Greenshank

Bristol Bar & Event Space

Greenshank Bristol Bar & Event Space on a converted canal boat with a sun terrace. Available for private hire in the heart of Bristol Harbour.

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

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

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History of the Greenshank

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 two 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 were built in. Now she proudly sits in Bristol Floating Harbour.

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Per B profile picture
Per B
22 March 2026
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Nice trip Easy access from right next to SS Great Britain which you MUST see as well. Good captain/guide.
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CharlieBrys
15 March 2026
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Relaxed and informative Relaxed and informative. Friendly guide.
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Karen J
10 November 2025
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very relaxing lovely cruise and very informative, just a pity the member of staff (rose) who was at bar talked to her friends the whole trip, they was so loud it was difficult to hear the commentary
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Duncan B.
11 October 2025
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Brilliant! Brilliant! The trip was so informative and entertaining. A high spot in our stay in Bristol. It is a must do along with the SS Great Britain.
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Adrian G
10 September 2025
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Great trip round the harbour We took a 45 minute trip round the harbour which was relaxing and interesting. The boat (converted canal boat) had a bar and a toilet, and the crew of 2 were excellent at pointing out interesting sites. It was so good we went back and did it again in the afternoon!!
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917jaynel
18 August 2025
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Lovely trip Had a lovely 45 minutes going down the river. Landmarks and history were pointed out along the way. Easy to book and well worth it. Would definitely do it again if we go back to Bristol.
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One Way Ticket…
11 August 2025
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Worth the time and not overpriced. Enjoyed our 45 min trip George and George both professional and took safety serious, but also fun and informative. Not overpriced so would recommend to others if visiting area.
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Kirsty
9 August 2025
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Birthday treats OMG!! Thank you so much Jude and George 👏 what an absolutely awesome 45mins! Came with my Dad and Daughter sooooooo glad we choose this boat! Jude was super informative with a great presence and sense of humour keeping us entertained with witty banter and super fun facts! Can not recommend this highly enough! Again thank you guys for making my Dads birthday so special 💯🇬🇧
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TravellersOnTheGo
4 August 2025
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Excellent What a great way to spend 45 minutes on the water in Bristol Harbour. The boat was clean and very well laid out with a bar at the end. We sat and sipped rosé wine as we looked at all the sites around the harbour. The commentary was absolutely spot-on and was extremely interesting. This is really good value and I highly recommend.
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Tigi
29 June 2025
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Messing about on the River A group of 7 of us really enjoyed 2hr our cream tea cruise on the River Avon this afternoon. The commentary was excellent, giving us interesting facts about what we were seeing. We saw our first Gromit from this years trail (outside the Arnolfini) A Heron, Swans, ducks and ducklings, lots of paddle boarders and even swimmers. The cream tea was generous with some of the best scones I've had, cake and unlimited cups of tea which in todays warm weather was very welcome. Special thanks to Ruby who looked after us so well.

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