From Victoria to Britannia – Jersey wine expert has leading role in liner’s naming ceremony

Tuesday 10 March 2015

A Jersey-born wine expert will be raising a glass to P&O’s new flagship today at its official naming ceremony in Southampton.

Old Victorian Olly Smith, who has forged a career as a successful connoisseur, radio and television presenter and restaurateur, will have a central role today when the Queen formally names the 1,082-ft super-liner ‘Britannia’.

And the English wine chosen to be smashed across the ship’s bow has been handpicked by Olly.

The former St Clement resident has designed one of the ship’s wine bars and restaurants, called the Glass House, which P&O describes as “a sophisticated and informal haven of good food and excellent wine”.

It is the fourth Glass House that Olly has opened on P&O liners. The first was launched in 2010 on board Azura and there are two on Ventura. Olly often joins cruises to give wine presentations and tastings in his bars.

Speaking to Bailiwick Express from the deck of Britannia, Olly said: "The ship is the most gloriously designed floating palace of fun and I'm chuffed to bits to be opening my fourth Glass House on board.

“I'm thrilled that the Queen will be officially naming Britannia with a bottle of English sparkling wine chosen by me from Wiston Estate in West Sussex.

“Growing up on Jersey I always felt a huge connection with the sea, especially around Green Island, where we lived, and it's amazing to be sharing the wines I've selected from around the world across the Seven Seas of Wine.

“From The Glass House on board Britannia I raise my glass to all Jersey Beans great and small and look forward to returning to the Island jolly soon to romp, revel and toast the launch of Britannia, who will once again rule the waves."