• Swindon & Wiltshire Property
• Friday October 2 2026

Indie brewery buys Bristol’s iconic floating venue Glassboat

Bristol’s iconic floating venue the Glassboat has been bought by local craft brewery Arbor Ales, marking a new chapter for the Welsh Back landmark as the Easton brewer prepares to reopen it under its own brand.

The brewery purchased the boat from artisan gin brand 6 O’Clock Gin and has been carrying out renovations ahead of relaunch.

The Glassboat, moored on Welsh Back, operated for 35 years as a fine‑dining restaurant before closing in 2020 and briefly reopening as Fish, then was taken over in 2023 by 6 O’Clock Gin, which converted it into a gin bar, bottle shop and events venue.

Arbor, founded in 2007 and based in Easton, brews more than 1.5 million pints a year and is known for hop‑forward pale ales and IPAs sold in signature pint cans.

Bristol law firm Thrings led by corporate partner Simon Hore, with support from solicitor Shana McBean and advice also provided by Ros Trotman, partner in Thrings’ planning and environment team, led on all legal aspects of the share purchase deal for Arbor Ales.

Jon Comer, director of Arbor Ales said: “The Glassboat is such an iconic part of Bristol, and we’re genuinely excited to have the opportunity to take it on. We’ve known the venue for years and always felt there was huge potential there.

“For us, it’s about bringing the Glassboat back to life and creating somewhere that feels distinctly Bristol, with great food, great beer and a really welcoming atmosphere. We’ve got lots of ideas for the space and can’t wait to get started.

“We’re also really pleased to have got the deal over the line and hugely grateful to Simon and the team at Thrings for all their help throughout the process.”

Simon Hore added: “Bristol is renowned for its thriving independent microbrewery and craft beer scene and
Arbor has become one of the city’s great success stories. This deal is a great example of a local business investing confidently in its home city and it has been a pleasure to support the team on this significant step.”

“We’re excited to see the plans they have for the Glassboat come to life soon and wish the whole team every success for this next exciting chapter.”