Heroica Lounge London Review: The Pizza Bus at Royal Victoria Dock

Three out of four people in our group are genuinely obsessed with pizza, and not the “any pizza is good pizza” kind of obsessed. We mean the traditional, thin-crust, properly baked, simple toppings, crispy edge, no soggy middle standards. So when I discovered that Heroica Lounge London combines that exact vibe with a double decker bus and pretty Docklands views, it went straight onto our must-go list.

This review is for anyone who saw the “pizza bus” concept online and wondered two things: is the food actually good, and is the location worth the trip? Because London is full of places that look amazing in photos and then disappoint the second you taste the crust. Here’s what it feels like in real life, how to get there without making it complicated, and whether it’s a gimmick or a genuinely fun place you’d recommend.

What is Heroica Lounge (and why everyone calls it “the pizza bus”)?

Heroica Lounge London is exactly what it sounds like, in the most satisfying way: a classic red double decker bus turned into a pizza spot by the water. People call it the “pizza bus” because the whole experience is built around the bus itself, not just a random prop outside. You are not walking into a normal restaurant that happens to have a London theme. You are literally eating in (and on top of) a bus, with Royal Victoria Dock right there.

The reason it works is that it hits two moods at once.

First, it feels like an experience. Not in a forced, tourist-trap way, but in that “this is such a London thing” way. Second, it is still casual enough that you can show up hungry, sit with friends, talk normally, and just enjoy pizza without it turning into a big formal evening.

If you’re choosing it for a group, it’s an easy win. Everyone understands the assignment: pizza, drinks, views, and a setting that makes the whole dinner feel a bit more fun than your usual “let’s grab food.”

Where is Heroica Lounge and how to get there

Heroica Lounge is by Royal Victoria Dock in East London, and the location is a big part of why people like it. It’s calmer than central, there’s water, there’s space, and it feels like you’ve stepped into a different London mood without actually going far.

It’s also a very convenient option if you’re anywhere near ExCeL London, because you can realistically walk here before or after an event. This is one of those areas where the walk is actually pleasant, not the “why did we choose this route” kind of walk.

The easiest ways to get there

Option 1: Custom House (Elizabeth line or DLR)
This is the route we took and it was genuinely smooth. You can get to Custom House on the Elizabeth line (fast, simple, and it feels like cheating compared to older lines), then walk over to the dock. It’s easy, it makes sense, and you don’t need to do any complicated transfers if you’re already coming from central.

Option 2: Royal Victoria (DLR)
If you’re already using the DLR, Royal Victoria is the most direct stop and drops you close to the water.

From either station, the last stretch is straightforward. You’re walking along Docklands with the dock right there, which is exactly the kind of arrival you want when your whole plan is “pizza with a view.”

The bonus move you should not skip: the cable car

Here’s the part that makes this location even better: the London Cable Car (IFS Cloud Cable Car) is basically right next door, and honestly, not using it feels like a small London crime. The views are so good for such little effort, and it’s one of those experiences that instantly makes the day feel more special.

We did it the best way: we came for Heroica, then hopped on the cable car and crossed to the other side just for the views. After that, we carried on with our day by switching to the Jubilee line and heading off to explore more of London. It’s such an easy little itinerary upgrade, because you’re already there, and it turns a “pizza stop” into a whole mini Docklands moment.

One small thing that actually matters

Check the weather. The top deck is part of the charm, but wind can turn your cute rooftop plan into a full-time hair battle. If you can, aim for a time when it’s not freezing and you’ll enjoy the whole concept so much more.

The experience: seating, views, and the “London bus” atmosphere

Heroica Lounge isn’t the kind of place where you sit down and forget where you are. The setting stays part of the experience the whole time, especially upstairs.

The top deck is where it clicks. You’re sitting up high, with the dock next to you, and the view is genuinely prettier than most people expect from this part of London. There’s something about being by the water that instantly makes dinner feel more relaxed. It’s not “central London chaos,” it’s more “we accidentally found a calmer version of London.”

It also has that very specific vibe of being casual but still special. You don’t need to dress up, you don’t need to be quiet, and it doesn’t feel stiff or fancy. It feels like the kind of place you choose when you want dinner to feel like a mini event, without committing to an expensive, formal night out.

The only real catch is the obvious one: you are relying on London weather. On a good day, it’s amazing. On a windy day, you will understand why people suddenly care about wearing a coat. Still, even with a bit of wind, it’s the kind of atmosphere that makes you stay longer than planned, because it’s simply fun to be there.

What we ordered, how the pizza actually tasted, and whether it’s worth it

This was the part we cared about most, because the bus and the dock views can only carry a place so far. If the pizza is average, the whole thing becomes “cute once” and that’s it. We came as four people, ordered four pizzas (one per person), and then did what any normal group does when pizza lands on the table: we shared slices, compared, and everyone had a favourite within minutes.

Here’s what we ordered, and how each one landed.

Heroica pizza (£16)

The Heroica pizza was genuinely tasty, and the topping that mattered most to us was done really well. Aubergine can be risky, because if it’s even slightly bitter, it ruins the whole mood. Here it was soft, well cooked, and had zero bitterness, which immediately made this pizza feel more “thought-out” than a basic safe order.

The only downside was the crust edge. It wasn’t bad, but it was quite chewy, the kind where you keep chewing a little longer than you want to. If you’re very sensitive to crust texture, you’ll notice it. If you care more about topping flavour, you’ll still enjoy this one.

Chicken pizza (£15.50)

The Chicken pizza was a really solid surprise. It had a light paprika vibe, not spicy, not heavy, just warm and nicely balanced. The chicken itself was soft and juicy, not dry, not chewy, which instantly puts it ahead of most chicken pizzas we’ve had.

This one also had that “everything fits together” feeling. The dough tasted good, the toppings made sense, and it didn’t feel like a random ingredient pile. It’s an easy recommendation if you want something safe that still tastes like a proper pizza.

Truffle pizza (£15.50)

The Truffle pizza was a win for anyone who likes truffle but doesn’t want it to dominate the whole meal. The truffle flavour was delicate, more of a soft background note than something intense. The mushrooms worked beautifully with it, and the sausage added that savoury bite that keeps it from feeling too one-note.

It was consistently good slice after slice, and it felt like the most “grown-up” choice of the four without trying to be dramatic.

Nduja pizza (£15.50)

The Nduja was the clear favourite. No debate. It was perfect, and the nicest part is that it wasn’t trying too hard. It tasted simple in the best way: good-quality ingredients, nothing overloaded, nothing messy, just flavour that makes sense. It wasn’t over-the-top spicy, it wasn’t greasy, and it didn’t feel heavy.

If you only order one pizza here, this is the one I’d start with.

Is the pizza actually good, or is it just the concept?

It’s not only a gimmick. When you pick well, you get genuinely good pizza, and the Nduja proved that the kitchen can absolutely deliver. At the same time, it’s not the kind of place where every single bite screams “best pizza of your life.” It’s more like: good pizza, fun setting, and the combination makes it worth going.

Price and value for money (with real numbers)

Each pizza was £15.50, except the Heroica pizza which was £16, and for London that feels pretty fair, especially considering you’re paying for a location that’s basically part restaurant, part mini experience. You’re eating pizza on a double decker bus by the water, and that’s part of what you’re buying. For us, the value simply made sense.

Final verdict: is Heroica Lounge London worth it?

Yes, it’s worth it, with one sentence of honesty attached: it’s worth it because it’s a genuinely fun experience and the pizza is good, not because it’s secretly the best pizza in London.

For us, the highlight was how easy it was to turn a simple meal into a proper Docklands moment. The view does its job, the bus concept is as fun in real life as it looks online, and the prices (around £15.50 per pizza, £16 for the Heroica) felt fair for London, especially for a place that gives you both food and an experience.

If you’re going and you want the safest order, start with the Nduja. That was the one that got the instant “okay, this is perfect” reaction at the table.