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Review: Veronica Blake
THERE can be no more beautiful sight than a sunset at Tower Bridge
on a midsummer night.
It’s moments like this, as you watch this ball of molten
gold slowly descend behind the bridge, that you feel happy to
be living in the best city in the world.
Turner has captured Thames' sunsets on canvas, and many writers
have waxed lyrical about the beauty of the river which, along
with the Embankment, has featured in many a romantic film.
But to experience a mid-summer sunset while gently cruising
along the Thames has to be one of life’s most pleasant experiences.
There can’t be a nicer way of celebrating a birthday or
an anniversary on a warm summer evening as you sit back and watch
some of the world’s most famous landmarks slip by while
sipping a Pimms.
Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster, the Tower, the
Globe, and the Thames Barrier take on a surreal beuty when shrouded
in a molten gold light at a particular moment during sunset.
The London Showboat, operated by City Cruises,
is very popular with visitors from overseas. At the next table,
Steve from Perth cuddled up to wife, Rose, during an Abba classic
by resident chanteuse, Jackie.
The couple were celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary.
Steve, an East Ender, told me he had dreamt about this moment
for 30 years when he emigrated to a new life in Perth.
Now retired, he said he couldn't wait to get back to the ‘best
city in the world’, see his family and revisit his childhood
memories. He wiped a tear away as Jackie sang a hauntingly beautiful
tune from Blood Brothers.
A group of lively New Yorker’s sang along to the chorus
of Les Mis, while busily snapping St. Paul’s from every
angle.
An evening aboard the London Showboat will not break the bank.
For £58 you’re welcomed with a Pimms cocktail, followed
by a four course dinner with wine and coffee with cabaret.
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That’s less than you would
spend at many London restaurants these days.
I had not expected food of this quality. Our starter of fresh
prawns and smoked salmon was followed by home made soup, chicken
in chasseur sauce with fresh vegetables, a choice of desserts
and coffee.
Over coffee, we were serenaded by a medley from the West End
shows. Jackie sings like an angel, as good if not better than
the star of any West End show.
Guests are invited to trip the light fantastic on the dance floor
for the disco which follows the cabaret. But it seemed that most
of the passengers were up on deck capturing the stunning sights.
There cannot be a nicer way to experience our wonderful city.
As we headed back towards Westminster Pier our conversation turned
to the 2012 Olympics. The decision will be reached in a week and
we all agreed there could not be a better city in the world to
host the games.
You’ve heard the saying, ‘fit for a Queen’..
Well it really does apply in the case of the London Showboat.
Her Majesty Elizabeth II launched this boat, 'The Millennium
of London’ nine years ago. She joined staff for the inaugural
voyage and was just as captivated as passengers have been ever
since.
She pointed out the Globe and the Cutty Sark to Phillip and loved
every minute of the cruise. So much so that she added the news
coverage of the event on to her annual speech the following Xmas.
There can’t be a greater endorsement than that!
City Cruises have gone from strength to strength. Owners Gary
and Rita Beckworth’s hard work has paid off and more of
us are using our river not only for pleasure, but as a means of
transport, and also as a greener form of transport.
It would be good to see some of our famous figures from the world
of sport, politics and showbiz put a little effort into highlighting
and promoting the benefits of river transport. It’s an underused
asset which has great potential for development.
What nicer way to arrive to work than a leisurly cruise down
the Thames. It’s non-polluting and less stressful than either
bus, Tube or car and a lot kinder to our planet.
Tel: City Cruises.. 020 7740 0400 |
