A Night on Sunborn London: The City Break You Never Knew Existed
A night spent on board Sunborn is an incredible escape from life for a while – and it’s a lot more affordable than you think.
As one of the world’s most visited cities, London is home to many stunning hotels across different areas. As a resident Londoner, I imagine it’s hard for visitors to decide where to stay. Well here’s something more to add to your list: a stunning superyacht.
Sunborn is permanently moored in Docklands next to ExCel and Custom House station. The superyacht has 138 guest rooms and suites and we’re about to try out one of them. As it happens Custom House is on the Elizabeth Line on the Underground, making it easily accessible and quick to get to.
Our yacht (isn’t that a good way to start a sentence) is easy to spot as emerge from the tunnel that leads out of the station. She’s gleaming in the sunshine and we can’t wait to get on board. First impressions are that she’s much bigger than expected, it feels like boarding a small cruise ship, which isn’t far off the mark given the size of some I’ve been on before.
Check-in is quick and effortless and before long we’re making our way to our suite. It’s surprisingly spacious with a modern, shiny bathroom and a small balcony with views of nearby buildings and dockside cranes, and Canary Wharf rising unmistakably in the distance.
After settling in, we head straight to the deck for a welcome drink – after all the sun is shining. The cocktail and wine selection is impressive, and we soon find ourselves settled at the very front, taking in the views and making the most of the warm sunshine.
We linger over our drinks and it’s soon time for dinner. We make our way to the restaurant, conveniently located just a short stroll from our suite. Handy when it’s time to turn in for the night.
Drawn once again to the views, we take a table at the front. Service is warm and attentive and the a la carte menu has plenty of tempting choices. To start, I opt for the red pepper soup, which is so richly flavoured and velvety that I’m already determined to recreate it at home. The salmon rillette is equally impressive – soft, delicate and wonderfully creamy.
For our main course, we can’t resist the Chateaubriand. I mean, who can? After all, it’s a rare treat in more ways than one. The generous platter arrives with perfectly cooked slices of dauphinoise potatoes, spring greens and a mixed salad. A small jug of delicious red wine jus. is served on the side. I do like my jus served separately, you can add just the right amount. Together, it’s a simple but indulgent combination, executed beautifully.
The desserts prove to be one of the highlights of the meal – and that’s saying something, as I’m not usually much of a pudding person. Still, I can rarely resist a panna cotta, particularly the vanilla version, today served with strawberry consommé and oatmeal shortbread. It’s beautifully balanced and absolutely delicious.
The citrus creme brulee, accompanied by raspberry compote is equally impressive, combining a crisp, caramelised top with a bright, tangy flavour. Needless to say, both plates are cleared in no time. So much for not having dessert.
After such a memorable feast, we retire to bed feeling thoroughly satisfied. With a super-comfortable bed and blissful peace and quiet, a restful night’s sleep comes easily.
The following morning we wake to those wonderful waterside views, the dock perfectly still beneath a mirror-like surface. There’s time for a hearty breakfast before it’s time to sadly bid our farewells.
This is undoubtedly a uniquely London experience. Industrial dockside scenery, skyline views and stylish comfort come together in a way that feels completely different from a typical stay in the city. There’s something special about watching the water and city lights from this vantage point, while also being so close to the heart of the capital. Your nearest tube station is on the Elizabeth Line, after all, so you can be in Soho in minutes.
It’s a thoroughly enjoyable escape, and considering the quality of the experience, it also represents excellent value – especially when compared to other London hotel prices. Prices on Sunborn through the summer start from £142 for a double room. Weekdays are particularly great value.
Words by Sandy Cadiz-Smith
Royal Victoria Dock
London, E16 1AA, UK
+44 (0) 203 714 8111
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