Drake Teas on the Bus in Rochford

Visited for my daughter’s Birthday. Was shown to our table pretty quickly. After that the service was fairly slow. There was only one menu for the four of us to look at and it was damp… took 15 mins to order drinks and food. When the food arrived it was on paper plates. Yuck! Thankfully my girls loved it, but it was not what I was expecting for a £10 waffle that was literally 2 waffles with a little bit of sauce! Can’t say it was memorable or particularly enjoyable. Just little things that made it very average; not enough cutlery on the table, not having apple juice, slow service, hot drinks that weren’t good at all, and having to pay cash. Such a shame as it was for a double birthday celebration

I had prebooked a table online for the outside seating area. We were allowed to select the table to sit at. The three staff members working were polite, friendly, and welcoming. It was fairly busy at the time we arrived, so the staff had a lot to do such as cooking and serving. It did take 15 minutes from sitting to receive a menu and again roughly 10/15 minutes to get our order taken. Though, I do understand the staff had a lot to do, with there being so few of them. Saying that, the staff were always smiling and happy to help customers. Prices for drinks are reasonable, but I feel the food was slightly on the expensive side for the amount you got. The paninis we ordered tasted delicious and had a good amount of filling. They were accompanied by some doritios and a small portion of salad. It would have been nice to have the option to choose whether you wanted doritios or ready salted crisps, as I don't like doritos. So I was practically paying £8 for a panini. We also ordered pancakes for dessert. These were of a good size, and you were given 2. There were a good amount of toppings, and it was also served with whipped cream. The pancakes were tasty! All food was served promptly. There are two covered areas outside and a few tables which aren't undercover. They have decorated the outside area nicely with flowers and fairy lights, which gives the place a nice touch. They also have a cabin that you can sit in, this looked pretty and cosy. This was my second time visiting here, and both visits were good. The staff working here are doing a great job.

Renamed as "Wildflower Teas On The Bus"..... A wonderful experience. I previously lived in London, so sitting on the top deck of a 'route master' bus brought back great memories. The top deck was decorated in garlands, with warm white lights and each table was named after a station. The 'cream tea' was excellent value for money and I highly recommended it. It consisted of such a lovely variety of savoury and sweet things that we had to take the cakes home - in a cute brown cardboard box because we couldn't finish them.

Disappointed with our visit, have driven past a few times but hadn't been until today. Asked for a one shot cappuccino to be told it was from a powder sachet. Left having a drink and we ordered a variety of cakes, carrot, chocolate, Victoria sponge and carrot. All dry. Maybe we were unlucky and another day they would be fresh, but that should be the case every day. Could be a little goldmine as quite unique, but I found it all very shabby. Won't return.

Been meaning to go for a long time. Tried to call to book but no answer. Friend and I met up there instead. Had a tuna and cheese panini. The cheese wasn't melted and not much tuna in the panini. Wasn't asked if we wanted anything else. Went to pay and was then told we are cash only. I don't carry cash and the lady said it says so on the website. The way she said it, I thought was a bit abrupt, considering we were a walk in. Didn't try the cakes but they looked lovely as did the afternoon tea. Will return to give it another try, but definitely disappointed today.

Renamed as "Wildflower Teas On The Bus"..... A wonderful experience. I previously lived in London, so sitting on the top deck of a 'route master' bus brought back great memories. The top deck was decorated in garlands, with warm white lights and each table was named after a station. The 'cream tea' was excellent value for money and I highly recommended it. It consisted of such a lovely variety of savoury and sweet things that we had to take the cakes home - in a cute brown cardboard box because we couldn't finish them.

I had yet another lovely classic afternoon tea on the red bus today. The sandwiches were varied, very fresh and plentiful. The cakes and scones are all home made, as is the quiche. There are also nice little touches of macaroons, fresh strawberries and blueberries, all topped off with unlimited tea and coffee. Each member of the team is very friendly and helpful and go out of their way to accommodate requests where possible. The bus is such a unique experience and in my view, it is one of the best afternoon teas and venues around.