Bateaux London lunch cruise.

Lunch at Bateaux London

Continuing my short stay in London, I found myself touring the embankment area again as it seems most of the visual niceties of London are along the river. In the same vain, I wanted to take advantage of the views whilst having a a contemporary meal. Killing two birds with one stone, I booked Bateaux London, widely considered as one of the best restaurant cruises in London.

Actually the Bateaux brand has presence in Paris and New York as well. Reviews from other customers seem to be wide in opinion, some say it is extremely high quality, whilst others report extreme disappointment. I tend to view things with more balance, especially abroad and trying out experiences that don't exist back home.

Booking for a Lunch cruise, you're expected to arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departing time (usually 12:45) and a further text or email will be sent on the day to confirm as well as notify if any changes to the schedule are made.

Naturally a window seat takes priority, especially if you want the best views. Windows are french style with very small frames so even if you don't manage a window seat, then the views all around are superb. I was surprised how close to the water I felt at the window, there isn't a ledge to walk around the outside, and I suspect this is to reduce the possibility of people standing blocking views.

Entertainment is provided, but is not something you'll get on every single cruise, for example, on the cruise that I was on, there was no live music.

You can also choose to sit on the roof deck, which is ideal for summer parties.

Passing most of the well known attractions, I managed to get a snap of the Big Ben and Westminster abbey. Luckily, this was taken before the restoration works began. Other land marks the cruise passed by include Tower Bridge, the London Eye, Tate Modern, St. Pauls Cathedral.

A lot of people had complaints about the hit and miss nature of the food on the cruise, and that is a reasonable concern given that Bateaux is suppose to be a restaurant cruise, quality food should be a given. That said, most of the complaints were directed at their afternoon tea offering, but I had the two course lunch menu which was prepared onsite.

The English lamb rump was my choice and I was actually quite impressed. Wild Mushrooms are one of my favourite ingredients so any combination with mushrooms will likely make me very satisfied. Lamb was soft and aromatic, special care was obvious taken to mask the excessive lamb taste. I believe this was with help from the watercress puree and pan jus.

For dessert, I had the Pistachio and Apricot Torte. Over kill of sugar, but for a smaller two course meal, was actually justified.

It would seem that any cooked meal menu would be a reasonable choice. In the end, the cruise isn't about the food, but the tour of the riverside and the landmarks which constitute the famous city of London.