Penelope Alice boards the Good Ship Benefit with City Cruises

The Thames has so much to offer when it comes to event venues. Both banks feature some of London’s most iconic properties but not all of them are on dry land, as I found out when I joined PA Life for a networking event on board the Good Ship Benefit.

The ship, better known as RS Hispaniola, is just one of the many venues offered by City Cruises on the River Thames. It’s a humble boat, yet it features swish interiors, an on-board restaurant and – more recently – a Benefit beauty bar. Sounds like my kind of ship!

My fellow PAs and I were greeted with that summer classic, the Pimm’s cocktail, as well as a few other fruity concoctions for all – even those who are teetotal. The lovely crew gave us a tour of the entire ship and informed us that each space can be hired individually for private events. In fact a certain unnamed celebrity had recently booked the ultra-modern POREfessional Vault for her teenage daughter’s birthday party. To say I’m jealous is an understatement.

Back up on the Hoola Deck, we took advantage of the rare summer weather while we sipped on wine and sampled a few of the delicious canapés prepared in the San Francisco-themed Lashitude on the Upper Deck restaurant.

The ship’s facilities are open to the public for walk-ins if you want to stop in for a cheeky cocktail and brow service. Check out everything on offer at goodshipbenefit.com.