Fortnum & Mason is offering a Thames picnic experience on a vintage boat for £1,000 per group of four, sparking debate over its value. The luxury department store's new venture, Fortnum's on Thames, combines gourmet food, Champagne, and river views aboard the Christobel, a 1911 vintage vessel decorated by interior designer Colours of Arley.
The Experience
The boat, moored via Hobbs of Henley at Remenham Park Farm at the start line of the Henley Royal Regatta, accommodates groups of four, six, or eight. Each slot lasts two hours, available between 11:30 am–1:30 pm and 3:00 pm–5:00 pm daily from July 1 to 12, 2026. Guests can connect their own music via a Bluetooth speaker and stereo system, provided it is PG. Complimentary still and sparkling water is included, but Fortnum's Brut Reserve Champagne or English Sparkling Rose costs an additional £35 to 'elevate' the outing.
Pricing and Menus
The hire price for the boat is £750, with picnic packages added on top. Picnic prices start at £1,000 for a group of four and £1,250 for a group of eight. Feasts begin at £1,140 for four and £1,530 for eight. Four picnic options are available, each presented in a Fortnum's picnic bag and designed for two guests, allowing parties to mix and match.
The Fortnum's Picnic – £125
Includes smoked trout with black garlic creme fraiche and capers & soda bread starter; honey mustard chicken with grilled asparagus, potato salad with green beans, silverskin onions & cornichons, and fennel & citrus salad main; elderflower jelly with fresh berries dessert.
The Fortnum's Garden Picnic – £125 (Vegetarian)
Features butter bean dip with crudites & sea salt crispbread starter; coronation cauliflower tacos, roasted courgette & salsa verde, quinoa, hazelnut, red chicory & orange salad main; elderflower jelly with fresh berries dessert.
The Fortnum's Feast – £195
Includes duck liver parfait with orange jelly & sea salt crispbread starter; salt beef with cornichons, red cabbage slaw & honey mustard dip, chilli & dill prawns with compressed cucumber & red summer slaw, truffled potato salad, and Fortnum's classic scotch egg main; zesty lemon cheesecake dessert.
The Fortnum's Garden Feast – £195 (Vegetarian)
Features roasted asparagus, herby ricotta with chive oil & sea salt crispbread starter; butternut squash, spring onion & cashel blue tart, fennel & citrus salad, truffled potato salad, and Fortnum's pea & mint scotch egg main; zesty lemon cheesecake dessert.
All picnics finish with a cheese board including a British cheese plate, fig & fennel chutney, grapes, and crackers. Extras can be added for vegan or gluten-free diets.
Accessibility and Reception
The boat has narrow passageways and requires guests to step down with crew assistance, with no accessibility options. Liz Darran, chief brand and creative officer at Fortnum & Mason, said, 'Summer and picnics are woven into the fabric of Fortnum's, so this year we wanted to take the tradition onto the Thames itself.' Online reception has been mixed, with some calling it 'divine' and 'incredible,' while others questioned the boat's condition, with comments like 'On that crappy boat pictured?'
