Tamesis Dock

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 World War II. 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.