Bustronome London Review: A Fine Dining Bus Tour
Have you ever watched a sleek Bustronome glide through London, its diners sipping wine behind panoramic glass windows, and wondered – is that actually worth it?
On a very rainy afternoon, I had the chance to find out for myself. In this Bustronome London Review you’ll see it’s not just another themed dining experience. It’s a moving restaurant, an intimate tour and an unexpectedly seamless way to enjoy London’s landmarks without stepping into a single puddle.
If you’re searching for a unique way to see the city or a dining experience that feels like a culinary change of scenery, this scenic journey on a black double-decker bus might be just what you’re looking for. Here’s what to expect, who it’s best suited for and what you absolutely need to know before booking.
Bustronome London Review: The Food
One of my biggest concerns before boarding was whether the tables would be stable enough to actually enjoy the meal. The answer? Absolutely.
The glassware is designed with ridges that slot into plastic trays, preventing spills. Plates and silverware stay put, so you can focus on the food instead of bracing for every turn. you can see some of this in the photos later in this review.
Bustronome London offers seasonal menus served in courses, with prices varying based on the experience:
- Lunch: £70 (no wine)
- Afternoon Tea: £75 (includes hot drinks) or £95 (bottomless prosecco)
- Dinner: £120 (food only) or £150 (with wine pairings)
During my winter journey, the Lunch menu included:
- Beetroot Cured Salmon Gravlax – with fennel salad, horseradish cream, pickled onions and fresh herbs.
- Colley Fillet – tender broccoli sautéed with chilli and garlic, served with red bell pepper sauce.
- Beef Wellington – truffle mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and beef jus.
- Chilled Chocolate Fondant – pistachio ganache with red fruits.
Each course was beautifully presented, well-paced and genuinely delicious. Given the setting, I had expected the food to be more about the experience than the flavour, but it stood on its own.
Bustronome Review: The Journey
The journey begins near Embankment Station, where you board the black double-decker. Each table is pre-assigned, meaning you won’t need to share with strangers if you’re dining solo.
The bus has a fully glazed roof, making it an excellent way to sightsee without worrying about the weather.
The route covers:
- Tower of London
- Tower Bridge
- The Shard
- St Paul’s Cathedral
- Royal Courts of Justice
- The London Eye
- Westminster Palace & Big Ben
- Trafalgar Square
- Piccadilly Circus
- Hyde Park Corner
- Royal Albert Hall
- Natural History Museum & V&A
- Harrods
These are images of some of the landmarks, However, note that they aren’t from the day I visited due to the rain.
The bus plays background music. And while there’s no live tour guide, guests can use an app (available in seven languages) for historical context about the landmarks. If you’re expecting a traditional narrated tour, this could be a surprise.
There’s a perfect moment to capture a shot under Tower Bridge, so have your camera ready. However, if you’re planning to take photos or video throughout, bear in mind that reflections from the glass may limit your results, especially after dark.
You can see what the experience would be like on a rainy day in this highlight video I made.
Bustronome Review: Who Would Enjoy This?
Booking in advance is essential. The experience attracts a mix of guests, from tourists to business travellers looking for an impressive way to experience the city in limited time.
On my visit, a British couple near my age was celebrating a birthday, making it clear this is a great date activity.
it’s ideal for:
- Tourists who want to combine dining with sightseeing.
- Solo travellers looking for an elegant experience without needing company.
- Business travellers who want to see London efficiently.
- Anyone worried about plans being disrupted by rain.
That said, this is not an experience for children, in my opinion. The setting is sophisticated, the courses take time and there isn’t much to entertain younger guests.
Bustronome London Review: What You Must Know
location
This is where my experience took an unexpected turn. The first time I booked, I assumed the departure point would be Victoria Coach Station. This is because most bus-based experiences in London, like afternoon tea buses and day trips, leave from there.
It wasn’t. Bustronome departs from Embankment. By the time I realised my mistake, I had missed first my booking. If you take one thing away from this review, let it be this: triple-check the location on your ticket before you go.
guided tour
Another key detail: while the app provides a guided experience, there is no live tour guide. If you were hoping for historical commentary from a London expert, you may want to set your expectations accordingly.
Hotels near Embankment Station
If you haven’t booked your hotel yet for your London trip, here’s an interactive map to get you started! It’s based on the most central location in town, near Embankment.
Bustronome London: Final Thoughts
Bustronome could be a great way to see London’s Christmas lights without battling the crowds. It’s also one of the most comfortable ways to tour the city in winter while enjoying a high-quality meal.
Would I do it again? For a special occasion, absolutely. However, I’d keep in mind that my photos wouldn’t turn out spectacular through the glass.
If you’re looking for more unique London experiences, I’ve published Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok videos highlighting some of the best activities in the city.
If this is your first London trip, you might also like my London Travel Planner, if you want to save time and travel smarter. It’s full of insider tips, including a 3-day itinerary which ends with one of Mr Sunny’s iconic London pub crawls!
Need help trip planning?
- Save on hotels
- Book your flights
- Find Things to Do
- Get our London Travel Planner
- Receive weekly London news with discount codes!
Have you ever tried a dining experience like this? Would you choose a meal on a moving bus? Let me know in the comments!
Related Things to Do in London articles
Follow me on Pinterest!
Some of the links in this Bustronome London review are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them. This comes at no additional cost to you and it helps support the Sunny in London blog.