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Greenshank Bristol Bar & Event Space

EXPLORE DETAILS

Greenshank has now closed for the 2026 season. Thanks to everyone who joined us for drinks on the deck.

We look forward to welcoming you back in 2027.

Open May-September

Thurs-Sat: 1230 – 2130, Sundays 1200 – 2000

Bristol Packet Boat Trips, Wapping Wharf
Bristol Harbourside, BS1 6UN

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sub head

Floating Bar

Welcome to The Greenshank, Bristol’s unique floating bar, nestled right on the water in the heart of the historic Bristol docks. Originally a 1936 narrowboat, The Greenshank was lovingly transformed in 2017 into a stylish venue, complete with a sun deck where you can relax and take in the views.

Greenshank opens for the Summer season from Thursday through to Sunday for cocktails, craft beers and delicious snacks. So join us to find a sunny seat and soak in the serene dockside atmosphere.

See drinks menus

      GOOD  
   Based on 27 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   BRISTOLGIRL1992 
 
 
 
 Verified Perfect cocktail
We came today for a quick drink with the family, the spicy margs were top tier! Very well made. A lovely little spot if the sun is shining. Lovely barmaid too who was happy to occupy my baby which doesn’t happen often! Definitely return.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Kabb 
 
 
 
 Verified Superb
Nice place to chill out with friends.. friendly staff, easy and simple selection of drinks amd nibbles .. quite like the idea
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Maria Thomas 
 
 
 
 Verified Fantastic
Fabulous bar oersin, very welcoming, knowledgeable and friendly. Great atmosphere definitely recommend it for a drink or 20
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Amanda W 
 
 
 
 Verified Very pleasant
This bar on the boat had a nice selection of alcohol and snacks. Staff very friendly. Good relaxed atmosphere. Lovely views along the river
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Mrsmonkey57 
 
 
 
 Verified Just lovely ❤️
Lovely location, perfect and friendly service. Peaceful and tranquil...loved it.. well worth a visit. ❤️
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   fc620 
 
 
 
 Verified Great for coffee
We had coffee on this lovely boat in the harbour at Bristol. The cakes were delicious - I can thoroughly recommend the raspberry and white chocolate slice. It was very enjoyable to sit and have a coffee while watching everything going on around us on the water. You can sit outside or under cover. We were made to feel very welcome. The boat and toilets were very clean we felt they were taking good Covid precautions.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   RobininBRISTOL 
 
 
 
 Verified Great idea
The only 2 boats that don't move at the home of the Bristol Packet company - and what a great idea to have a cream tea of something stronger while on the water amongst this interesting fleet of tourist cruise boats. Closed in the winter!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   TheHonestCritique 
 
 
 
 Verified Vastly improved
I have reviewed this cafe previously and gave it a very low score due to our very poor experience. However we decided to give it another try and I pleased to confirm that everything from the welcome, service and food was excellent! Would definitely recommend now! 👏
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   AWarr 
 
 
 
 Verified Fantastic Cafe and Location
This was our second visit to this gorgeous cafe and we love it. I had a quiche and salad and my husband had the homemade sausage roll with salad. Food was really first class and we loved the salad and serving yourself. I know it’s a limited menu but what they have is fantastic. Very fresh and well made. Good drinks menu as well. The staff are friendly and super efficient and we are so pleased we found this gem of a place. We will be back.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   June A 
 
 
 
 Verified lovely lunch on the river with good service
Nice outdoor meal on a boat. great for a good sunny day. small menu but good food and the wine was good.. four choices of quiche to chose from and you help yourself to salad. some nice cakes for afters as well

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hire for private party

Event Space

Hire our distinctive venue for a private party or work event with a difference. We have standing room for up to 60 people on our gorgeous sun terrace & space below deck on our historic converted canal boat..

Call us for a quote and availability on 0117 9268157.

make enquiry

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Team Away & Corporate Days

Do presentations on the floating sundeck, or get a historic tour of the Bristol Floating Harbour.

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Private Parties & Events

Relax in the evening sunshine on the outdoor terrace with the best Harbour views in Bristol. Bring your own playlist for the bar area.

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Drinks Reception

Our galley can prepare your canapés and our bar will serve your drinks.

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Drinks Menus

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History

About the boat

The Greenshank was converted from a 1936 traditional narrowboat into the stylish floating café bar with outdoor sun deck she is today in 2017. Before that, she had quite a history of proud service on the English canals.

Built by Harland and Wolff at their Woolwich shipyard in 1936, she was originally named Bawtry and she’s never had an engine but always worked as a Butty Boat. Greenshank carried general cargo all over the English canal system for well over 2 decades. In 1954 she was paired up with Redshank by the Willow Wren Carrying Company and renamed Greenshank. The pair were the favourite narrowboats of the Willow Wren Company for a long while.

Being in a derelict state and at risk of sinking, Greenshank was refitted between 2013 – 2016 to become the Greenshank Café Bar. Being completely renovated, a glass roof was fitted and all facilities built in. Now she proudly sits in Bristol Floating Harbour