The sun shone on a group of 10 people who had collected on the canal towpath to wait for The Piano Boat to pull alongside.
Within minutes of the stated time, a stately narrowboat silently hoved into view. Its crew of two, the owners Masayuki Tayama and Rhiana Henderson, had dressed appropriately for an afternoon on the canal. We were welcomed aboard and as the sun glinted off the solar panels that powered the aptly named vessel ‘The Rachmaninov’, we set off, noiselessly, on our cruise through the Colne Valley Park
If like me you enjoy period drama, you will be aware of the music salons of former times, where a small group of people gather in wood panelled rooms to listen to someone seated at a piano performing for a select audience.
You may also be aware of other such scenes, where polite society sit at small tables nibbling on delicious cakes and sandwiches whilst sipping tea or perhaps a glass or two of champagne. Reader, that was exactly what this afternoon had planned for us.
Seated at tables for two, we were offered a welcome drink of tea, coffee or Prosecco, and whilst I cannot comment on the quality of the tea or coffee, I can certainly report that the Prosecco was chilled to perfection. The tables were spaced enough to allow quiet conversation, but also to facilitate conversation with fellow passengers who quickly became, albeit temporary, friends. In the background, loud enough to be enjoyable but not so loud as to stifle conversation, we were treated to a recording of Masayuki playing his beloved Rachmaninov.
The Piano Boat moored up at the side of the canal and the Steinway piano was rolled into the middle of the boat, and then Masayuki changed into his concert suit and explained about the musical programme. Listening to beautiful classical music in a live concert is good, but listening to it when seated mere feet away, is a whole other experience.
Be in no doubt, what you are going to hear, if you decide to follow in our footsteps, is of the finest quality as Masayuki has sold out some seriously impressive concert venues.
Our own private piano recital by this top class musician was over all too quickly, but once the Steinway had been rolled back to its original position it was time for us to cast off to explore further into the Colne Valley Park.
Obviously, sitting listening to classical music in such a beautiful setting, is likely to build an appetite, but we were in safe hands as the classic afternoon tea tasted every bit as good as it looked. No wonder, as it had all been freshly made by Rhiana Henderson, who trained at Pru Leith’s Cookery School. Delicious finger sandwiches, sumptuous scones with cream and jam and delicately flavoured cakes demanded our attention. In the interest of this review, I sampled each and every item.
Rhiana visited each table offering more tea, coffee, and yes, even Prosecco, and then some of us moved to the deck to admire Masayuki steer The Piano Boat through the locks and feel the breeze on our faces.
Four hours later, we returned to our mooring to disembark.
A magical Sunday afternoon had flown by and feeling a little full, and a little merry we made our way back to reality.
This would make the perfect gift for the person who has everything, or is difficult to buy for. My wife and I, however, we will need no excuse to take to the river again to hear such playing and tasting the ultimate afternoon tea.
£130.00 per person cruising, piano recital and afternoon tea.
https://www.thepianoboat.com/afternoon-tea-cruises