We have just enjoyed simply one of the most delightful days so far this year!

Hobs of Henley and Christopher Burns Catering ensured we would have a most spectacular experience. Hobs of Henley prepared a fabulous boat for us, an Interboat Intender 820 Class– called ‘Eau Savage, that could seat up to 12, we were just six, so we had plenty of room. It included a little fridge, a sink and a toilet. The seating was extremely comfortable with padded seats, an overhead awning for protection from the rain or a little shade when needed and plenty of space for picnic hampers etc.

After a short lesson on river navigation and lock etiquette, we were ready for the off! It all went swimmingly, the locks were mainly manned, but those that weren’t were easy to operate, as was the boat. We couldn’t really get into any trouble since the top speed was a gentle 5 MPH.

We were celebrating all of our six missed birthdays of the last year, so champagne and delicious food was of the most paramount importance.

After successfully handling the first lock going up river towards Marlow we decided now would be a good time to enjoy our first glass of bubbles. We did in fact celebrate all day. We all agreed that a much needed break was needed for us all, covid had separated us for over a year and our get-together was so important.

Being on this fabulous boat with no phones, no wifi, and no interruptions and eight hours together (10am-6pm) meant we could catch up on each others lives. The river was peaceful, but with so much to see, fabulous homes and hotels, wildlife, beautiful boats, monuments, churches, walkers and canoeists. There were plenty of pubs and cafés along the way to stop off at too.

We didn’t need to stop anywhere for food or drink as it had been supplied by Chris of Chris Burns Catering, official suppliers of hampers for Hobs of Henley. Four of us had no special dietary requirements and two were vegetarians. The food was delivered before we arrived for our check-in, in branded cool bags, full of a delicious fresh and tasty picnic. The delivery included cutlery and plates. Our starters were just superb, fresh poached salmon, smoked salmon and prawns, salad and a great dressing. Our main meal was a goat’s cheese roulade, some finely sliced rare roast beef, couscous, salad, quiche and dressings, the vegetarians had the same but without the meat. For our dessert we had lemon tart, strawberries and cream. The whole experience was first class. The picnic was so fresh and very obviously the most top quality produce was used, prepared with love and devotion to taste.

We were the luckiest group of people, everything was perfect, the boat was amazing, comfortable and spacious, the food delicious and filling and to top it all off the weather was stunning, sunny all day!

This is the most special experience, a perfect way to wile away a whole day, we all agreed it was a trip to be repeated a couple of times a year.

Written by Debbie Stone, Global Editor for Luxuria Lifestyle International