Red Bus Bistro Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Review: November 2018
Get on board with the Red Bus Bistro, a brand who offer a unique dining experience, an Afternoon tea tour on a fabulous vintage 1966 Routemaster bus right in the heart of Edinburgh.
The iconic and innovative, Route Master introduced by London Transport in 1956 was in full service until 2005, but then sadly decommissioned. These lightweight aluminium angels of the road used techniques developed in aircraft production during world War II.
Red Bus Bistro’s routemaster RML 2549 originally started service in 1966, fitted with a new engine in 1991, refurbished in 1992 and went through a variety of sales and owners until Red Bus Bistro became the proud owners, who converted and spruced the vehicle up with the help of South East Coachworks.
The 70 – 90 minute tour takes in all Edinburgh’s key attractions including the old town, Palace of Holyroodhouse and of course Edinburgh Castle, all while you sit back, relax and indulge in Afternoon Tea delights.
Using Scotland’s best and finest local ingredients and where possible local produce to produce your Afternoon Tea loveliness.
Fresh and fabulous fancy finger sandwiches, cakes, warm home baked scones with traditional preserves and no need to whip yourselves up in a frenzy as there is plenty of fresh whipped cream to boot.
A whistle stop tour of Edinburgh, experienced on an iconic classic 1966 Route Master bus all while enjoying a sumptuous and sensational Afternoon tea what’s not to like.
Getting on board is easy, it’s getting off that’s hard, because it was so much fun, and no not because we had had over indulged, well perhaps we did a little!
Thank you for reading 😊
Melanie xx
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Also, we just so happened to pop by at the right time, as the Dome was decked out in all their fabulous Christmassy wares.
Beautiful and Bespoke Gainsborough Sheffield silver tea service and Chardonnay Pattern Dudson Fine Bone China are use throughout service enhancing the elegance of the experience.
Afternoon Tea proceedings overseen by Head Chef Sue Snider, providing a range of fabulous finger sandwiches, super Scones in both fruit and plain varieties served with clotted cream and jam, along with a selection of scrummy sweet treats.
What would Afternoon tea be without the tea right? Well, The Dome have devised the menu to pair with their nine varieties of loose tea which include a range of herbal infusions and of course Traditional Scottish brew.
Offering a range of cocktails, spirits, beers and my choice the mocktails aka Absolut Proofs, you are spoilt for choice. The Gorgeous Garden Fizz created with basil, blackberries, raspberries, lemon & agave. The marvellous Market Fizz shaken with pomegranate juice, lemon, rose water, tonic & za’atar salt rim.
Also, the delicious Ginger Mimosa stirred up with orange juice, fresh ginger, rosemary & ginger ale. Finally, the amazing Alchemist Cooler, rustled up with chilled peppermint tea, lemon, mint & tonic.
The Anthologist Afternoon Tea provides a generous serving of finger sandwiches, scones and beautiful cakes.
Their fully roofed brilliant boat will protect you from natures elements and allow you to sit back, relax and enjoy.
Built in 1901, by Charles Heathcote for Parr’s Bank, this beautiful red stone building is an opulent example of Edwardian baroque architecture.
Experience the grandeur of the Grand and enjoy their signature five-star Afternoon tea served in the relaxed Rise restaurant & bar. Warmly welcomed by Mark and his team, we prepared to sit back, relax and enjoy the tranquillity.
Known as Eoforwick to the Saxons, Eboracum to the Romans and then invaded by the Vikings who coined the name Jorvik, York is a city steeped in history and charm, an architectural Aladdin’s cave of all things historic, but is an ever-evolving city which offers a range of exciting events, activities, museums and restaurants.
Travelling by rail to York could not be easier and the station is less than a 5-10 minute walk into the heart of all the historic action. Perhaps you already have an organised itinerary, or maybe decided on a spontaneous trip away, either way, if you have already pre-purchased your 
The 
Begin your journey at the epi-centre of the Coppergate dig, that unearthed and evidenced key historical moments within this bustling trading hub, such as the Viking invasion in 866AD and the Norman Conquest of 1066AD. Exciting excavations revealed a well-preserved Viking village, where over 15000 objects were recovered, including an Anglo-Saxon helmet which resides in the York Castle Museum.
Step into the shoes of the inhabitants of 10th-century York and prepare to experience the sounds, sights and smells – yes smells of the Viking-Age. With the latest in state of the art animatronics, their new ride, places you at the centre of the action using touch screen technology and interaction for you to re-discover and re-live life like a Viking. Listen out for Old Norse, Old English and even ancient Arabic and let the 22 characters, authentically presented, guide and educate you about the York way of life in the Viking ages.
Dr Kirk began collecting key artefacts and in 1935 he agreed to give his private collection to the City of York and on St Georges day 23rd April 1938 the Museum was officially opened.
Kirk remained personally invested in the museum, importantly wanting his historic objects to be displayed in their original context, as a way of transporting people back in time. His legacy lives on within the museum, by adopting Kirks approach, it has enabled visitors to authentically experience York’s past way of working and living.
Incredible displays and exhibits, that include perfectly preserved artefacts, which take you through the eras including; Kirkgate, The Victorian Street, York’s sweet historic past, 1914 when the World Changed forever, Shaping the body, The Sixties, Toy Stories and York Castle Prison. Museum staff such as the delightful Denise, are on hand to help you delve into the detail and explore the exhibits to the full.
This year also marks the 
Feel the bold brilliance of battle, stand where castle guards once stood looking out for enemies, by taking the self-guided 
The two prison buildings now house the Castle museums exciting exhibits and collections. The courtyard Castle hub is the central point to begin your exciting adventure.
Opting to take a 
Also, if things get chilly either bundle up or head down to the lower covered deck for warmth and perhaps some refreshments from the bar.
Our trip was actioned packed, highlights included seeing the York University rowing team in training and an authentic traditional Viking ship.
Marvel in the Minsters magnificence, a sanctuary of worship, a place of calm, peace and tranquillity.
However, more turbulent times at the Minster, have nearly seen the building burnt down, deliberately in 1829 by Jonathan Martin and the mysterious fire of 1984, where there was possibly a fault or a deliberate act of arson, to this day the outcome is still inconclusive.
Meticulously restored, the Minster basks in all its glory, where visitors can view key highlights including the nave, medieval stained glass, the under croft, chapter house, memorials, the kings screen and the central tower.
Seeking solitude, time to reflect or a moment of prayer, the Minster provides perfect places to pray, reflect and light a candle in memory of others.
Thomas our fabulous fun guide, along with historical characters from the past, brought chocolate to life with the addition of some chocolatey samples to keep things sweet.
Prepare to mix things up in the kitchen, as you get to make your own chocolate lollipop, with sprinkles and toppings galore let your imagination run wild and create your own piece of chocolate history.
Watch the experts demonstrate how it should be done, and enjoy their results – exquisite handmade chocolate loveliness.
Lavish in the Lady Betty Afternoon tea served in the tranquil setting of the Belmont room, with interiors inspired by the Queen Mary Ocean liner, and a perfect pianist playing, you would be mistaken for stepping back in time to a bygone era of elegance and opulence.
Delightful, delicious and dainty offerings included an amazing pea, cucumber & tomato cocktail appetiser, the sensational savouries, range of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream & jam. lovely pretty pastries all perfectly presented.
Streamlined service, employees that excelled and the tastiest of offerings, book Betty’s for an unforgettable experience.
Let staff attend to your needs, as you catch up with friends, family & loved ones, over fabulous finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and lovely pastries & sweet treats.
Add on a glass of the fizzy stuff or a handcrafted mocktail to make your Afternoon tea super special.
Interiors mix traditional and contemporary styles and combined with the fabulous food offerings, you can grab your own slice of the dolce vita lifestyle.
The place oozes charm with the rustic and shabby chic interiors eclectically, but tastefully mixed to create a homely relaxed feel.
The marvellous mocktails along with sensational seasonal dishes makes for a perfect dinner with friends, family or loved ones.
Headlining that weekend was David Walliams’ Awful Auntie, an eccentric, exciting, engaging and entertaining live performance where a young girl named Stella visits London with her parents Lord and Lady Saxby, only to be in grave danger.
A creative cast that charmed and captured the audience, an imaginative, innovative and intoxicating script, and a giant owl, what more could you want from an evening out! A personal escape back to childhood, which was simply frightfully funny and fabulous.
Our game master James the Flush prepared us for battle to use our skill, strength of mind and inner super hero powers to complete our mission, save force four and grab our slice or victory.
Well, there is only one block in your way, master diamond thief Bugsy Bronxton! Alleged to have stolen the famous Manhattan Star Diamond its up to you to find it. Issued with a rookie warrant use your detective skills to solve clues and puzzles to find the Diamond, before your one-hour countdown hits zero
Relaxed environment, offering modern rooms with all the mod cons required to make your stay cosy and comfortable, the Premier Inn North was a homely hub and ideal for city sightseeing & exploring.
