HMS Belfast relaunches after £250,000 restoration

Over 400 guests were welcomed on board to celebrate the restoration and refurbishment of the ship's event spaces. On arrival, guests were entertained by jitterbug dancers on the Quarterdeck, with views across London, before moving through to the Ship's Company Dining Hall. Guests were treated to Kir Royale and a selection of canapés including classic beef Wellington with wild mushroom parfait; seared scallops, black pudding and pea puree and potato rosti, goats cheese and confit vine cherry tomatoes. Brad King, the ship's director, said: "It has been a great evening and demonstrates the power of a wonderful partnership between a museum and a catering and hospitality provider like Sodexo Prestige. HMS Belfast, located within easy reach of central London, is surrounded by 2,000 years of British history, and is a place where great events happen. "The restoration has been meticulously researched from the original plans, historic photos and even the archaeology discovered as work progressed. The Wardroom bar for instance, much of which was hidden behind panelling, has emerged to take its place once again on public view."