The lands of Vikings and Norsemen, long nights and longboats are the inspiration for a series of special, Scandi-style river cruises this winter.
In the run-up to Christmas, London’s leading restaurant cruise, Sodexo's Bateaux London, is giving party and private hire guests the chance to enjoy a three-hour journey up river on boats decked with fairy lights and fir cones
On 9 and 16 December Bateaux London is extending the length of its lunch and dinner cruises, giving guests spectacular views of some of London’s most impressive sights and attractions along with specially created festive dishes cooked on board by Bateaux London’s team of chefs.
The cruises will take place on Harmony and, in tribute to the vessel’s Scandinavian heritage, the dinner menu has a distinctly Nordic flavour.
Starters such as smoked salmon with vodka cream and dark rye bread and beef soup with Swedish meatballs, are followed by a choice of main courses including roast duck with sweet and sour red cabbage, carrot and prune purée and apple cider gravy in line with the Scandinavian tradition of serving meat with fruits, pickles and preserves.
Finally, dessert combines warm spices, apple and almond in an Apple Financier, served with a red wine caramel and chestnut ice cream.
This menu is also on offer to private hire bookings throughout December, while those opting for the lunchtime cruise will be served a three-course menu of root vegetable tart with goat’s cheese, traditional turkey ballotine with seasonal vegetables and pigs in blankets, followed by Christmas pudding with warm brandy sauce.
Lunch costs £65 per person and includes half a bottle of house wine and mineral water. Guests can board at Embankment Pier, Victoria Embankment, from 11.45hrs, departing at 12.15hrs. The cruise will return to the pier at 14.45hrs.
Dinner, at £105 per person, will include selected wines, beers and soft drinks served throughout. Boarding for the three-hour trip will take place at 18.45hrs for departure at 19.15hrs, returning at 22.15hrs.
Both Bateaux London’s vessels, Harmony and Symphony can be privately hired for events such as networking receptions, gala dinners and award ceremonies and each has a private dining room for smaller scale events and business lunches.