would be served warm at a later time in our journey. A small efficiency kitchen along with some additional seating comprises the bottom half of the bus.
The sandwich selection included Coronation Chicken Salad, Traditional Egg Mayo, and Ploughman's Pickle Brioche Bun. Scones with Jam & Clotted Cream. and the Dessert medley featured Lemon & Raspberry tart, Raspberry & Vanilla Choux, and White Chocolate & Raspberry Cremeaux. 
There was a variety of drinks offered, including Barry's Irish Breakfast, Earl Grey, or green tea, coffees, hot chocolate, fruit juices, or bottled water. They were happy to provide as many beverages as you requested. The hot drinks were served in a sturdy covered 'to go' cup with their logo printed on the souvenir cup. The warm scones were served from a cloth lined basket, and a hostess followed behind and offered cream for your scone.
Not the entire time, but periodically a representative would share tales about Dublin and the sites we were seeing. We passed the Guinness factory, went thru Phoenix Park and saw the president's official residence, and passed Trinity Church and admired the grand buildings of Georgian Dublin..
While out and about, we spotted the Vintage Tea Tours bus as it traveled through Phoenix Park. It was an enjoyable adventure, everyone was so pleasant, and the Afternoon Tea and beverages were tasty and filling. And now we have discovered that New York City is also offering Afternoon Tea and Tour on a bus called Tea Around Town. Cross one thing off the bucket list, and something else pops up.
2 comments:
This is on my bucket list to do somewhere in future travels. It looks like so much fun. What a wonderful way to tour a city. Yummmm! to tea and goodies.
How fun that you got to do this in Dublin. Jerry and I had Afternoon Tea on a double decker bus in London during our recent visit. If we ever make it to Europe again it will be a trip to Ireland.
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