More than just a mode of transport, boats have long been the site of booze-fuelled antics; from sea-faring pirates to Cambridge punts, ships and sips just work. However, if you're looking for some more established vessels to get the drinks in, we've rounded up all the best boat bars in the UK, including the cargo ship that became an iconic club and the floating restaurants offering some of the country's most exciting eats.
Sample Australian grub at one of the best floating restaurants in the UK. Moored on the Grand Union Canal, Darcie & May Green is a colourful canal boat restaurant fronting delicious brunch fare and some very Instagrammable exteriors.
A fun floating pub in London, The Tattershall Castle is famed among comedy lovers and club fans as the place to head for excellent weekend entertainment. During the week though, it's a top location for for a few drinks in an unparalleled setting.
When it comes to boat restaurants in the UK, Bateaux is the London dining experience you need to check out. Tuck into delicious dinners, afternoon teas and Sunday lunches as the slick vessel makes its way down the Thames past some of the most famous sights on the city skyline.
Head down to Hackney Wick and you'll find one of the best boat bars in the UK. Moored just moments from the Olympic Stadium, Barge East is a restaurant and drinking spot fronting international flavours and plenty of space onboard, below deck and in their canalside beer garden.
Arguably the most popular boat bar in London, Tamesis Dock can be found down by Albert Embankment. On the top deck there's plenty of tables available for pints and post-work catch-ups, while down in the bowels of the ship you'll find live music, comedy and dancing space.
An iconic venue that also happens to be one of the UK's best boat bars? Thekla is the former cargo ship that now hosts some of the best bands and DJs from across the country, as well as many of Bristol's biggest party animals.
Operating some of the best canal boat restaurants in the UK, London Shell Co. has got you covered when it comes to pretty barges and the freshest fish dinners. Flagship eatery The Prince Regent offers cruises as well as fine cuisine, while sister site The Grand Duchess sits pretty in its Sheldon Square mooring.
Among the coolest UK boat bars, The Apple is the craft cider specialist you'll want to check out. Head over to Bristol's Old City where this famed Dutch barge is serving up a huge range of pints both on deck and in its riverside suntrap.
