Gala Dinners - On Land and Water

Gala Dinner at Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace in London is a working Royal residence. Of great historical importance, Kensington Palace was the favourite residence of successive sovereigns until 1760. It was also the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria and the birthplace of Queen Mary (grandmother of the present Queen). The Palace was the official residence and office of Diana, Princess of Wales from 1992 up to her death.

Today, Kensington Palace accommodates the offices and private apartments of a number of members of the Royal Family and is also home to the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, with items of Royal, ceremonial and court dress dating from the 18th century to the present day. A Gala Dinner here is an unforgettable way to celebrate any prestigious event.

Sample Gala Evening

The Kensington Palace Welcome: upon arrival guests will receive a warm welcome from the Master of Ceremonies.

Pre-dinner drinks will be served in the Sunken Garden or Queen's Gallery, then the guests will have the opportunity to take a private guided tour of the State Apartments and Palace's exhibitions before dinner.

The dinner will be served in The Victorian Garden Rooms. They consist of the Red Saloon, seating up to 80 guests, the Teck Saloon seating up to 40 guests and the North Drawing Room which will accommodate 50 guests.

Personalised Place Settings
Menus and place cards will be personalised to suit the occasion.

Floral Decorations
Adding to the magnificent setting, combinations of seasonal flowers and foliage will be arranged.

After Dinner
A selection of after-dinner liqueurs, brandy and single malt whisky will be served at the end of the evening.

Entertainment
During dinner a violin quartet or band will play top musical standards (according to the clients' preferences).

Dinner Cruise on the Thames

Capture the excitement of London by night from the best seat on the river on a fabulous dinner cruise. A truly magical blend of fine food, friendly service and superb entertainment combine to offer the perfect evening for your special clients.

Guests on board the Dinner Cruises will witness the energy and enthusiasm of the team on board, clearly reflected in all aspects of the restaurant from the quality and presentation of the food to the professional and friendly service. Classic dishes include Grilled Goats Cheese & Roast Pepper Bruschetta, Roast Breast of Barbary Duck with a Cassis sauce and Bailey's Craquant. To complement this truly magical experience, you can enjoy live entertainment and literally dance beneath the stars.

Sample Special packages:

The premier classic dinner cruise:
Welcome Cocktail
Four-course a la carte menu
Half a bottle of red, half a bottle of white wine and mineral water
Live entertainment
After dinner dancing

The premier gold dinner cruise
Welcome Cocktail
Four-course a la carte menu
Exclusive seating at the front of the boat
A glass of champagne, half a bottle of red, half a bottle of white wine and mineral water
Live entertainment
After dinner dancing

Irish dinner at Brazen Head

Situated in the heart of medieval Dublin, with an old world charm and a history dating back 800 years, The Brazen Head is a 'living', authentic Irish pub which is popular with locals and visitors alike. Enjoy delicious food in the Egon Ronay Guide's listed restaurant which features tender Irish beef, and fish fresh from Dublin's famous fish markets. Continue the evening listening to traditional Irish music from some of Ireland's top musicians.

At the beginning you are offered a selection of Ireland's finest whiskeys before enjoying a sumptuous 4 course meal.

Sample menu
Soup of the Day or Smoked Salmon with Lemon and Dill
Traditional Irish Stew or Beef and Guinness Stew or Salmon with a Basil Pesto Cream
Traditional Apple Crumble or Bailey's Cheesecake
Tea or Coffee

On the Royal Yacht Britannia

The Royal Yacht Britannia is one of the most famous vessels in the world. And one of the most beautiful. Home to Her Majesty the Queen, and roving ambassador for Great Britain for over forty years, Britannia has played host to kings and queens, prime ministers and presidents. And now you have the opportunity of joining that privileged few. Historic and elegant she may be, but Britannia makes a wonderfully relaxing venue for an evening's entertainment.

Berthed alongside Edinburgh's Ocean Terminal, the sense of occasion builds as you're piped aboard via the Royal Brow, a privilege previously reserved for members of the Royal Family and Heads of State. Welcomed into the State Drawing Room, you gather with your fellow guests for a glass or two of chilled champagne and a selection of irresistible canapes. Later, on a private tour of Britannia, you'll be given a unique insight into life aboard in days gone by.

As the call goes out for dinner, you make the way through to the State Dining Room, a magnificent setting for a truly special occasion. Seating up to 96 for a gala dinner, the room is lined with gifts presented to Her Majesty on almost a thousand Royal and State Visits to all corners of the globe. This is a room with its own distinctive atmosphere, where the orchestrated service is as discreet as the gentle refrain of harp or violin. As the centerpiece of your evening, you will enjoy the finest cuisine, lovingly prepared, beautifully presented.

Sample programme

Royal Invitations
Each guest will receive an invitation card, designed to suit your occasion and inscribed with Britannia's Crest.

Welcome to Britannia
A red carpet welcome awaits as you are piped aboard via the Royal Brow

Tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia
Enjoy an escorted tour around the Royal Apartments

Pianist
At Britannia's original baby grand piano, once played by Noel Coward, a pianist will play a selection of light classical music including Gershwin as you enjoy a champagne reception in the Drawing Room

Glamis Dinner Menu with Butler Service
Britannia's Executive Chef has prepared a number of special Glamis menus, each one enhanced by personal service from the hospitality team

Menu Cards and Place Cards
All bearing Britannia's Crest and personalised for your event