Key Points
- Arbor Ales, an independent craft brewery based in Bristol, has bought the famous floating bar, known as The Glassboat, located at Welsh Back in Bristol.
- The permanently moored boat had earlier belonged to the owners of Six O’Clock Gin company, Bramley and Gage Ltd, who were recently acquired by Eller’s Farm Distillery, owned by comedian Ricky Gervais.
- Arbor Ales aims to convert the harborside venue into a bar, restaurant, and event venue.
- Jon Comer, director of Arbor Ales, has said that he is excited to take up ownership of the iconic Bristol venue.
- Arbor Ales had first applied to Bristol City Council for a premises license for the venue in August. Financial details of the acquisition are not known.
- Earlier, The Glassboat changed hands in 2023, having been vacant for one year.
- Legal firm Thrings facilitated the transaction for Arbor Ales. Simon Hore, Shana McBean, and Ros Trotman led the transaction as the partners in corporate, solicitor, and planning departments, respectively.
Bristol (Bristol Express News) October 6, 2026 – As reported by Hannah Baker, Business Editor of Bristol Live, a Bristol-based independent brewery has purchased a well-known floating bar on the city’s harbourside and has “exciting” plans to reopen it.
What Are the Details of Arbor Ales’ Acquisition of The Glassboat?
As detailed by Hannah Baker of Bristol Live, craft beer maker Arbor Ales has assumed control of the permanently docked barge from Six O’Clock Gin owners Bramley and Gage Ltd. This previous owning entity was recently bought by Eller’s Farm Distillery, a business co-owned by comedian Ricky Gervais. Arbor Ales is planning to transform the Welsh Back-based venue into an “exciting” bar, restaurant, and events space.
Discussing the acquisition, Jon Comer, director of Arbor Ales, stated as reported by Hannah Baker of Bristol Live: “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.”
Mr Comer added, according to Hannah Baker of Bristol Live:
“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.”
Explore more City Centre News:
Bristol Bistro Burgled During Owner Wedding in Bristol City Centre 2026
Whitbread Acquires Future Inn Hotel For Premier Inn In Bristol 2026
How Did the Deal Come Together and What Are the Next Steps?
According to Hannah Baker of Bristol Live, Arbor Ales—which launched in 2007 and has grown into one of the city’s leading craft beer producers—initially submitted an application to Bristol City Council for a premises licence for The Glassboat in August. It remains unknown how much Arbor Ales paid for the venue. The floating landmark was previously sold in 2023 after remaining vacant for a year.
The legal elements of the deal for Arbor Ales were handled by legal firm Thrings. The transaction was overseen by corporate partner Simon Hore, with assistance from solicitor Shana McBean and guidance from Ros Trotman, partner in Thrings’ planning and environment team, as reported by Hannah Baker of Bristol Live.
Commenting on the transaction, Simon Hore stated as reported by Hannah Baker of Bristol Live: “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.”
Mr Hore further noted, as reported by Hannah Baker of Bristol Live:
“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.”
Expressing gratitude for the legal support, Jon Comer stated as reported by Hannah Baker of Bristol Live:
“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.”
Background of the Development
The Glassboat has long served as a prominent floating fixture on Bristol’s harbourside, positioned on Welsh Back. Over recent years, the venue has experienced changes in ownership and periods of vacancy. It was previously sold in 2023 following a year-long vacancy after having been operated as a floating gin bar by Six O’Clock Gin owners Bramley and Gage Ltd. The brand’s parent company, Bramley and Gage, underwent recent corporate changes after being acquired by Eller’s Farm Distillery, a venture co-owned by comedian Ricky Gervais. Arbor Ales, established in 2007, represents part of Bristol’s established independent microbrewery sector, stepping in to acquire the barge and submit a premises licence application to Bristol City Council in August 2026 before finalising the purchase.
This development is expected to significantly impact local hospitality consumers, craft beer enthusiasts, and the Bristol harbourside economy. By transitioning the permanently docked barge from a gin-focused venue into a combined bar, restaurant, and events space managed by an established local independent brewery, the project aims to integrate regional craft beverage culture directly into a high-profile waterfront location. For local patrons and visitors, the reopening introduces a newly revitalised social venue that merges local brewing traditions with dining and events, potentially increasing foot traffic along the Welsh Back waterfront and reinforcing Bristol’s reputation for independent enterprise within its food and drink sector.
