My partner and I arrived on foot at Westminster Pier for the 6.15pm embarkation onto the brand-new two-hour Taste of Britain Cruise with City Cruises.
We were shown where to go and found our embarkation point easily. We were greeted warmly by members of the City Cruise team and given Lanyards with our names on before we departed. We had lots of opportunity to take photos from the riverside before the boat docked, and the weather was good to us (if not a wee bit chilly!), allowing us some stunning photos of the London Eye and Palace of Westminster.
The boat called Erasmus pulled up dockside a little after 6.15pm and we were all helped onto the lower deck by the crew. We were guided to the upper deck, where there was a well-stocked bar and plenty of space to mingle. The crew offered everyone a glass of Pimm’s to begin the evening, and there was a very talented young man playing British pop hits, which gave a nice atmosphere.
Once all the guests were on board we departed, and the Managing Director of City Cruises gave a speech, describing the work that had been done during the preceding months to get this new cruise launched. He also mentioned other types of boat cruise available from City Cruises, including an afternoon tea cruise every Sunday, and some gala cruises around the time of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations.
After the speeches, we were offered yet more complimentary Pimm’s, as well as red and white wine, and spirits and beers at the bar. Most people then started to explore the boat more, and my partner and I followed suit. We went to the back of the boat, where there was a top deck viewing area. If the temperature had been better, I’m certain we would have sat out on deck longer – especially because of all the landmarks we passed on the Thames!
As the sun went down, photo opportunities kept coming, with a beautiful sunset giving us a completely different view of London!
The crew then began to bring trays of nibbles showcasing British cuisine – Mini Yorkshire puddings with roast beef and horseradish mayo, mini fish and chips with mushy peas, mini sausage and mash, and vegetarian and vegan options such as lentils with roasted root veg, to name but a few! All the savoury dishes were yummy, and by the time the pudding samples came out towards the end of our cruise, we were almost too full to eat them! We did, however, manage an Eton Mess each!
The cruise was an amazing experience for both of us, having both been to London before, but never having seen it from the river, and I think it will appeal to couples as a way to spend a romantic few hours together. We felt very privileged to be able to see the sights of London from this perspective!
I also feel it will appeal to family groups, as throughout the cruise my partner and I spent a lot of time discussing how much our two young children would have loved to be aboard!
All in all, an extremely enjoyable evening, and I would highly recommend this Taste of Britain city cruise as a part of any London sightseeing itinerary!
Why not stay over?
Hyatt Place London City East brings stylish interiors, expertly-curated street art and stunning City views to the cosmopolitan heart of East London. It offers effortless access to Embankment Pier for the Thames Dinner Cruise, whilst also in proximity to the iconic sights and delights of London’s Brick Lane, Spitalfields plus the artistic streets and buzz of neighbouring Shoreditch.
More than 100 of this upscale hotel’s 280 rooms have exceptional views across the capital, The Gherkin and Canary Wharf and thirteen of the bedrooms across the top two floors come with their own private outdoor terraces or balconies. On the ninth floor is PocketSquare Skyline Bar & Terrace, a stunning destination rooftop bar with drinks that are as exceptional as the views. Zoom East, on the lower ground floor is the hotel’s new Sicilian-inspired restaurant, headed up by Sicilian Head Chef Vittorio Meli.
We guarantee you will have a fabulous stay!
www.hyattplacelondoncityeast.com
Words and some Images by Amy Botterill
Some images courtesy of City Cruises and some courtesy of Hyatt Place London City East
