festive afternoon tea concert cruises | The Piano Boat
Please note that access to the boat is only possible via a set of 12 steps from the road to the canal. There are 3 steps down into the boat after boarding. Both sets of steps have a handrail.
Christmas with The Piano Boat
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Join us for a festive cruise this Christmas season on board the world's most intimate concert hall.
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We're delighted to have available a select number of dates available to book for Festive Afternoon Tea Concert Cruises.
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'Everything about the experience was excellent. The comfort and warmth aboard the Piano Boat, the leisurely cruise, the clarity and expression of the piano recital, the intimate setting, the sumptuous tea, and the hospitality and friendship of the hosts and fellow passengers/guests. It's almost impossible to pick a favorite amongst so much good. All this on an otherwise wet, gloomy December afternoon which could be easily forgotten and ignored amongst so much pleasure. An unforgettable experience and a delightful post Christmas treat. Thanks so much to Rhiana and Masa for their hard work, cheerfulness and dedication.'
-- 5* review on TripAdvisor, January 2023
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Festive Afternoon Tea Concert Cruises
1pm - 5pm on selected dates
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Saturday 23rd December 2023
Sunday 24th December 2023
Saturday 30th December 2023
Sunday 31st December 2023
Saturday 6th January 2024
Sunday 7th January 2024
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Enjoy a festive afternoon tea menu in the Concert Saloon decorated for the occasion, with an intimate piano recital for up to 10 guests.
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£147pp
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Please note that whilst we do our utmost to avoid cross-contamination during the food preparation processes, all food is prepared in an area where allergens are used and may be present. Food served cannot be guaranteed to be free of allergens. If you or one of your party suffer from a severe allergy, please consider this when booking.
The Pianist
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'Not only to be considered as a fresh departure from other fine pianists of the present day, but daring... with a few touches of genius.'
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A celebrated interpreter of Rachmaninov’s piano music, Masayuki Tayama has performed all of his Piano Concertos and is currently in the midst of a project to record and perform his complete solo works for piano, a monumental feat which few have attempted, and his recordings have been met with accolades and critical acclaim.
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His international and radio performance debuts took place at the age of 10 in Amsterdam’s Concertgebow, and were the start of a highly successful career. He regularly performs in some of the country’s most eminent concert venues, and his debut appearance at Wigmore Hall sold out.
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Now, you have the opportunity to hear him live in an intimate environment like no other, with a thoughtfully selected programme of works. A musician with a passion for boats, Masayuki will also be your captain on board The Piano Boat!
Experience the music up close on a superb instrument under the fingertips of a master.
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The Chef
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A Leith's-trained chef, Rhiana Henderson does all the catering for cruises single-handedly and on board. Everything is made from scratch using fresh ingredients, and the quality of her afternoon teas has been reviewed as being 'better than any of the major London hotels'.
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'The boat is beautifully fitted, the tea was the best I have had in a long time (rivals Claridges or any London venue). Masa and Rhiana were perfect hosts, made us feel very welcomed.'
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'...the afternoon tea was up there with the best I’ve ever had...'
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'From start to finish it was an absolute delight! Rhiana and Masayuki skilfully segued from immaculate, delicious hosting (excellent, home-made afternoon tea lavished on each member of the audience with superb care and attention to detail), to a stunning and brilliant performance on the piano from Masayuki, to steering and managing the boat...Multi-talented, lovely people. We can not recommend the whole experience enough and are already thinking about who we can gift it to! Rhiana and Masayuki thank you so much for a wonderful afternoon that we will remember fondly always.'
Meeting Point
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NEAR: The River Garden, Moorhall Road, Harefield, Uxbridge, UB9 6PE
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Please ensure you are at the meeting point between 12:30 and 12:45. We regret that we are unable to wait for guests not arriving by the designated time.
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Parking is available on the roadside (non-restricted), and you will receive full details including a map ahead of your booked cruise date. The nearest underground stations are Uxbridge and Northwood, then a bus or taxi will take you to the meeting point.
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The Piano Boat cannot take responsibility for your vehicle or possessions, so please ensure you do not leave any valuables in the car.
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Please note that access to the boat is not step-free and unfortunately is not suitable for wheelchairs.
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'We had the most fabulous time on your piano barge today. Everything about it was perfect - the ambience, the Prosecco, the Darjeeling, the food and most of all the music.'
- Lyn & Fiona
'Every aspect of our afternoon was just perfect.
The music was wonderful. It is such an intimate space, so very different from a large concert hall.
What could have been better? To be honest, absolutely nothing!'
- Dave & Jean
