In 2026, £1,000 could cover a month’s rent or, if you’re feeling particularly flush, it can secure you a luxury picnic on a boat, courtesy of Fortnum & Mason.
The premium department store has launched an extravagant new Thames experience, complete with gourmet food, Champagne and river views. It’s undeniably glamorous, but with a four-figure price tag, we’re hoping there’s something extra special in those scotch eggs.
The trip comes complete with a Bluetooth speaker and full stereo system, where guests are free to connect their own music if they choose – as long as it is PG.
It’s important to note that though still and sparkling water is complimentary, the Fortnum’s Brut Réserve Champagne or English Sparkling Rosé is not included in the base £1,000, but rather marketed to ‘elevate’ the outing, and elevate your spending, costing an additional £35.
This experience will be running from 1-12 July to mark the Henley Royal Regatta and Henley Festival and is available in groups of four, six or eight. The boat will moor via Hobbs of Henley at Remenham Park Farm, at the start line of the Regatta. Slots will be available between 11.30am-1.30pm and 3pm-5pm each day.
Liz Darran, chief brand and creative officer at Fortnum & Mason says, ‘Summer and picnics are woven into the fabric of Fortnum’s, so this year we wanted to do something a little different and take the tradition onto the Thames itself. With Fortnum’s on Thames, we’re inviting our guests to enjoy a quintessentially British summer ritual in an extraordinary and memorable setting.
‘Our guests will enjoy thoughtfully prepared picnics, perfectly chilled fizz and ever-changing river views, all accompanied by those unmistakable Fortnum’s touches.’
The boat, Christobel, is a vintage boat from 1911, and decorated by swanky interior designer Colours of Arley. It’ll be offering Red Coat service for a hire price of £750, with picnic packages added on top.
Unfortunately, as this is an older boat, there are no accessibility options (luckily there are loos!), with the website citing ‘narrow passageways’ where ‘guests will need to be comfortable stepping down into the boat, with a helping hand from our crew.’ If you are worried, they encourage you to contact them directly.
What’s on the menu?
Fortnum & Mason is offering a four course menu and drinks for its alfresco dining, and there are four picnics to choose from, with each presented in a Fortnum’s picnic bag.
The picnics are designed for two guests, allowing parties of four, six or eight guests to choose their preferred combination. The picnic price begins at £1,000 for a group of fourand £1,250 for a group of eight. While the feasts begin at £1,140, to £1,530 for a group of eight.
The Fortnum’s Picnic – £125
This picnic includes Smoked Trout with Black Garlic Crème Fraîche and Capers & Soda Bread to start, followed by Honey Mustard Chicken with Grilled Asparagus, Potato Salad with Green Beans, Silverskin Onions & Cornichons, and Fennel & Citrus Salad for the main course, finishing with Elderflower Jelly with Fresh Berries for pudding.
The Fortnum’s Garden Picnic – £125
For starters, this vegetarian option includes Butter Bean Dip with Crudités & Sea Salt Crispbread to start, followed by Coronation Cauliflower Tacos, Roasted Courgette & Salsa Verde, and Quinoa, Hazelnut, Red Chicory & Orange Salad for the main course, finishing with the same dessert as The Fortnum’s Picnic: Elderflower Jelly with Fresh Berries.
The Fortnum’s Feast – £195
Duck Liver Parfait with Orange Jelly & Sea Salt Crispbread to start, 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 for mains with a Zesty Lemon Cheesecake for dessert.
The Fortnum’s Garden Feast – £195
This vegetarian picnic includes Roasted Asparagus, Herby Ricotta with Chive Oil & Sea Salt Crispbread to start, followed by Butternut Squash, Spring Onion & Cashel Blue Tart, Fennel & Citrus Salad, Truffled Potato Salad and Fortnum’s Pea & Mint Scotch Egg for the main course, finishing with a Zesty Lemon Cheesecake for dessert.
All four options are finished with a cheese board that includes a British Cheese Plate, Fig & Fennel Chutney, and Grapes & Crackers.
There is also an option to add extras to the picnic and tailor it for your liking, so, if you’re vegan or gluten-free, you can ensure there are foods for you to try too.
As scrumptious as the menus look, is it really worth the price of a new iPhone or a short city break?
What do people think?
Would you spend £1,000 on a Fortnum & Mason luxury picnic on the Thames?
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Yes, it sounds like a unique and classy experience
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No, it’s too expensive for what is essentially a meal on a boat
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Maybe, depending on the occasion and company
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Despite the high price tag, reception online seems to be quite enthusiastic and positive, with Linda Cuff calling it ‘divine’ on Facebook, and @departmentstoreguy saying ‘Looks incredible’ on Instagram.
Similarly, the hefty cost didn’t seem to scare away @rachel_buntrock_home, who wrote: ‘Ummm yes please!!! How fab ❤️❤️❤️ Just up the road from us!’
@saintgermainbycecile said: ‘Fortnum and Mason really knows how to set the bar impossibly high’
While @darcymarie922 said ‘Oh do I ever love this.❤️’, seemingly not minding the cost.
Though not everyone was impressed with the small boat.
On Instagram, @theladykairuz said ‘On that crappy boat pictured?’
This was echoed by @carolinandchanel: ‘I would not be going on the river Thames in that boat!’.
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