If I told you that there was a way to take in the top sights of London all whilst being wined and dined on the most luxurious double decker bus would you be interested? Of course you would! That’s why the folks at Bustronome have come up with this delightful concept that not only has you experiencing gourmet travel but also makes you feel a million pounds whilst doing so. I was kindly gifted my experience on Bustronome in exchange for this piece and social exposure, but I can safely say I would pay and return with my own money (in fact I’m looking to gift it to some family members for Birthday/Christmas gifts!).
Our experience started at Coach bay 40B, Victoria Embankment, WC2N 6PB London. It was a lovely hot day and we had resisted treats throughout the morning to fully enjoy what we were about to experience. The bus turned up promptly. We were met with a slick, black exterior clearly labelled with ‘Bustronome’ this was it! After making our way onto the bus, we could see the full kitchen facilities to the right of us and even got to meet our Chef for the experience. Luxury black interiors with tiled designs covered the stairwell wall creating the idea that this was indeed a luxurious restaurant. We were escorted upstairs to our table. It had spacious, luxurious leather seats, a bespoke table tray that held all glasses in place throughout the service and of course, glass windows (including the roof) to enable full view as we made our way around London.
The venue itself oozes luxury. Each spacious seat is placed next to either side of the bus with beautiful 360 views. You needn’t worry on where you’re seated, you’ll get the best view. We were seated mid bus, opposite the stairs. It was pretty much bang on in the centre of the bus which meant it was perfect for capturing those images. However, others were seats around us at the end of the bus and just behind… I can assure you they got some incredible views too! I’ll even add that it perhaps has the most luxury toilet facilities I’ve ever seen on board for a bus.. but do go check it out yourself.
As the coach left our bay, waiters quickly ensured our glasses were filled and we were given clear instructions on what to expect throughout our trip. What was really amazing is that each place has a map of the route in front of them and electronic pens (that double up as audio guides). Simply dab the location point you’re at and you’re away! It was left up to each attendee to choose whether they wanted to listen to the guide or simply enjoy each others company.
Quiet music played in the background and what was nice was the ability to hear the person opposite you. You may suspect some noise issues on transportation but it’s actually a very peaceful, tranquil environment. I didn’t feel any stress whilst on this bus.
Now, I know you’re all wondering about the food. Canapés made their way to our table just as we left and we were told about the menu for lunch (you can pre arrange any specific requirements). I’m gonna let the pictures do the talking for a moment…
Hungry are we? Whilst the first Two courses were delightfully refreshing and light, the venison was the perfect counterpart and I cannot even begin to tell you how much my husband and I enjoyed the Easter Egg dessert. However this seems a little bit of an usual way to explain the courses, so let’s do it chronologically as we should eh?
What you can expect from each course is a subtle, delicate flavour that’s met with the richness of the chocolate. Each texture has been carefully thought out to compliment the full experience. It really is quite something. Whilst I feel my words don’t quite do the menu justice, I feel it’s my duty to give it my best go:
The starter was a crisp, light course which threw me by surprise at the raw and cooked asparagus element. I think the crunchiness of the raw asparagus added much more to the delicate balance within this dish.
The Prawn and Cauliflower risotto was something special. If all risotto could be cauliflower I’d be a-ok with this. As it wasn’t a heavy rice, the flavour of the risotto was so much easier to take in with the chocolate sauce.
The Venison was really something special. Perfectly cooked and tender. If you’d had Venison before you’ll know it requires the perfect sauce to enhance the taste rather than detract. The rich, dark chocolate sauce was honestly the most spectacular part of these dishes.
The Easter Egg dessert was not at all what I expected (and in the best possible way) the chocolate mousse was incredibly rich, yet light. It was over sweet and really pulled out the darkness of the rich cocoa. Again, as with every course Bustronome played with textures. The crispy base to the dessert was the perfect compliment to the smooth mousse and we were not disappointed with the portion size at all. We were left totally satisfied.
Bustronome have come up with a wonderful experience that literally pleases all of the senses throughout your trip to London. I have some incredible pictures from the trip and I’ve never experienced such wonderful views of London in all my years of visiting. Safe to say, I am completely converted to the Bustronome experience. Oh and don’t just take my word for it- google ‘Bustronome Reviews’ and you’ll see it’s not just me!
Although I visited this experience during the day, they also offer afternoon tea and a 6 course evening meal. I can only imagine how incredible the lights of London look at this time. Whether you hit it up during the day or evening, you’ll be in for a treat.
What do you think to this idea? Would you be up for it?
Violet x
Leave a Reply