It took more than 200 hours of love to make.
It is not very often you see a double decker bus in the capital. Yes, there are few tourist ones around showing visitors the incredible sites of Abu Dhabi. But I think we can safely say that this London double decker, kitted out in that instantly recognisable bright red livery, is probably the only one of this kind in Abu Dhabi, and dare we say it, across the UAE.
But this one is different. You will not be able to board it and travel anywhere, for it is model size and remarkably was created by the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers’ engineering and culinary team.
The double decker is part of the props of the Pardon My Brunch, a sophisticated British-themed brunch at Nahaam, the pool-side restaurant at the luxury hotel, and is parked proudly at the entrance to the restaurant.
Team Yalla caught up with man behind the idea, Chef Ranga, to find out more.
Why did you decide to make the bus from scratch rather than ‘order’ one in?
It gave us a chance to customise it fully, right down to the tiny details such as the chairs and lights, and we had a lot of fun designing and building it in-house.
Why a double decker London bus rather than for example, a red telephone box?
What is more iconic and oozes the history of London than a red double decker bus?
Who actually made it?
The culinary artist and our engineering team who gave it a wicked, red coat of paint.
How long did it take to make the bus?
Over 200 hours of love, sweat and tears all the way.
What materials did you use? Was it difficult to get them?
All locally sourced from our local hardware shops; we also used some old plywood from previous projects to help us reduce and reuse our waste.
What challenges did you face along the way?
Some materials were not always available at our local hardware shop, so we had to make a few trips into the industrial area of Mussaffa to source hat we needed.
What was the reaction from the public?
They were amazed; we have had a few adults try a sneak inside already. Many can’t believe that we made this in-house.
What’s next on the agendas in terms of making your own props?
A 1966 Mini Cooper and Big Ben.
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