Likely To Sell Out
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
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from
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Red Bus Bistro
Red Bus Bistro
4.5
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Full view
About
Red Bus Bistro - a truly moving restaurant experience! Running all year round... a totally new experience in dining for residents and tourists alike. See the sights with a glass of fizz or a beer. Afternoon Tea not to your taste? Then try our later Evening Dining Experiences ... we have Antipasti & Wine, or Pizza & Prosecco. Our vintage 1966 Routemaster bus (the iconic red bus on the postcards) is equipped with a fully-fitted stainless steel galley kitchen, seating for up to 40 diners, an expert & talented onboard chef and congenial staff to help make your experience that bit smoother. All tours are offered subject to late cancellation by us due to emergency maintenance issues.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Food & Drink
1–2 hours
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Recommended by 94% of travellers
94% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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1–2 hours
Free cancellation
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
2,056 reviews
Excellent
1,423
Very good
269
Average
120
Poor
97
Terrible
147
FaithHopeLoveScotland
scotland6 contributions
Jan 2020
16 excited women (all dressed as Harry Potter characters) joined the Red Bistro Bus in Glasgow on Saturday 11 January to celebrate a special friend's birthday. From the moment we got on the bus till we departed we had an exceptional experience. The food and drinks were amazing (Giant scones, smoked salmon and cucumber canopies, various filled sandwiches - all delicious and beautifully presented) with Prosseco on arrival. We'd opted for the Gin Tour of Glasgow and we were not disappointed. Lorna and all the other fabulous hosts and driver on board could not have done more the make this experience the best we've ever had. Music was also provided for a sing song and the 6 other guests on the tour joined in and had a lovely time too. (We gave the Tasmanian guests a warm Glasgow welcome as you'd expect.)
Unfortunately missed most of the sites being explained to us by our host due to having so much fun and would highly recommend this trip to anyone planning a special day out or otherwise. My friends and I will most definately be back to do this and the Edinburgh Tour again for sure. (I now see they have a Harry Potter Themed Tour on their schedule...cant wait)... Thank you for making this birthday so special everyone.
100% Recommend this wonderful day out. Thanks you Red Bus Bistro.
Unfortunately missed most of the sites being explained to us by our host due to having so much fun and would highly recommend this trip to anyone planning a special day out or otherwise. My friends and I will most definately be back to do this and the Edinburgh Tour again for sure. (I now see they have a Harry Potter Themed Tour on their schedule...cant wait)... Thank you for making this birthday so special everyone.
100% Recommend this wonderful day out. Thanks you Red Bus Bistro.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so very much for this amazing review. I heard all about your tour from the staff, they said it was amazing day and you were all great fun. So pleased use had the best day. We cant wait to see use all again soon.
Written 14 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
smokeyrolo
United Kingdom166 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
This is a rather unique opportunity to travel on a heritage bus, a London Routemaster. We had the afternoon tea experience which includes a 90 minute tour around the sights of Edinburgh. The hosts and driver were very personable, made the experience even better with their comedic comments. The tea itself was great especially the scones. Also, Prosecco served as well as tea or coffee. I would highly recommend RedBusBistro. It is a quirky experience not to be missed and I even got the chance to sit in the drivers seat.
Written 27 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind review. We are so glad you enjoyed your tour.
We will certainly pass on your kind comments.
Team RBB
Written 22 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lauren C
3 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
I couldn’t recommend this higher! It was so easy to find and Alison and her team were so friendly and welcoming. Everything was organised and the set up was beautiful, we also didn’t realise that a glass of prosecco was included so that was a lovely surprise. The food was absolutely fantastic and regular check ups and tea top ups from the team. The route is lovely and a great way to look at everything, Alison also gave little snippets of Edinburgh’s history on the trip round. Overall a lovely experience and great way to see Edinburgh!
Written 28 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martinsA4781WH
Edinburgh, UK46 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
A very average afternoon tea sitting in an old routemaster bus. The idea proved better than reality and while glad we tried it, it’s a lot of money to eat nothing special sitting at a cramped table, on an old bus for 90 mins which spent most of its time stopped at traffic lights. More for tourists than locals and money better spent on a really nice afternoon tea in a nice hotel.
That said, everything was well presented by friendly, helpful staff. experience could be improved if staff wore uniforms and placing of menu and route cards on the table. Also a bit disorganised at boarding point. A simple A board giving basic info would help.
I’ve given 3 out of 5 which is fair I think
That said, everything was well presented by friendly, helpful staff. experience could be improved if staff wore uniforms and placing of menu and route cards on the table. Also a bit disorganised at boarding point. A simple A board giving basic info would help.
I’ve given 3 out of 5 which is fair I think
Written 23 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello
We are sorry if stopped at traffic lights traffic is out of our control, we are aware of other companies using a board, but this is not something that works for us. we have a very structured well organised boarding system that has raised no previous issues. The bus is not a normal standard bus it's a 65-year-old vintage route master bus we are glad that the staff received credit for their hard work
Written 24 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amylanarkshire
Scotland, UK51 contributions
Mar 2020
This was a gift from my boys for Mother’s Day. Cost £106 for 2 sitting at the top of the bus at the front. My sister in law joined me, Excited to go we were both left disappointed. To describe it as snug is an understatement. On arrival the sandwiches and cakes with a Prosecco were set on the table. The sandwiches were hard at the edges with being left out uncovered. On mentioning this I was told “well they have just been put out, well I will get you some more.” I did get 3 new quarter sandwiches but my sister in law didn’t. Customer service is certainly not a strong point. There is no commentary with regards to Glasgow on this “Tour” bus. A couple of buildings were pointed out but we could not hear anything that was said from our seats. Gin cocktail came in a nice teapot and was lovely as was the tiny scones. Cakes were just ok. Nice novel idea with poor execution and most certainly not value for money.
Written 8 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Amy, we are disappointed to read this review as we want all our guests to have a fantastic experience onboard Red Bus Bistro. We put the sandwiches out right before our guests board the bus. We do apologise if they weren’t up to our high standards but are glad to read that our staff brought more. We do wish that your sister in law had received more. If you can please email us on info@redbusbistro.co.uk with the full details (date/time/location) of your tour we will look into this. With regards to commentary as per our website terms and conditions our tours are packaged as a dining experience on a vintage bus, but our onboard hosts do point out areas of interest.
Written 8 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephen
3 contributions
Jul 2022
Here goes, took relatives for their Ruby wedding to Edinburgh in Dec 21, tour was cancelled with no notice, said they emailed, they didn't. We were left in freezing cold trying to find somewhere to eat, completely ruined the weekend.
Went to see them at their office, sincerest of apologies and re fund given. Gave me voucher to be used in Glasgow at later date. Despite numerous attempts could not get date to use voucher, eventually they booked us on tour on 30th July. We took the same relatives as before, you know what's coming next, they cancelled by email that morning, no text message, no phone call and we were left looking foolish again.
This Company hide behind a flashy website and auto generated e mails but cannot back up what they advertise. If you have an appetite for mental torture and incompetence then give them a try. Great idea, very badly executed. Wouldn't recommend it for all the afternoon tea in China
Went to see them at their office, sincerest of apologies and re fund given. Gave me voucher to be used in Glasgow at later date. Despite numerous attempts could not get date to use voucher, eventually they booked us on tour on 30th July. We took the same relatives as before, you know what's coming next, they cancelled by email that morning, no text message, no phone call and we were left looking foolish again.
This Company hide behind a flashy website and auto generated e mails but cannot back up what they advertise. If you have an appetite for mental torture and incompetence then give them a try. Great idea, very badly executed. Wouldn't recommend it for all the afternoon tea in China
Written 1 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol H
7 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
We were very disappointed. On booking we were charged £4 each to ensure an upper deck table. When we boarded the bus we discovered that all the tables are upper deck, the lower deck is the kitchen. I have since called them and they have refunded my £12. The bench seats are very small, not quite big enough for 2 adults, and very uncomfortable. The food supplied was 2 sandwich quarters each, which is one slice of bread, and the bread was going stale. The bus is very old and rickety and bounced us around during the whole tour. They played loud music so there was minimum commentary. I have to say that the cakes and pastries were lovely, if small, and the staff were lovely but overall it was expensive for what we got and not recommended.
Written 23 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Thank you for the feedback we are sorry to read you where disappointed with our Experience
1. All our buses except one in the fleet have upper and lower deck , We charge different rates for different seats. On occasions as the buses are Vintage ( very old as you advise) we do use our reserve bus which only has the upper deck seating . When this happens our very friendly and helpful booking team get to work and ensure customers are refunded as you advised this was actioned for your booking
2. All food is made fresh to the dietary requirements provided by our passengers , We are often praised for the amount provided and we have taken feedback from many customers on what to provide as options we accept due to personal preference and customer personal expectations that we will not always get things right for everyone's taste . Please note we would question rather than to sit angry on the bus finding faults why not speak to our wonderful helpful crew onboard who would have happily replaced anything you did not like or feel was fresh ?? . We cant fix these things after a tour we can certainly action while you are onboard though !!
3.Did you research what you booked before boarding ? We advise that seats are not that of todays normal modern buses as you point out the bus is very old yes its over 65 years old the key theme to our tour is Afternoon tea onboard A VINTAGE 65 YEAR OLD ROUTE MASTER BUS !!! . A 65 year old bus or any vehicle going over the cobbles of Edinburgh will Unfortuneatley be a little bumpy something outwith our control .We again advise we are not a guided tour so we are unsure why you expected commentary ??
Overall we feel we strongly advise due to personal preference this tour was not for you and we would advise to check before booking as to what you are expecting from an experience
Written 25 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Daffydav55
Glasgow6 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
Nice bus, decorated nice
We went on the Glasgow bus at 3pm on a cold Nov day and as soon as bus took off they had ran out of gas. So no heat on the bus, we were given our tea/coffee and they were cold. As there was no gas left we couldn’t have a new tea/coffee or more tea. We were very cold on the bus and they had no portable heaters or blankets.
Food on the bus was nice, we were given a scone each and various mini cakes. But the sandwich’s per person were about 3 small triangles. So less than 1 whole sandwich per person. So if ur paying more than £40 per person for a afternoon tea that’s very very expensive. I paid £42 per person and couldn’t even get a hot tea.
Vast room for improvement- make sure there is always gas on the bus, provide blankets or invest in a small electrial generator so u can plug in small potable heaters.
We went on the Glasgow bus at 3pm on a cold Nov day and as soon as bus took off they had ran out of gas. So no heat on the bus, we were given our tea/coffee and they were cold. As there was no gas left we couldn’t have a new tea/coffee or more tea. We were very cold on the bus and they had no portable heaters or blankets.
Food on the bus was nice, we were given a scone each and various mini cakes. But the sandwich’s per person were about 3 small triangles. So less than 1 whole sandwich per person. So if ur paying more than £40 per person for a afternoon tea that’s very very expensive. I paid £42 per person and couldn’t even get a hot tea.
Vast room for improvement- make sure there is always gas on the bus, provide blankets or invest in a small electrial generator so u can plug in small potable heaters.
Written 20 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello
Thank you for providing this feedback we have taken this all onboard and have picked up your email Wich management is actioning to resolve this for you and we hope you are happy with the outcome
Team rbb
Written 21 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kim
Austin, TX2 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Everything was fine until we sat at our table. This is when the problems began. Our table was dirty with some type of jam or spread. The Prosecco glasses looked like they has been around the bus a few times. They were older, plastic glasses that were again, dirty. We ordered our tea and it came in a red travel mug. When my boyfriend opened the lid to add milk and sugar, he found a dead bug jammed in the lid. Needless to say, we didn’t enjoy any tea. It was raining in Glasgow that day (no surprise) so the windows were consistently fogging up to where you couldn’t see outside. The presentation of what is online is very different than the real experience. One of the high points was the warm scone we received. If you wanted to order any additional alcohol, it was cash only due to the ordering system being down for maintenance. This was only relayed to us once the bus started moving. So, mid-trip, there is a bathroom break at a museum. Instead of getting back on the bus, we checked out the museum and took an Uber back to our hotel. This was a disappointing experience for nearly £100.
Also to note, this isn’t a tour. There is someone on a mic but they pointed out maybe 3 buildings and was very hard to hear at the front of the bus.
Also to note, this isn’t a tour. There is someone on a mic but they pointed out maybe 3 buildings and was very hard to hear at the front of the bus.
Written 8 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello
All buses are deep cleaned before going out on tour for all the points raised above did you approach staff or raise any of these concerns to the team? Please message us at info@redbusbistro.co.uk with your tour details and we can discuss this. The glasses are plastic for the safety of passengers as the bus is moving, they are deep cleaned before each tour as are the cups and the crew check these before each tour. Unfortunately, the weather is out with our control, and we can't do much about this just like if you were on an aeroplane. The presentation of what is online is the product we provide and more We are sorry our unique experience was not for you. Also, to note we clearly state we are not a guided tour the staff do point out places of interest, but they are serving over thirty passengers in-between this we look forward to hearing from you to discuss things further
Team RBB
Written 11 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
alisonbutler07
Buchlyvie, UK1 contribution
Apr 2024 • Friends
Previously two years ago, for a birthday celebration I had a wonderful experience at the Red Bus Bistro.
For a friend's birthday this year I recommended the tour to another three friends that we book the afternoon Gin Experience. We booked the tour for four and thought it advisable to take out the extra insurance at £3 each as there being four of us and getting on in years!
Due to unforeseen circumstances I had to cancel the night before by email. To keep a long story short we were not able to re-book or get a refund after discussions on the phone and by numerous emails. Apparently after reading pages of small print with the £3 insurance, one of us would have to have died & been a party of two. This turned out to be a very expensive day out and a treat that never happened.
Please read all the small print & be 100% sure you are going to get on that bus!
For a friend's birthday this year I recommended the tour to another three friends that we book the afternoon Gin Experience. We booked the tour for four and thought it advisable to take out the extra insurance at £3 each as there being four of us and getting on in years!
Due to unforeseen circumstances I had to cancel the night before by email. To keep a long story short we were not able to re-book or get a refund after discussions on the phone and by numerous emails. Apparently after reading pages of small print with the £3 insurance, one of us would have to have died & been a party of two. This turned out to be a very expensive day out and a treat that never happened.
Please read all the small print & be 100% sure you are going to get on that bus!
Written 13 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello we are very sorry to read that due to the error that you have made you had to leave us a review such as this one . It is the accountability of the customer to ensure they read the terms and conditions of any booking before making a purchase this is why on the booking page we have made this a mandatory field that you can not move forward in the booking process without agreeing to terms and conditions also there are other parts to the ticket policy you have noted some points however non of the terms to why you cancelled met these terms and conditions . Although it is a very long story and keeping it short there are lots of points missed that we tried to help with before you lost the booking . The booking team very kindly despite the short notice given tried on two occasions to make contact to advise you could not simply cancel the night before without reason given however no response was given . We also advised if you could not respond the original booking could not be canceled . The booking team then followed the process of the cancellation and we advised in email and telephone communication the reason why the booking could not be rescheduled or refunded as advised it was due to your accountability you failed to follow terms and conditions of the booking . I am sorry this was not the outcome you wished for hence why such a poor review that effects a small business has been left but we hope others read our response and are aware of our side of the story
Written 14 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Is there a toilet facility on x38 bus from Edinburgh to Falkirk
Written 16 July 2022
My group (3) is getting into Edinburgh at 1:00 PM baring any flight delays, June 11th. Since I believe there are no refunds if late, can we book a 3 PM Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience at the last minute (subject to availability)?
Written 10 March 2022
I think you can book last minute but it would be via the website if seats are available. I don’t think you can ‘pay on the day or arrival’.
Written 14 March 2022
Why there was no apology when we left the bus and that the only alternative were cakes or Prosecco not really suitable replacement
Written 22 November 2021
Hi, can you advise if the bus is suitable for people with mobility issues? Slow walker and needs sufficient room between table and seat. Thanks
Written 5 August 2021
What is the gluten free and vegetarian options for afternoon tea?
Written 28 May 2020
I would check their website as they have the menus posted there. We had the Italian offerings of pizza or an antipasto plate for our tea so neither of those would work for your needs/preferences. Perhaps contact them directly and ask if they offer veg/gluten-free options. I think most places would. Good luck!
Written 28 May 2020
What food is provided for children?
Written 1 September 2019
HI sorry for delay in replying only just seen this! :-(
It is an afternoon tea which is provided to guests, including the usual of sandwiches, scones and wee cakes. They are really nice but worth maybe giving the company a call to see if they could offer something slightly different for children? Staff were really friendly and helpful.
Written 16 September 2019
Can we book the regular high tea and decide once we’re there if we will upgrade to the gin version? We’re coming from an overnight flight and may not be up to cocktails yet.
Written 20 July 2019
I'm sure you can as we had hot drink & a bubbly with the afternoon tea then added a few rounds of gin to it ..at £6 a wee pot which was fab, expected drink to be much dearer
Written 8 August 2019
Clojoe123
Forfar, United Kingdom
Where do you get on and where does the tour finish? Also, how long does it last.
Written 19 June 2019
I can't remember the name of the street where we got on the bus, but it picks up and drops off at the same spot. It lasted about 1-2 hours.
Written 10 July 2019
Hi there Frances.
Thank you for taking an interest in the Red Bus Bistro.
The tour does not have any pitstops. As we travel around the city and you enjoy your Afternoon Tea, our guide will announce points of interest along the way.
Written 26 June 2018
sorry I am not sure as I did not buy additional drinks you would be best asking them yourself as they will know best
Written 25 June 2018
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