

Its title? “Millions Now Living Will Never Die.” Speaking in this hall six years later, the same speaker drew world attention to the fact that the League of Nations did not have divine approval. Still mentioned is a public address given here in 1920 by the Watch Tower Society’s second president, J. F. Rutherford. Elliptical in plan and styled after a Roman circus, this is one of London’s famous auditoriums. Passing through Kensington, we arrive at the Royal Albert Hall.

Today a forum for public speakers at famed Speakers’ Corner, it has seen in the past military reviews, exhibitions and even a reenacting of the Battle of Trafalgar on the Serpentine Lake. The green 360 acres (146 hectares) of Hyde Park have provided fresh air and water for Londoners since the 11th century, when King Edward the Confessor granted the land and its springs to Westminster Abbey. Patterned after the Arch of Constantine in Rome, Italy, it now stands near Tyburn, the site of public executions until the end of the 18th century.Īh, we’re moving off! Turning along Bayswater Road, we retrace London’s first public tramway, laid down by that enterprising American, George Train. Since we are starting from Marble Arch, our first point of interest is this triple arch with its wrought-iron gates. At regular intervals, commencing at 10 a.m., you can get your ticket and board a bus at Marble Arch, Victoria Station or Piccadilly. The London Transport Executive provides this daily service that affords visitors a fine two-hour sight-seeing trip. Shall we go upstairs and join the millions who have taken Gladstone’s advice? Come on! See London-atop a double-decker bus! Instead, their bright-red, diesel-engined “grandchildren” await us. Today we do not have horse-drawn buses clip-clopping around London. “THE way to see London is from the top of a bus-the top of a bus, gentlemen.” That was the advice that William Ewart Gladstone, prime minister of England, gave to some American visitors during the 19th century. Music is played all throughout the journey.By “Awake!” correspondent in the British Isles The timing of the courses deliberately matched the lulls in the tour guide, so you could listen to the program without interrupting your meal. It was more than enough food, and was nicely paired with both a white and red wine along the route. It lives up to its billing as a gourmet meal. This isn’t your typical tourist attraction dinner. I can honestly say I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the meal. We didn’t really know what could be expected of a dinner served aboard a bus. You wouldn’t know it by looking, but the silverware are all magnetized to the table, so they won’t slip around at all. There were absolutely no slips or spills, despite the occasional bump in the ride. Water and wine glasses slide into slots in the centerpiece. The table is expertly prepared with the means to keep everything in place. This was when I learned the secret to how they keep the wine glasses from falling over. It felt just like we were being served at a restaurant – it just happened to have scenery passing by as we ate. Upon boarding, we started with a glass of sparkling wine and some appetizers. We took the dinner service, but I imagine lunch would be very similar. Afternoon tea can be with or without Champagne. Lunch is a 4-course meal (with or without wine pairings). The dining experience varies depending on which meal you’re on board for. Check the Bustronome website for more details on dining times and schedule. The bus ride is very smooth and enjoyable. Though it never really felt like we were driving along the typically bumpy roads of London. The waiters are all very well training in the art of staying on their feet, despite the bumps in the road. You may be wondering how they make this work and I have to admit I spent a fair amount of time wondering how they kept the wine glasses from falling over. The innovative double-decker restaurant on wheels began in Paris and extended its tours to London in summer 2018. The company that offers this fun and tasty experience is called Bustronome. But there’s no better way to combine two great London experiences in one than by enjoying a gourmet meal aboard a double-decker sightseeing bus.

You won’t be struggling to find ways to experience London’s exciting food scene when you’re in town for a visit.
