With the Government-backed maximum £2 single bus fare available on many routes across England, there's never been a better excuse to hop on a bus and discover cafés, restaurants, pubs and hidden foodie gems you may never have visited before.
Most of us have our favourite local places to eat, but how often do we venture to the other side of town, the next village, or that market town we've driven past dozens of times?
A simple £2 bus ticket can open up a whole new world of flavours.
Why not make a day of it? Start with breakfast at a café you've never tried before, browse the local independent shops, visit a museum or park, then enjoy lunch in a family-run restaurant.
If you're heading out in the evening, the bus is also a great way to visit a country pub, enjoy a leisurely meal and perhaps sample a locally brewed ale or cider without worrying about driving home afterwards. If you are going out in the evenings do check on the times of the last buses home.
Many rural pubs are destinations in their own right. Nestled in picturesque villages or overlooking beautiful countryside, they often serve locally sourced food that rivals anything you'll find in the city. Likewise, urban neighbourhoods frequently hide independent cafés and restaurants that deserve far more attention than the big chains.
Food tourism doesn't have to mean travelling hundreds of miles. Sometimes the best discoveries are just a few bus stops away.
You could even set yourself a personal challenge. Every month, choose a different bus route and get off somewhere you've never visited before. Search out the highest-rated café, bakery, fish and chip shop, tea room or pub and see what all the fuss is about. You might uncover the best Sunday roast, the perfect afternoon tea or an unforgettable curry just a short journey from home.
Travelling by bus also gives you the chance to sit back and enjoy the scenery instead of concentrating on the road. It's a more relaxed way to travel and can be kinder to both your wallet and the environment.
At That's Food and Drink, we'd love to hear about your discoveries. If you've found a fantastic café, cosy village pub, brilliant bakery or outstanding restaurant thanks to a £2 bus journey, let us know. Your recommendation could inspire fellow readers to embark on their own foodie adventure.
Sometimes the best meals aren't found by searching online, they're discovered by simply catching the next bus.
