It was a very small article in the Traveller section of the Sydney Morning Herald, that caught his eye. Under “Twenty reasons to visit London”, referring to boating on the River Thames, Andrea Black wrote –
“If you prefer to have someone else do the skippering, consider a dinner cruise in a refurbished Prince Regent canal boat where you can dine on skate wings while viewing the night lights. The vessel departs from Paddington Central.” SMH 24/02/2017
He was going to London. He was staying near Paddington. Tripadvisor reviews were consistently high. He checked out the website of the London Shell Co. London’s spring weather was promising no rain. Fresh seafood! Exploring London’s canals! He was hooked!
Departure time is 19:30, but boarding begins at 18:30. Less than 10 minutes walk from his hotel, he boards Prince Regent to be greeted by the owner herself – the venture is owned by Leah and her brother Harry. Ticked off on the booking sheet, he is offered a seat at the bar. As a solo traveller, he could opt for a seat at a table with a couple, or stay at the bar, with his “personal window” for the view.
Only a small number are already on board. The kitchen hand is seen shucking the fresh oysters. He is almost immediately presented with the menu for the meal, and the wine list. A sample of an unusual cider is offered, and accepted, as an aperitif. The offer of wine pairing is explained and agreed. He settles down to watch the activities – other guests arriving, some activity on the canal, passers by looking curious (and envious, perhaps?) Soon he is in the middle of the action, as drinks are served and the meal is prepared in the tiny kitchen.
Just before 19:30, the skipper appears. He rings the bell to command attention. The safety drill is explained. Shortly after, the Prince Regent departs on its gentle cruise. The first companion wine, a sparkling wine from Burgundy, is followed swiftly by the first course, oysters with angel hair fries.
There is much chatter from the assembled guests as the view slides by. Little Venice, Maida Hill Tunnel, Regent’s Park with some grand houses, the London Zoo and finally Camden Town. The Camden Lock signals time to turn back towards Paddington. The time of year, early May, means leaving Paddington in sunlight, and returning in the dark at around 22:00, adding to the charm of the cruise. Meanwhile, five courses are served, each with matching wines. Two birthday guests receive special attention, and thirty five voices sing “Happy Birthday” for each.
Perched on his stool in the middle of the action, he dines well, learns about a number of previously untried wines, chats to the crew, and is treated almost as if family. With appropriate ‘farewells’ to staff and fellow guests, he disembarks, and walks back to his hotel – a very happy traveller.
The Wines After the Kingston Black Aperitif from the Cider Brandy Company in Somerset, and for the oenophiles, the matched wines were, in order of courses:
1. Ali Boit Boit, Agnes Paquet, Burgundy NV; 2. Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie, “Prestige”, F. Guilbaud, Loire, 2013; 3. Passerina, Cantina Orsogna, Abruzzo, 2014; 4. Parotet Vermell, Celler del Roure, Valencia, 2014; 5. Côteaux du Layon, Domaine des Baumard, Loire, 2014
A final note: This experience is for seafood lovers. The menu changes daily depending on what is fresh. A ‘full house’ for dinner is 35. Tables are set as groups of four and six – a couple booking will normally find themselves seated with another couple.
The writer paid his own way and received no inducement to publish this tale.
