Being driven around London, cruising past Harvey Nicks, and indulging in a six-course gourmet dinner. It sounds like an episode of Absolutely Fabulous.Bustronome, a double-decker bus converted into an upscale moving restaurant, combines a traditional sightseeing tour of London with fine dining.As you wait for it to arrive at Embankment bus station, it’s easy to mistake Bustronome for any other coach. That's until you step inside.
The top deck has room for 38 diners in arrangements of two to eight. The wooden tables and chairs are firmly attached to the floor, and each table is meticulously arranged, with magnetic placemats that keep the cutlery secure.Seating us comfortably in a padded booth, our waiter swiftly welcomes us with a glass of Champagne and neatly slots it into a custom-made transparent table holder, which holds several glasses throughout the evening.
'How do you stay upright,' I ask our waiter. 'We've got magnets on our feet,’ he jokingly responds. But it may as well be true, as the six courses are effortlessly served throughout the evening. LEFT: Rack of lamb, served with sweet potato puree in a blueberry sauce. RIGHT: Pan-seared salmon served with leek and potato veloute.
Crossing Tower Bridge at sunset, the city’s skyline transforms before us, framed by the clear glass roof of the bus.