January is depressing enough without depriving oneself of alcohol as well, which is why I've never really been a fan of Dry January. There may only be a few short days left to live out sobriety if you've tackled it (and bravo to those who have) but for those who haven't attempted a dry month and who instead might be in the market for trying something new, might I suggest the rather delightful afternoon tea experience from Brigit's Bakery.
The Covent Garden bakery already offers a tea with a difference, merging a classic tea experience with the novel idea of a sightseeing tour of London on a converted classic Routemaster bus, but this January has turned into Ginuary with the addition of a little trio of tipples, courtesy of Hayman's gin.
Boarding the bus at Victoria Bus Station, one is welcomed to a twinkling paradise of fairy lights that is the Gin Lovers Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, where each place setting sits resplendent with a mouthwatering feast for each visitor, including sandwiches of coronation chicken, cucumber & mint and ham & cheese, salmon blinis, a mini pretzel and a deliciously delicate chestnut mushroom quiche. As the bus departs, you're guided through a tour of some of the hotspots of London, complete with commentary, whilst your waiter serves up a trio of gin cocktails. The sweets include an absolutely perfect vanilla chou - so good I wish I'd left it until last - a lemon tart, a slightly too rich chocolate cupcake and, of course, the piece de resistance of a scone with jam and clotted cream. It's a lovely treat to take on board and always wonderful to see this magical city from a different angle. I might have sat on the top deck of a bus innumerable times before, but never under the twinkle of fairy lights with a gin and tonic in hand!
The Gin Lovers Afternoon Tea Bus Tour is available each day at the 5pm sitting and for a little something to cheer up these winter months. It's available for these dwindling days of January and all throughout February.
To book visit london.b-bakery.com
