The BumbleRide Queen B stroller is a high-end stroller that has been specifically designed to look classic and slightly retro, without in any way compromising the kind of quality in both build and design that you’d expect in a modern stroller in this price bracket. In the relatively short time I’ve been personally involved in the stroller market (my daughter is now four months old), I’ve tried a couple - the MacLaren Techno XLR as well as the BumbleRide Queen B - both are great but are strong in slightly different departments. In this review I’ll be focusing in on the Queen B.

There’s no denying that the Queen B looks good. In fact, I’ll freely admit that it was on the looks alone that I was first drawn towards it. The fact that it’s been called the ‘Queen’ gives you a clue that the designers were looking to create something with enough class for royalty. Whether you are using the seat or the optional bassinet, the plush fabrics are beautifully finished to create this effect. All of this sits upon a bold modern frame, evoking the “old meets new” idea. Mine has definitely been the stroller creating the biggest stir amongst the new-moms walk-in-the-park group!

Now I bought the B because I wanted a stroller that was slightly more “heavy-duty” than the MacLaren Techno XLR. We love to walk in the country, and I’m finally up to walking “properly” again now! The MacLaren is great for going round the shops and talking on the bus, but feels a little flimsy when taken off-road. The Queen B, on the other hand, has proved to be a top performer wherever I’ve taken it. Up and down hills, paths or no paths, through mud and puddles, rocky surfaces, all without a problem. The BumbleRide Queen B, importantly, also has large tyres (which are filled with air) and a deluxe padded seat to ensure that my daughter always gets the smoothest of rides.

It’s performance around the shops has been none-too-shabby, too. On the occasions when I’ve favoured it over the MacLaren for the weekly shop, I’ve found it to be easily manoeuvred and steered. I can adjust the handles quickly after my husband’s been using it, and I can whip it in and out of the car in no time at all. It can collapse right down, and you can even remove the wheels if space is tight. Although I still slightly favour the MacLaren XLR for the shopping trip - the BumbleRide Queen B definitely outperforms the XLR overall in terms of its versatility.

Now my daughter has outgrown the bassinet, one feature of the Queen B that I love is the reversible seat. When she’s in a good mood, I can position it so she can face out to see the world, but when she’s unhappy and in need of a little mummy face time, I can turn the seat so she faces me. It’s really easy to do this and takes no time at all. The seat will actually recline to a pretty much full horizontal position, so you may well decide that the bassinet’s not necessary.

There are few other things to know about it. Included out of the box are an air pump for the tyres, a foot muff and rain cover (fairly standard) and a cup holder (why not?). There is also a useful storage section under the seat - the key word here being ‘useful’, which is a rarity in strollers I’ve looked at! As I’ve mentioned, you can get a bassinet as an optional extra, and also a toddler seat, if you have two to seat.

In summary, if you’re after a stroller just to take to the shops - you can probably find one cheaper and more practical than this one. If, however, you’re after a stroller with the versatility to take around the shops easily, whilst also performing well in any environment in which you’re likely to be out and about with your child (and one that looks great, too) - you should give the BumbleRide Queen B a serious look. Click here to get more information and prices.