I flew a couple of times between BOM and LHR on the upper deck in economy late 80's and early 90's
It was tight up there, but I seem to remember that the first row aisle seat was great because one could look right into the cockpit as the door was usually open for the entire flight.
I remember being seated in the cockpit for a couple of take offs and landings (a family friend was a purser on BA and when she was on the flight I got treated very well :-) )