I was lucky enough to attend the launch of Woods’ Silver Fleet The Laurent-Perrier Champagne Lunch Cruise aboard the 200ft flagship Silver Sturgeon as the finale of the Evening Standard London Food Month. The Laurent-Perrier Champagne Lunch Cruise is available for a limited season during summer 2007.
The Woods family has worked on the Thames since 1866, and its other boats are vintage cruiser the Silver Barracuda and river taxi the Silver Darling. They specialise in luxury cruises on the River Thames with exceptional dining.
The Silver Sturgeon is a contemporary, architect-designed river yacht used for private events. And this really is the perfect way to spend a Friday afternoon.
We were welcomed onboard at Savoy Pier on Victoria Embankment with a glass of Champagne and made our way up to the top deck to enjoy the views of London. Our Champagne glasses were topped up regularly while we took photos and chatted to other guests.
When the cruise started we went down to the River Room to enjoy a three-course set lunch, created by the boat’s chef Douglas Gaunt in the galley kitchen with seasonal produce. Gaunt joined Woods’ Silver Fleet in 2010 having worked for Jamie Oliver and Kate Moss’s wedding caterers Cellar Society.
In the River Room we had a large booth for just two guests.
The River Room is gorgeous with oak flooring and a curvaceous glass staircase in the centre.
While we dined the Silver Sturgeon cruised past the Houses of Parliament and then turned to pass the London Eye, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe and under Tower Bridge.
But let’s get to the food. Before the meal even started, we were served wine and this taster treat.
This was the salmon starter enjoyed by my companion.
And here’s the vegetarian starter.
This was the beef main course.
And this was the vegetarian main. Both were served with shared bowls of Jersey Royals.
And then we got to the dessert which I have to say was truly amazing. I mean, look at that. Just, wow.
Coffee was served with handmade Laurent-Perrier Champagne Truffles and there was no rush to leave. As we had smoothly arrived back at Savoy Pier guests could disembark or take their drinks up to the Sun Deck to enjoy the sunshine.
I expect you are now thinking, it is all very well me telling you I had a good time but how can you try it? Well, the Laurent-Perrier Champagne Lunch Cruise will happen again on 28 July and 25 August 2017. Tickets are on sale now for both dates.
It’s a wonderfully extravagant lunch onboard a luxury boat with the best views of London while you dine. Seriously, what’s not to love?
Disclaimer: As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary tickets for review purposes. While it has not influenced this review, AboutLondonLaura.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.