A floating restaurant and bar that has been a fixture of Bristol’s social scene since the 1980s is about to be given a new lease of life after it was bought by a local gin company. The artisan spirits brand 6 O’clock Gin has bought the Glassboat, and intends to relaunch it as a new retail, bar and events space at its mooring on Welsh Back.
The Glassboat was an iconic Bristol restaurant for decades but closed and was put up for sale in 2022. The new owners are a family-run distillery which has expanded from its farm near Thornbury to now sell spirits to a global market.
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Paul Sullivan, the managing director of 6 O’clock Gin, said the brand was ‘eager to bring the taste’ of its gin to the heart of Bristol, ‘offering a greater opportunity for residents and visitors alike to sample their gins and participate in immersive experiences.
The firm began life as a family-run small distillery, but has expanded rapidly in recent years, selling its distinctive Bristol Blue bottled gins and spirits to Europe, the USA, Canada and south east Asia. The firm conducts guided tours of the distillery, but this is the first time it has opened up a permanent business in the centre of Bristol, after several years of opening up pop-up gin shops.
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“Located at a picturesque waterside location, the reimagined Glassboat will provide guests with a stunning setting to enjoy a selection of delicious G&Ts and 6 O’clock Gin cocktails,” a spokesperson for the firm said. “Whether relaxing by the water or purchasing a bottle or two to take away for themselves, family, or friends, visitors can expect a memorable and elevated gin experience.
“Furthermore, the Glassboat will host a variety of upcoming events, including gin tastings, cocktail masterclasses, and gin blending experiences, where attendees can get more hands-on and delve deeper into the world of 6 O'clock Gin,” she added.
The Glassboat was put up for sale in early 2022 after its owner of 36 years, Arne Ringner, retired. He originally converted the 120ft long ‘dumb barge’ in 1986, turning it into a floating cafe which quickly became one of Bristol’s most popular restaurants - it was one of the city’s premier fine-dining restaurants from the late 1980s well into the 2000s.
More recently, before the pandemic, the Glassboat was a seafood restaurant and takeaway called FiSH, and stayed open throughout the pandemic, but closed in the winter of 2021-22.
Earlier this year, Bristol Live reported that the venue had been sold, and can now reveal that 6 O’clock Gin are the buyers.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have purchased the Glassboat, our plan is to retain as many original features as possible while breathing new life into this historic site,” said Paul Sullivan, from 6 O’clock Gin. “The re-launch of the Glassboat marks a significant milestone for us as we are able to bring our 6 O’clock Gin experiences right into the heart of the city.”
“Much like the iconic blue bottle that pays tribute to Bristol's rich heritage, the Glassboat represents the perfect showcase for 6 O'clock Gin. Its established status as a must-visit destination combined with the brand's commitment to exceptional quality and craftsmanship will undoubtedly create a unique and unforgettable experience for all aboard. The re-opening of the Glassboat is scheduled for later this summer 2023,” he added.
