REVIEW: HALLOWEEN AT HAMLEYS AFTERNOON TEA BUS TOUR
Tricks and Treats on a Deliciously Spooky London Bus Adventure
The world’s oldest toyshop Hamleys and afternoon tea alchemists, Brigit’s Bakery have created a delicious monster in the shape of the Halloween at Hamleys Afternoon Tea Bus Tour.
We take our little ghouls to Victoria Coach Station to board the spookified Double Decker for tricks and treats.
A slapstick Mad Scientist welcomes us onboard the bus, which is festooned with cobwebs, pumpkins and spiders and playing creepy hits. And we’re led to our table on the Upper Deck, which is set with two teetering tiers of cakes, sandwiches, pretzels, tarts, quiche and muffins.
We set off on our 90-minute tour, taking in landmarks like Royal Albert Hall and Marble Arch with some deliciously spooky facts - The Lanesborough was once a hospital and is London's most haunted hotel, and The Grenadier is haunted by the ghost of a solider.
Hot chocolates and coffees are delivered - in Hamleys Halloween travel cups to keep - while we work our way through the feast, marvelling at the acrobatics of friendly staff, pouring fizz and juggling lattes on a swerving bus.
Naturally, we pass Hamleys to see their gargantuan pumpkin display and get a glimpse of the free Halloween processions, spooky games and entertainment taking place inside.
As a savoury toothed tiger, I am particularly impressed by the wide savoury offering. Stand outs on this tier include the mushroom quiche and the salmon and cucumber pretzel with cream cheese.
The cucumber and mint sandwiches on basil bread and the turkey ham, cheese and mustard mayo on tomato bread are also a hit with the adults.
The children are eager to dive into the beautifully presented, sweet tier, decorated with edible bats and ghosts. The pumpkin tarts are the biggest hit with the children, alongside cupcakes, matcha sables and my personal favourite, the Frankenstein’s Monster Choux, filled with creamy walnut.
Warm scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream are brought around to close the experience and despite being stuffed, there is always room for an excellent scone.
While we eat, the comically bumbling scientist entertains diners with a Halloween quiz - the questions are easy enough for our six-year-old to enjoy - magic, trick or treat cauldrons and daft jokes.
Thankfully, we are all provided boxes to take home left overs from the generous spread, as well as popping candy chocolates, while the children are also gifted Hamleys toy keyrings.
It’s a spooktacular experience for all ages - the bus was mostly packed with excited adults - and bubbling with tricks and treats.
Hamleys Halloween London Bus Tour, Departs from Victoria Coach Station. 12 October - 31 October. From £45 per adult, £35 per child
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