Ahead of its imminent reopening after a £1.8 million redevelopment, floating bar and restaurant the PS Tattershall Castle has reconnected its beer lines – with a bit of help from Fuller’s London Pride, fresh from the brand’s recent appearance in the London Marathon.
The paddle steamer, moored at Embankment, is the only venue actually on the Thames – rather than on its banks – where drinkers can enjoy a pint of the London-brewed cask ale.
Managed pub and bar operator TCG brought the Tattershall Castle back to London in April from Hull, where it had been sent for repairs and refurbishment. With the boat back in its berth opposite the London Eye, the staff team led by ‘Skipper’ Craig Taylor has been getting the boat shipshape and ready for reopening in mid-May.
Chief operating officer Nigel Wright said, “The last month has been a succession of milestones in preparing for the Tattershall Castle’s reopening, from refitting the funnel to taking deliveries of furniture, food and drink, while at the same time we’ve been training up a new 50-strong team of bar, waiting and kitchen staff.
“Of course, no bar is complete without draught beer, and the Tattershall Castle has been serving fine beer ever since its days as a passenger ferry across the River Humber. Like London Pride, the Tattershall Castle is an icon for both Londoners and visitors to the capital.
“Reconnecting the beer lines was an important part of the reopening process and we’re glad that we’ll now be able to serve a great pint of cask London Pride to the many customers we’re expecting on relaunch night and beyond.”
Caption to attached image: TCG chief operating officer Nigel Wright (right) with London Pride costume worn by Tattershall Castle crew member Luca Scabini
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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