Dinner on the Thames – An Evening Cruising Through the Heart of London
For a different perspective on a city, I love taking to the water. Seen from the river, familiar streets and landmarks take on a whole new character – and there’s something about being on the Thames that makes London’s history feel particularly close.
It was, after all, the river that first shaped the city. When the Romans established Londinium around AD 43 they chose the spot for its strategic position – a place where people and goods could arrive, trade could flourish and the settlement could be defended. The Thames became London’s great artery, carrying people, cargo and stories into the heart of the city.
London has since spread far beyond the riverbanks, but the Thames remains its beating heart. From the water, the city seems to unfold in a different way, revealing its layers of history as you pass – and offering one of the loveliest vantage points for taking in London’s most iconic landmarks.
And today it’s not just any old river trip, we’re also going to have dinner onboard. We embark our City Cruises boat at Westminster Milennium Pier. It’s a beautifully warm and sunny summer evening and there’s a sense of anticipation in the air. We’ve upgrade to the VIP package which means we get priority boarding (love being one of the first on any kind of vessel) and a lovely table by the window right at the front.
Soon we’re settled into our seats, champagne in hand, nibbling on the delightful plate of canapés awaiting us, a delectable array of tartlets. As the city slips into motion around us, we glide eastwards leaving the golden face of Big Ben and the magnificence of the Houses of Parliament behind.
Our journey takes us past the glittering London Eye, and the skyline starts to shift as we enter the City of London. Tower Bridge appears ahead, strikingly beautiful against the water with the ancient Tower of London keeping watch beside it. Further east, the glass towers of Canary Wharf rise into view, their sleek silhouettes a striking contrast to the historic landmarks we’ve left behind. And still the Thames carries us onwards, through the ever-changing face of London towards the imposing Thames Barrier.
Along the way, we’re entertained by a lovely live singer while the food keeps arriving, all served with a smile. We start with luscious gravadlax and a dill and mustard dressing, followed by herb and garlic marinated corn-fed chicken with sublime Lyonnaise potatoes and vegetables. To finish there’s a tiramisu and a substantial cheeseboard. It’s a real feast, made all the more enjoyable by the ever-changing panorama beyond the windows.
All too soon, we’re gliding back towards Westminster. London seems to have transformed for the return journey – all shimmering lights and gleaming reflections. It’s a magical finale to a thoroughly fabulous evening on the river. For me this has to be one of the most enjoyable – and good-value – ways to experience more of our great city. It’s hard to think of a better way to spend a summer night out in London.
The Facts
A dinner cruise with City Experiences starts at £99 per person for a welcome glass of Prosecco and a three-course dinner. To make it an even more special occasion, you can upgrade to the VIP package for just £45 per person. Extras include priority boarding, front of the boat seating, a glass of champagne on arrival, five tasty canapés, a cheeseboard and dessert wine with pudding.
Westminster is the nearest tube station. Follow the signs for Westminster Pier and you will come emerge from the underground right beside the river.
Words by Sandy Cadiz-Smith
Read more from Crave, the lifestyle magazine UK audiences turn to for inspiration and trends.