London’s Little Secret: the private river cruise on restored Edwardian saloon launch, Verity

However well you think you know London, there is always something rather fabulous still to discover. Verity is one of those discoveries. A beautifully restored Edwardian river saloon launch, a handful of friends, sparkling wine chilling and London quietly passing by as you cruise towards Little Venice. It is elegant, intimate and completely unexpected – the best kind of luxury.

I first experienced Verity on a beautiful summer afternoon, with a glass of Chapel Down, canapés and the most delicious grazing board. It was one of those wonderfully civilised afternoons that is good for the soul.

There is something rather lovely about seeing the city from the water. The pace changes completely. London feels a world away, despite being right in the heart of it.

Verity herself is quite a character – and a beautiful one at that.Built in Chertsey in 1907, she was originally commissioned by the legendary soprano Dame Nellie Melba as a gift for King Edward VII, although he apparently declined the vessel because she had a French Renault engine. Verity later belonged to British prime minister Neville Chamberlain, spent years carrying passengers on the Kennet & Avon Canal and, at one stage, was found sunk and derelict.

In 2025 Verity returned to Chertsey, where she was originally built, for an extraordinary restoration at Dennett’s Boatyard. Her interiors were reimagined by 8 Holland Street, giving her a rich, elegant and wonderfully inviting saloon while retaining the character that makes her so special.

There is one detail from the restoration that I particularly love. Verity now runs on quiet electric power, leaving her former engine compartment with a rather more glamorous purpose – it has become the drinks fridge. A definite improvement, I think.Aboard, Verity holds a maximum of ten guests in your private group, which is exactly what makes the experience feel so personal. You have your own skipper, waiter service can be arranged and everything from the food and wine to the music can be tailored to you. She has a beautifully fitted bathroom, covered outdoor seating at the bow and stern, along with a stunning saloon.

A typical cruise lasts around two to three hours, departing from Portobello and meandering towards Little Venice, perhaps circling the beautiful willow tree before continuing through Paddington Basin and eventually making your way back.

There is no rush and no real agenda. This is the appeal. This is river time.

Having experienced Verity in summer, what really caught my imagination was the thought of returning in winter. The saloon is wonderfully cosy, with heating, candles glowing and London illuminated. Imagine music playing, a beautiful cheeseboard on the table, a good bottle of wine and perhaps a game of chess as you glide along the river after dark.For two, it could be incredibly romantic. For a group of friends, it becomes something entirely different – your own private gathering on the water, with up to ten of your favourite people and nobody at the next table.

And, at Christmas, I think Verity really comes into her own.

We all love a wonderful restaurant, but December can become a procession of Christmas lunches and drinks parties. This offers something completely different. Gather your friends, add cheese, wine, candles and a suitably festive playlist, then disappear onto the water for a few hours.

It is cosy and celebratory without being predictable and, best of all, very few people seem to know about it.

Of course, Verity isn’t just for Christmas. A birthday, anniversary, proposal, family celebration or simply an evening with friends would all work beautifully. The experience is completely bespoke, from Champagne or Chapel Down to canapés, Christmas crackers, grazing boards and mince pies. It can be as romantic, relaxed or celebratory as you want it to be.For me, luxury isn’t always about the grandest hotel or the hardest table to secure. Sometimes it is simply about knowing that something rather special exists — and knowing how to arrange it. Verity is exactly that.

A little piece of London history, beautifully restored, wonderfully private and offering a way to experience London that feels completely different.

And I rather like being able to let you in on the secret.

If you would like me to curate a private cruise aboard Verity, please get in touch. Whether it is a romantic evening for two, a Christmas celebration with friends or simply an excuse to do something rather special, I can tailor the experience around you.

Find out more here or contact Kate direct via email or phone:
kate@tempusmagazine.co.uk
+44 (0)7973 248623