Managed pub and bar operator TCG is preparing for the return to London of its flagship site, the Tattershall Castle floating bar and restaurant, after a £1.5 million refurbishment in Hull.
The popular drinking and dining destination, usually moored opposite the London Eye, has been in Hull since early January. It has been given a complete exterior and interior refurbishment and returns to its berth with a brand new look and improved facilities to offer the tens of thousands of Londoners and tourists who visit each year.
Making a final inspection at the MMS Shipyard in Hull, which has carried out the ten-week works, TCG chief operating officer Nigel Wright said, “We are more than delighted with the final result of this development, which has been several years in the planning and execution. Refurbishing the Tattershall Castle has been unlike any other development I’ve worked on – you don’t usually have to factor in the quantity of steel required and maritime tidal patterns.
“We brought the Tattershall Castle back to Hull for the work because the city’s shipyards are renowned for their quality of workmanship, and they haven’t disappointed on this project. It was also fitting because the boat was originally a ferry across the Humber, and judging by the warm response in Hull to its return, many local people hold fond memories of the ‘Tatts’ from those days.”
TCG is thanking Hull for its welcome by offering anyone from the city a free pint of beer if they come on board the Tattershall Castle between May and August.
The Tattershall Castle will return by sea tow from Hull to the Thames estuary, where some further interior fitting will be carried out at Tillbury Dock. The rest of the journey has to be completed in conjunction with lowest tides so that the boat can pass under Tower Bridge.
Back at the Embankment, the boat’s funnel will be refitted by crane and power and beer dispense lines reconnected in line with training starting for the 50-strong staff team led by general manager Craig Taylor. The site is expected to start trading again by mid-May.
The new look Tattershall Castle will offer customers an enhanced experience throughout. New ‘cabins’ – private booths in the main lounge – can be pre-booked for drinks and meals, while the redeveloped Club Room-‘Steamers’ will once again host the popular Comedy Boat Show, with improved facilities for the performers, more areas for private parties and plans for a licence for weddings and civil ceremonies.
Wright added, “The Tattershall Castle is a London landmark, known and loved not just at home but around the world. We are delighted to have completed this refurbishment and look forward to welcoming the tens of thousands of customers who come on board every year for great food and drink, and one of the finest views of the Thames in the capital.”
Caption to attached image: TCG chief operating officer Nigel Wright (far right) with MMS managing director Rob Langton (left) and shipyard manager Tony Marshall (centre)
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Notes to editors
Tattershall Castle
- Built in 1934 as a passenger ferry across the River Humber. In its 39 years of service, it transported more than one million people.
- Moved to London in 1975 and opened as the capital’s first floating art gallery. In 1982 it was converted to a bar and restaurant.
- Since 2000, the Tatts has been home to the Boat Show Comedy Club, which has staged performances from some of the country’s top comedians including: Micky Flanagan, Eddie Izzard, James Corden, Jack Whitehall, Michael McIntyre and Sarah Millican.
- Customers on board buy 250,000 pints of beer and cider a year and 3,500 portions of fish & chips
- Its location makes it one of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve. Revellers drink around 150 bottles of fizz and in most years, at least one couple get engaged as nearby Big Ben strikes midnight.
TCG
- TCG operates a diverse estate of 65 managed pubs and bars nationwide.
- The business has a strong foothold in London, with high-profile sites such as the flagship Tattershall Castle floating bar and restaurant on the Embankment.
- The estate stretches across the country from Aberdeen to Newquay, and from Cardiff to Norwich. It includes late night bars, community and sports locals, student venues and quality town centre pubs, as well as a number of trading formats, such as the Henry’s Café Bar brand, Eerie Pubs and the King’s Feast food concept.
Issued on behalf of: TCG
By: ShielPorter Communications
Further information: Ros Shiel: ros@shielporter.com / 07841 694137
John Porter: john@shielporter.com / 07734 054389