Combining bus tours with food and drinks is nothing new for London. Over the past few years, several companies have offered themed afternoon tea experiences and fine dining on double-decker buses. However, Le Grand has elevated this experience to a new level of comfort and luxury.
Red carpet moment
Located right next to Green Park Station, in one of London’s busiest areas where bus stops are crammed together, you won’t have to look far to find Le Grand Bus. There is literally a red carpet rolled out in front of it. Quite the first impression and this sets the tone for what’s to come.
Step inside, walk up the rosewood, ambient-lit, staircase to be greeted by a luxurious lounge filled with yellow armchairs and set tables like in a posh restaurant. The most striking feature is the panoramic glass roof that spills over the sides and bathes the interior with natural light, even on a rainy day. The top is tinted so on warm summer days the sunlight won’t be overbearing.
All seats face forward and can accommodate solo, couple and families. The rear has a wrap-around sofa with large table for big groups. Sitting back in these relaxing armchairs gives the feeling of being in a private jet or back of a Rolls Royce being chauffeured around.
First class experience
It’s amazing how those little details can elevate your experience. It was difficult not to feel privileged while looking down on peasants (envious tourists) from our opulent, VIP vehicle. We couldn’t help but raise a glass to onlookers when a normal commuter bus pulled alongside.
When you think of a bus you don’t think luxury but the interior design is beautifully executed with high quality luxurious materials and furniture throughout and warm ambient lighting when the sun goes down. Each table is equipped with a specially designed stand to keep your champagne in place is there’s a bump in the road.
Downstairs you’ll find some more seating, dual wine fridges, coat rack and the lavatory – which really surprised us. They could have opted for a basic bus toilet but instead applied the luxury treatment in there too. It’s quite compact but has the same design you would find in a high-end restaurant with a proper sink with tap, hand towels and even a small window.
Wafting through London
It’s easy to get caught up in all the dazzle and forget you’re still on a tour bus. Each table comes with audio guides for each guest, playing automatically based on the location of the bus on the route.
The guide is available in six languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Chinese, and Russian, and is filled with interesting facts. For example, did you know that the Serpentine Lido is Britain’s oldest open-water swimming club or that Queen Victoria spent her childhood at Kensington Palace, where she met her future beloved husband, Prince Albert? We were also surprised to find out that Queen Victoria faced seven assassination attempts during her reign.
Champagne and caviar
Consuming this information and taking in the magnificent London views is paired perfectly with a glass of champagne and black caviar. Complimented by sweet and savoury nibbles from Robuchon Deli — one of the projects of the late renowned French chef Joel Robuchon — are also delicious and dangerously moreish.
We highly recommend getting a package that includes the tour with afternoon tea which heightens the experience even further. With a huge variety of tea selections, all served on elegant of fine bone china cups and saucers made in England.
As with many upscale restaurants, it’s the service that really sets Le Grand Bus apart from its competitors, so don’t be shy when it comes to asking for advice on what to order. For example, this is how we found out about the unique Blue Tea by Robuchon. For those who want something stronger, wine and a variety of spirits are available.
Elevated tour of London
Aesthetically pleasing and ergonomically efficient, Le Grand buses were custom designed in France, built in Spain, and then delivered to London. Currently, the company offers two routes: Best of London and City (Tower) of London. Each tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Despite Le Grand starting only a few months ago, it’s already making a big splash, especially with private hires, including football teams and celebrities travelling from the airport to hotels and other destinations. Why settle for an Uber when you can relax in style with a glass of champagne in hand under the panoramic roof and can bring all your mates along for the ride.
In a world where time seems to fly by, Le Grand Bus invites you to slow down, savour the moment, and experience the timeless allure of London in a truly extraordinary setting.
More information about Le Grand Bus can be found here.
Image credits: © Le Grand Bus, Travel with Style
