Case Study: Bombay Sapphire Gin Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

From 1st October 2023 to 30th November 2025, Brigit’s Bakery teamed up with the premium brand Bombay Sapphire to run a fun and memorable journey: the Bombay Sapphire Gin Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. This one-of-a-kind experience mixed the exciting world of gin with the charm of afternoon tea, all while checking out the beautiful sights of London!

A toast to partnership

Celebrating its roots since 1761, Bombay Sapphire is known for its exceptional gin, crafted from a blend of ten hand-selected botanicals sourced sustainably. Our partnership with Bombay Sapphire was a prime example of our commitment to quality, creativity, and sustainability.

It also gave our guests an unforgettable culinary journey. By blending gin-making with classic afternoon tea, this tour opened up a fun new world of flavours. And it really matched Brigit's goal of creating memorable experiences for everyone!

Our Bombay Sapphire 'adventure' - the Gin Lovers Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

The Bombay Sapphire Gin Lovers Afternoon Tea Bus Tour operated on a limited schedule, with a total of 175 tours over the span of just over two years. Attracting 4,500 enthusiastic guests, this tour covered an impressive 2,010 sightseeing miles. Guests were invited aboard our vintage Routemaster bus - an emblematic piece of London’s heritage, and the only one of its kind - on this gin-infused journey.

The bus was decked out in colours that captured the spirit of Bombay Sapphire and the beauty of London. From the moment guests hopped on, the lively atmosphere was hard to miss. The tours kicked off from Victoria Coach Station, making it easy for everyone to reach the starting point of their adventure.

A mouthwatering menu

The tour featured the unique Bombay Sapphire Gin Afternoon Tea Menu, created by our talented pastry chefs in collaboration with the Bombay Sapphire team. This menu featured playful and exquisite flavours, making sure each bite and sip was a celebration of gin’s essence.

Here's what we had on the menu.

Freshly prepared savouries

• Mini Seasonal Quiche: A delightful treat bursting with seasonal flavours.
• Cucumber, Cream Cheese & Spring Onion on Basil Bread: Refreshing and light, perfect for a classic afternoon tea.
• Turkey Ham, Cheese & Mayo Mustard on Tomato Bread: A satisfying savoury option that appealed to all.
• Creamy Avocado Choux: A unique offering to delight the palate.
• Salmon & Cucumber Pretzel with Cream Cheese: A creative and delicious combination leaving guests wanting more.

• Bombay Sapphire Lemon Cupcake topped with gin-infused cream: A zesty treat that surprised with every bite.
• Bombay Bramble Mixed Berry Tart with gin-infused cream: A luscious twist that celebrated the tartness of berries.
• Bombay Sapphire & White Chocolate Whipped Ganache Verrine with a gin-infused lime jelly: A decadent dessert to indulge in.
• Blueberry & Lemon Bundt Cake filled with gin-infused lemon curd & cream: A perfect mix of flavours to attract our guests.
• Lemon Slice Shortbread Cookie: A sweet reminder of traditional biscuit flavours.
• Freshly baked plain scone with clotted cream and jam: A quintessential item to complete the afternoon tea experience.

Guests also enjoyed a selection of beverages, including Bombay Sapphire gin cocktails, water, coffee, hot chocolate, and fine teas.

Iconic landmarks and gin facts

As the bus rolled through the streets of London, the guests enjoyed stunning views of some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the majestic London Eye, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St James's Park, Hyde Park, and the Royal Albert Hall. These sights served as the perfect backdrop for a magical adventure filled with laughter, stories, and, of course, gin!

The onboard experience didn’t just focus on sipping and savouring - our hosts also entertained guests with intriguing facts about gin’s fascinating history, including the wild Gin Craze of 1750. Lively music amplified the engaging atmosphere, creating a sensory experience that felt both festive and informative - in true Brigit's Bakery style.

Memories made on board

With around 13,500 G&Ts enjoyed during the tours, the Bombay Sapphire Gin Lovers Afternoon Tea Bus Tour turned into a great choice for friends, families, couples, and celebrations. Guests loved the amazing flavours and shared stories filled with laughter, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments from their time together.

Brigit’s Bakery and Bombay Sapphire made sure the tours were more than just a fun outing. Every guest left with cool keepsakes, like themed cups or unique recipes, which celebrated those gin-infused experiences and inspired them to recreate the fun at home.

Reflecting on the success of our partnership with Bombay Sapphire

The Bombay Sapphire Gin Lovers Afternoon Tea Bus Tour turned out to be a huge hit. It brought together two popular traditions: the art of gin and the charm of afternoon tea. This partnership didn’t just improve the experience for guests - it also showcased how both brands are committed to creativity, sustainability, and building joyful connections in the community.

Looking at the packed bus and hearing all the lively chats, it’s clear that these tours really brought people together. The excitement and fun everyone had aligned perfectly with Brigit's Bakery's mission and values to create unforgettable experiences for a wide range of guests.

Future adventures await

Bombay Sapphire was our third Gin Lovers Tour collaboration which followed on from Slingsby Gin between 2019-2023 and Hayman's Gin between 2017-2019. Will it be our final one? That's up to you to let us know!

As we wrap up this chapter of the Bombay Sapphire Gin Lovers Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, we can't wait to explore new partnerships and adventures. From unique culinary experiences to engaging community events, we remain committed to creating moments that celebrate life’s sweetest pleasures. So, stay tuned and join us as we continue to explore the exciting intersections of food, culture, and joy in London and beyond!

Were you ever a guest on one of the Bombay Sapphire Gin Lovers Afternoon Tea Bus Tours?