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All England Tamesis Dock
AO Edited Gastro Obscura

Tamesis Dock

Take in the views of Big Ben with a Guinness in hand at this floating pub aboard a 1930s Dutch barge.

London, England

Added By
Austin Bush
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Welcome to one of the only floating pubs in the world.   Austin Bush for Gastro Obscura
Welcome to one of the only floating pubs in the world.   Austin Bush for Gastro Obscura
This pub might just have the best view in town.   Austin Bush for Gastro Obscura
This converted 1930s Dutch barge packs in plenty of charm.   Austin Bush for Gastro Obscura
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are visible in the distance.   Austin Bush for Gastro Obscura
The bar on the lower deck has seven taps.   Austin Bush for Gastro Obscura
The Tamesis Dock is named for the ancient Roman name for the River Thames.   Austin Bush for Gastro Obscura
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About

A London pub is more about interior design or atmosphere than views—except, that is, at Tamesis Dock. This pub takes the form of a boat moored on the south bank of River Thames, right in central London, from where one can take in the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the London Eye and Battersea Power Station all while sipping a Guinness. It’s thought to be one of only two boat-based pubs in the city.

The story goes that the boat was built in the 1930s in the Netherlands. It somehow made its way to Paris, where it was requisitioned by German soldiers during WWII. After the war, it was bought by a former member of Britain’s Merchant Navy and taken to the south coast of England, then eventually in the ‘80s or ‘90s, to London. 

Moorings in central London are almost impossible to come by these days, and Tamesis (the ancient Roman name for the River Thames) Dock’s current owners estimate that the boat may be the only one moored on the south bank of the river. Rent is paid to the Port of London. And the Thames estuary is only 32 miles east, which means that the tides cause Tamesis Dock to float twice daily. 

Seating here spans three levels, with both open-air and covered zones, and on a clear day, the views are amazing. The bar is found in the ship’s lower deck, has seven taps, and there’s also pizza and light snacks. Tamesis Dock also hosts events and live music.

Related Tags

Booze Bars Boats Pub

Know Before You Go

Tamesis Dock is open Monday to Friday from noon to 1 a.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Note that the pub does not accept cash. 

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Added By

Austin Bush

Published

April 23, 2025

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Tamesis Dock
Albert Embankment
London, SE1 7TY
England
51.491996, -0.124723
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