5 min readDine with a difference on board one of the converted boats that are moored on Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Three Brothers Burgers
This popular burger joint on Welsh Back has plentiful outdoor seats on the quayside, as well as large tables inside the restaurant. The menu is a simple selection of burgers and sides (they have a dedicated vegan menu if you're sticking to a plantbased diet), with seasonal specials and an ever-changing craft beer and cider selection. They also do a great value lunch deal, where you can enjoy a burger and fries for just £7.50.
Image - Three Brothers Burgers
6 O'clock Gin at The Glassboat
Sample your way through 6 O'clock Gin's range of locally-made tipples, whether you choose to have their gin in a classic G&T or a cocktail. There's a shop on the boat if you want to purchase a bottle or gift sets, and they also host regular food pop-ups, gin workshops and cocktail masterclasses.
Image - 6 O'Clock Gin at the Glassboat
Brunel's SS Great Britain
Climb aboard Brunel's world-famous ship for special dining events, including Sunday Roasts and Murder Mystery Dinners. You'll dine in the ship’s opulent First Class Dining Saloon, which has been recreated as it would have looked for the Victorian passengers who voyaged over 100 years ago.
If you can't wait for one of the dining events, you can pay to Harbourside Kitchen next door once you've finished exploring Brunel's SS Great Britain and tuck into light meals, pizzas, sandwiches, cakes and snacks with a view across the Floating Harbour.
- Fun fact: Harbour House further along the harbour, is situated in the oldest transit shed on the waterfront, and was allegedly designed by Brunel
Image - Dining Saloon at Brunel's SS Great Britain
The Matthew
Sample Bristol’s maritime heritage on board The Matthew of Bristol, an impressive replica of the ship used by John Cabot for his voyage across the Atlantic in 1497. As well as regular cruises around the harbour and along the River Avon (where you'll sail directly underneath the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge), they also run regular Fish & Chip Trips, where you can enjoy a traditional dinner onboard while taking in the sights of the Harbourside.
Image - The Matthew
Bristol Packet
Book on to a Cream Tea Cruise as you cruise around the harbour. Your cream tea includes a freshly baked scone with clotted cream and jam, a slice of cake and a cup of tea or coffee.
Bristol Packet also have their Greenshank Bar & Cafe moored up on the harbourside, close to Brunel's SS Great Britain. It's the perfect spot to take in the views and enjoy a cold drink or snack.
Image - Bristol Packet Boat Trips
The Apple
Bristol's famous specialist cider boat has a large quayside terrace that comes alive in summer (and even in winter!) with outdoor drinkers. There's also seating on the boat itself, both upstairs and downstairs, so you'll usually be able to find a spot to enjoy their huge selection of local and international ciders and perrys, as well as some interesting cider-based cocktails. Look out for pop-up street food vendors outside throughout the week.
Grain Barge
On the opposite side of the harbour from the Brunel's SS Great Britain and Bristol Marina, on Hotwell Road, is this converted 1930s engineless barge run by Bristol Beer Factory. On a nice day you will find diners and drinkers on the top desk marvelling at the panoramic views of the harbour and watching the boats go by. They've also got a side pontoon if you're arriving by boat, kayak or paddelboard and want to pop in for some refreshments!
Image - Grain Barge
Bristol Ferry
Treat yourself to an evening cruise with Bristol Ferry on one of their Thirsty Thursdays cruises, where for £10 you can enjoy the views on a 90 minute cruise around the harbour. Take your pick from their selection of wines, lagers, ciders, spirits and mixers.
Image - Bristol Ferry
Under the Stars
This floating tapas restaurant has a great spot on Narrow Quay, with views across the water to Watershed and No.1 Harbourside from their alfresco terrace on top of the boat. The menu includes a variety of Mediterranean-inspired nibbles, pizza and great cocktails.
Image - Under the Stars
MV Balmoral
Visit this 1950s excursion ship, moored up on the harbourside next to M Shed, for special open days and live music nights. Check the Facebook page for the latest events, where you can learn more about the history of the ship and enjoy a drink or two from the bar. MV Balmoral has been used as a filming location several times, most notably for the films Stan & Oliie and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
Image - Stan & Ollie filming on MV Balmoral. Credit Bristol Film Office
Thekla
If you’re looking for a late night venue to dance or see some live music, try local's favourite Thekla, a converted cargo ship moored on Mud Dock. You'll need a ticket for a gig to board the ship (or entrance is free for their Pressure club nights on Thursdays before 10pm).
Image - Thekla
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