If you’re local to London and love playing the tourist, or you are visiting from further afield. Jumping on a panoramic bus tour is a fantastic way to see London’s historic sights.  

If, you were then to combine this with a British dining experience with a petite French twist as well, then ‘oh la la’. 

Amazing views from the tour

This is a unique concept that Bustronome has crafted, which all began in Paris.

I used to work in London for many years, and often I kept telling people to look up as the architecture in this incredible city is beautiful. So, the idea of a voyage around the bustling heart of England’s capital city was my cup of tea.

Ready to experience the Bustronome tour

There is certainly something different about Bustronome’s tours. The concept that they have created is for you to enjoy a cultured luxury experience on a high-end double-decker bus. All the while, your attentive waiter serves you with delicious, seasonal, dishes.

The spacious, light, dining area

There is no squabbling for a window seat as all the tables are located on the upper deck, with 360-degree panoramic views through the glass roof. Come, rain or shine you are protected, and the transport is fully air-conditioned.

As the city tour began, Jerome, our Parisian waiter, talked us through how to use the multilingual audio guide. To make the experience a little more discreet, your audio guide is actually through an audio pen. 

You are given a map of the route, and you just tap on the location with your audio pen when you pass nearby the historical site or significant monument, and your commentary begins.

Taking in the audio tour

For me it was like a trip down memory lane, passing by old haunts, some I choose to remember and others I’ve tried to blank from my mind.

From the moment we picked up the bus from Victoria Embankment, it was a cultural trip from start to finish, I really didn’t want it to end.

Through the roof to St Paul's Cathedral

Taking in the view of Threadneedle Street

Gary and I chose the lunchtime tour, which consisted of 4 courses along with, wine, water (still or sparkling) and tea or coffee. 

Enjoying the wine with the starter

Jerome with our red wine

Jerome made us feel very relaxed, described all the dishes and also the wine served with them.

To start with we were also given an amuse-bouche of green olive tapenade on small pieces of toasted bread. 

Green olive tapenade amuse bouche

Our first dish was a crab and artichoke “gateau” with tobiko and wasabi sauce.  The crab was delicious, incredibly light and tasted very fresh.

Our first course - Crab & Artichoke "gateau"

This was then followed by a crispy roll filled with goats’ cheese and beetroot prepared in three different ways.

Accompanying these two courses, we were served a glass of crisp white French Picpoule.

The crispy roll with goats cheese & three ways beetroots

While enjoying your food you’re leisurely passing national treasures like St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. While weaving your way back and forth across the River Thames.

Views along the Thames from the City of Westminster

Our main course was seared tuna, carrot puree, girolle mushrooms and tarragon sauce. We were given the choice of continuing with another glass of white wine or choose to switch to a glass of red.

Simply beautiful

The quality of food is incredible, you forget that this is being prepared for you on a double-decker bus.

All the while you’re relishing the experience pleasant music is being played, some of which transports you to a street-side Parisian café. 

The ambient lighting inside the bus

The seating arrangements are comfortable, and the tables are tastefully laid out.

Bustronome have taken into consideration that there is a need to support your wine and water glasses.

Also, keep a lookout for the magic magnets hidden in the table, so your cutlery doesn’t move about.

Wi-fi is available onboard - check out the login details on you menu/guide

A beautiful seasonal summer dessert

Our dessert, and my favourite dish of the tour, was the strawberries and ginger pavlova, accompanied by ginger sorbet, it was delicious. 

- Lunch 7 days a week from 12:15 (1hr 45mins tour)
- Afternoon tea, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday from 15:00 (1hr 45mins tour)
- Dinner 7 days a week from 19:15 (2hr 45mins tour)

You need to arrive 15 minutes early for all tours.

Then to finish passing by the Houses of Parliament then Trafalgar Square we enjoyed a shot of coffee.

It’s great fun people watching from up above, although we did notice that the Bustronome bus was grabbing attention from passers-by too.

Our lunch experience lasted 1 hour, 45 minutes. In hindsight perhaps we should have chosen the dinner option, and then the historic trip would have taken us on an even more extended voyage around London.

The view of Trafalgar Square

Gary and I really enjoyed our London Bustronome experience. The only thing I would add is that I would have liked one other choice of dishes rather than a set menu. Although I do appreciate that the limited facilities put a constraint on this.

Stunning views of the City of London

A view of The Shard

The price of the trips may initially appear costly; however, not only are you embarking on a guided tour of London, but you also tasting some delightful food as you journey through the city’s historic streets.

I personally think it would make a lovely gift for someone.

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You join the Bustronome bus at Victoria Embankment (coach bay 40B) WC2N 6PB.

The nearest underground station is Embankment, which is on the Bakerloo, Circle, District and Northern lines. The nearest overground station is London Charing Cross.

Onboard the bus is a toilet and cloakroom facilities.

Why not take a look at their choice of menus, in addition to their regular menu they also offer vegetarian, vegan and children’s options?

Whichever one takes your fancy book directly online here.

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We were given a complimentary tour with Bustronome in exchange for an honest review and an account of our personal experiences.