Lady Florence
The Orford River Cruise Restaurant

This year Lady Florence celebrates two anniversaries. She was built for the Admiralty in 1944 in Poole Dorset 65 years ago. And she commenced Lady Florence cruises from Orford Suffolk 25 years ago this year. And far from taking retirement, Lady Florence is working harder than ever.

The business was set up by Geoffrey Ingram Smith in 1984, and when he retired 17 years ago in 1992, John and Susan Haresnape bought the business, which is now an international family business with a sister ship on Durban Harbour South Africa, and son Craig and his partner, Kris, managing both businesses. Shane and Elicia are the full-time Orford crew.

The Lady Florence River Cruise Restaurant is a totally unique experience. With a maximum of 12 passengers on a spacious 50ft vessel, customers are assured of a high standard of personal attention throughout the cruises by the crew of three.

Lady Florence aims to exceed expectations of dining aboard a river cruise boat. Meals are chosen from an a la carte menu on embarkation, and the food is freshly prepared on board from the finest ingredients from local suppliers, including Orford’s famous butcher and two smokehouses.

Lady Florence, unlike many attractions, operates all year round, including Christmas Day, with a cosy coal fire in winter.

With 3-course American-style brunch at £21.95 and 3-course a la carte lunch from £23.40 inclusive of the river cruise experience, it is excellent value for money.