The Glassboat didn’t start out as a restaurant. It was actually a working barge in the 1920s (making it roughly 100 years old!), but became one of Bristol’s most beloved dining spots in the ‘80s. Offering panoramic views of the floating harbour, many were devastated to hear that it closed last year.
But it appears there is life in the old boat yet! Bristol’s local gin company, 6 O’clock Gin, has seemingly bought The Glassboat with the intention to relaunch it later this summer. Moored on Welsh Back, it will serve as a retail, bar and events space for all things gin. Who doesn’t like the sound of G&Ts on the water?
6 O’clock Gin started life nearly 30 years ago on a local fruit farm, where owners Edward and Penny Kain started making fruity liqueurs, including a Sloe Gin recipe. Some years later, their children Michael and Felicity took over the distillery and perfected this gin recipe—6 O’clock Gin was born through this experimentation.
Based in Thornbury, 6 O’clock Gin can be tried all over the world. (You’ll likely recognise it from its distinct Bristol Blue bottles.) But it’s wonderful to learn the artisan spirits brand has not lost touch with its roots. After several years of successful pop-up stores around Bristol, this permanent location for 6 O’clock Gin is beyond exciting.
“We’re beyond thrilled to announce that we’ll be re-launching the iconic Glassboat in Bristol, bringing an exciting new retail, bar and event space to the city centre,” said a spokesperson for 6 O’clock Gin. “We’re lucky enough to have an amazingly loyal following across the city and surrounding areas, and are keen to build on this and bring an exclusive 6 O’clock Gin venue to central Bristol, enabling greater opportunity to sample our fabulous spirits and participate in our immersive experiences.”
You will be able to relax on the water and enjoy a selection of delicious G&Ts and 6 O’clock Gin cocktails at the Glassboat when it reopens. You’ll also be able to buy a bottle (or two) to take away, as well as get hands-on at the likes of gin tastings, cocktail masterclasses and gin blending experiences. To learn more about 6 O’clock Gin head here.