A Royally Rich Afternoon Tea on The Thames
Last week, I and my pal Chris had a little afternoon tea adventure on the grand River Thames, powered by City Cruises, clotted cream and lots and lots of cake…
This was no ordinary afternoon tea for a number of reasons. Firstly, and most obviously, because WE WERE ON A BOAT. And secondly, and most importantly, this was a ‘Royally Rich Afternoon Tea’, which meant we were joined on board by two commissioned royal photographers, Ian Pelham Turner and Helena Chard, who have worked with four generations of the royal family… and who have taken some of the most iconic royal snaps, many of which you will no doubt be rather familiar with…
The photographers talked us through their gallery on board, while also pointed out some of the most fantastic London landmarks we sailed by… while we sat back, basked in the new Summer sunshine, drank copious amounts of tea and ate cake and sandwiches until we popped. (We didn’t pop. And that, my friends, is nothing short of a miracle.)
Ian and Helena had stories in abundance and we learned all kinds of Royal titbits, that only a true insider would know… and while we listened to the stories, we sailed down the Thames and passed some of my favourite spots…
It was such a treat to be on the river, in the sunshine and learn a little bit more about the Royal Family and our city… and I just loved sailing under Tower Bridge and hearing Big Ben chime for teatime…
I think Chris was most excited about the Battenberg Cake.
And I can’t blame him – it was delicious.
City Cruises – Royally Rich Afternoon Tea
Chris and I were guests of City Cruises. And if I hadn’t loved it, I wouldn’t have written about it.
sylvie
thanks for this beautiful Visit
I miss London so much
This is the best town BEFORE Paris for me
Have a nice day Poppy
I love your blog and I love London !
Poppy Loves
Thank you for such a lovely comment Sylvie! I love London too 🙂 x
Sally
Your day on the Thames sounds amazing. You had perfect weather for it. I would have loved to been there and heard all the tales too.
Poppy Loves
Ahh Sally, do book it – it’s so sunny and lovely and London! xx
Christina
Oh the afternoon tea looks so yumm, look at all those cute sandwhiches and sweet treats!
Much love xx
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Poppy Loves
Thank you Christina! It was very yum indeed 😉
Farrah
This looks like such a good day for a cruise! I’ve been on a Thames boat tour before- the guide totally made it up as we sailed around, which was v entertaining for me but probably confused some of the non-Londoners aboard… 🙂
Gorgeous photos!
Poppy Loves
Ha ha! I think it can be a bit hit and miss Farrah, but these chaps certainly knew what they were doing 😉 xx
Maaike
Such a cool combination the photo exhibition with the afternoon tea! And high tea does have a bit of royal flair, so it makes sense at the same time. Did the boat tour go from Tower to Westminster and back, or headed it even more West as well? I can’t believe you would have enough time to enjoy your tea when all it did was going from Tower to Westminster and back 😉
Poppy Loves
Ahh no it went much further… All the way to Shadwell x
Maaike
That makes sense 🙂 x
Paula
looks lovely 🙂 I’m planing to do some afternoon tea posts as well 🙂 one this weekend! such an amazing british tradition that I’ve grown to LOVE!
please visit my blog – just starting out 🙂
http://enjoybypaula.wordpress.com
xx
Gabby
I just discovered your blog and it is a delight! Just purchased tickets for a river tour when we are in London this fall – you sold me on it!