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On the hottest day of the year, Time Out clambered onto the Hendrick's gin bus for a sneak peek of what's in store for thirsty punters for the week ahead.
The idea is that, for one week only, the Hendrick’s Extraordinary Roving Bus for Exceptionally Refined Travel (HERBERT for short - cute!) will be making a hot as hell commute that little bit more bearable. And teaching London commuters a thing or too about travel etiquette. Spiffing.
The cucumber-coloured, Victorian-themed bus rolled out from the South Bank at 7pm, with a team of dandy conductors showing us the ropes (safety first and all that).
© Laura Richards
The décor is just as dapper, with the seats dressed in tweed. The upper deck is a splendid space – bag a seat up there if you can, and try nabbing an old-school, handheld fan while you're at it for total 1880s sass.
© Laura Richards
But enough about the bus, what about the booze? We polished off a slick G&T (with cucumber garnish, obvs), followed by a rhubarb and gin cocktail served in a twee teapot. And the cucumber macaron on the side was actually delicious. Who knew? You can enjoy all three with your £2.50 ticket for travel.
© Laura Richards
And to make the experience all the more British, we cruised past London's landmarks. That sure beats the view from the 425.
© Laura Richards
HERBERT is in town from Thursday July 21 until Friday July 29, with stops at Westminster, South Bank, Holborn and King's Cross.
The first batch of tickets for the gin experience sold out in a flurry, but don't worry, the good folk at the Hendrick's Ministry of Transport will be releasing more tickets on Friday. Put down your G&T – it'll be fastest fingers first if you want to book your place.
All aboard!
© Laura Richards