Cruising company P&O Cruises have recently announced that they are welcoming their three Food Heroes on board its brand new ship, Iona, arriving in May 2020. The Food Heroes include iconic chef Marco Pierre White, the highly experienced pâtissier Eric Lanlard, and the award-winning wine expert Olly Smith. Together, they will create innovative, exquisite menus for the guests on board Iona, which will be spending the summers travelling through the Norwegian Fjords.
Let’s take a look at what these Food Heroes are bringing to the table and what guests can expect from their unique expertise.
Marco Pierre White
Marco has gained eminence in the culinary scene for this his exceptional experience and achievements. He became the youngest ever chef to be awarded three Michelin stars, which represents “exceptional cuisine that is worthy of a special journey”. He has also been the chef of choice for royalty, celebrities, and world leaders. Marco and the P&O Cruises culinary team always work closely together to ensure that the very best produce is chosen for the menus.
Guests on board will be able to enjoy Marco’s Gala Evening menus, as well as get up close and personal with the chef through interactive cooking shows, Q&A sessions, and book signings.
Eric Lanlard
Eric is well-known for his originality. He has created two brand new flavours of Jude’s ice cream that guests were able to sample in the Market Café on board P&O Cruises’ Britannia ship. As an expert pâtissier, he has had the privilege of baking for a wide range of A-list clientele. According to Vanity Fair magazine, Eric certainly stands out as one of the best pâtissiers in the world.
On board Iona, Eric will be offering guests Afternoon Tea at The Epicurean, as well as providing sweet treats he has created at the Vistas Café Bar. While travelling with Iona, Eric will be leading his Confection Confessions, an intimate masterclass on all things sweet that guests can benefit from. Eric will also be available for Q&A sessions and book signings.
Olly Smith
Olly is currently working closely with the P&O Cruises beverage team to select the very best beers to feature in Iona’s gastropub The Keel & Cow. At the start of his career, Olly was working for a wine merchant, but his passion for wine has taken him to great heights. Through his experience and professional development, he was eventually presented with the internationally acclaimed Wine Idol award.
On Iona, guests will be able to sample Olly’s specially hand-picked wines at The Glass House. In addition, Olly will be offering exciting foodie experiences ashore in the city of Bergen, as well as hosting wine tastings and dinner at ‘Cellar Door’ at The Glass House. As with Marco and Eric, Olly will be available for Q&A sessions and book signings. “Sharing wine with informality and enthusiasm across multiple generations and backgrounds is a joy. P&O Cruises feels like family. I love diving in with the guests on holiday as much as with my team in The Glass House behind the scenes,” Olly said.
With these three Food Heroes on board Iona, guests can discover new tastes, try some of the most expertly created food, desserts, and wine in the world, and get up close and personal with the great minds behind P&O Cruises’ dining and drinking experiences.