Two Bermudian women were given the shock of a lifetime at Tom Moore's Tavern on Tuesday evening when a fellow diner stopped at their table to meet them - former US President George Bush, Sr.

“He could've just walked right on by, but he stopped, he didn't have to ... that blew me away,” Corinne Simons told The Royal Gazette.

“He said, ‘What are you two lovely ladies doing out tonight?'”

Though most people might have been tongue-tied in such a situation, Ms Simons is clearly not most people. “Oh, I don't have a problem with talking,” she said.

“I said we were having a business discussion, and asked if he enjoyed his meal - he said it was absolutely wonderful, we said a few other things ... He's a very nice man.”

Mr. Bush then shook their hands, she said - and when she noticed his travel companion, CBS Sports announcer John Nance, standing behind him, she made sure to shake his hand too. “Just because it was George Bush didn't mean I didn't want to acknowledge anyone else.”

Former Premier Sir John Swan also had some face time with his old friend with a lunch yesterday at the Mid-Ocean Club.

The two former leaders discussed governance and Bermuda's gratitude for its amiable relationship with the US, as well as the state of tourism and international business - Mr. Bush was instrumental during his days as Vice President to Ronald Reagan in pointing Bermuda “in the right direction” regarding the reinsurance business.

“Overall, it was an excellent lunch,” Sir John said yesterday. “His trip really rekindled his spirit with Bermuda ... Hopefully he will spend more time here.”