Moments Musicaux Cruise - Helen Lacey, soprano & Alexandra Standing, piano

Beautiful music and an experience for every occasion in the world's most intimate concert hall

Please note that access to the boat is via a set of 12 steps from the road to the canal. There are 3 steps down into the boat after boarding, the first of which is quite steep. There is a handrail both for the canal-side steps, and the boat steps.

The Piano Boat exists to create magical experiences on the waterways, where you can escape for a while to a floating dimension in which sublime, live music drifts across you, food and drinks appear, and you glide along the canal in a purpose-built concert venue on the water with only a handful of other guests around you.

'Everything about the experience was excellent. The comfort and warmth aboard the Piano Boat, the leisurely cruise, the clarity and expression of the piano recital, the intimate setting, the sumptuous tea, and the hospitality and friendship of the hosts and fellow passengers/guests. It's almost impossible to pick a favourite amongst so much good.'
- TripAdvisor review, December 2022

The Piano Boat is host to a beautiful, new Steinway Model A grand piano, ensuring the finest musical experiences.

2.15pm - Boarding
2.30pm - Departure
6.30pm - Return and disembarkation

The music will run in short performances throughout the cruise, interspersed with canapés and drinks.

The performers - Helen Lacey (soprano) and Alexandra Standing (pianist)

This will be the first time The Piano Boat will host a singer and pianist duo, and it promises to be an incredibly special occasion.

Helen is developing a remarkable reputation as a soprano to watch, having performed at Glyndebourne, on BBC Radio 3 and in the BBC Proms, to list only a few of her UK appearances. She and Alex have worked together for over a decade as young musicians, but this will be their floating concert hall debut!

Alex is an outstanding pianist, with a varied and extensive career that has taken her worldwide and seen her work with the BBC Singers and perform at venues such as the Wigmore Hall. She was first introduced to The Piano Boat when she and Rhiana met through work in late 2023 and quickly became good friends, and Alex has been an invaluable sounding board for the re-opening of events in 2024.

The Chef - Rhiana Tayama

A Leith's-trained chef, Rhiana does all the catering for cruises single-handedly and on board. Everything is made from scratch using fresh ingredients, and the quality of her food has been reviewed as being 'better than any of the major London hotels'.

'The boat is beautifully fitted, the tea was the best I have had in a long time (rivals Claridges or any London venue).'

Rhiana is also the owner of The Piano Boat and manages all aspects of the operations. She will be the person you speak to if you'd like to get in touch!

Meeting point

NEAR: The River Garden, Moorhall Road, Harefield, Uxbridge, UB9 6PE

Please ensure you are at the meeting point between 14:00 and 14:15. We regret that we are unable to wait for guests not arriving by the designated time.

Parking is available on the roadside (non-restricted), and you will receive full details including a map ahead of your booked cruise date. The nearest underground stations are Uxbridge and Northwood, and the nearest overground is Denham Station, then a bus or taxi can take you to the meeting point.

The Piano Boat cannot take responsibility for your vehicle or possessions, so please ensure you do not leave any valuables in the car.

Please note that access to the boat is not step-free and unfortunately is not suitable for wheelchairs.