no booze cruise london

Ahoy there! The ORIGINAL 'London Boat Party', has been iconic to the river Thames' London party scene for over 50 years! Incredible value is guaranteed on our boat parties. You can eat, drink and catch-up as we cruise past the impressive and ever-changing illuminated sights of London, before grabbing a group selfie in front of Tower Bridge. Then dance 'til you drop to the sounds of a top Thames DJ, playing party anthems and chart hits from the past to present. Our London Boat Party is an unrivalled experience for friends, family and colleagues. Popular with staff and office parties, birthdays, a hen/stag do, team socials, or just a general night out in London. For those who want to keep partying - we've got you covered with free guest list at a near by nightclub. We also offer exclusive options for groups before setting sail. We offer the biggest selection of dates and use the biggest fleet of Thames party boats.  All are maintained to shipshape standards and run by friendly and professional Crew, who ensure a great party atmosphere and a memorable night out.

1 to 20 TICKETS = £33 per person 20+ TICKETS = £32 per person

GROUPS OF 20+ = 1 x Free Ticket. for the organiser, birthday boy/girl or the hen/stag.

EMERGENCY SERVICES DISCOUNT ON REQUEST

• 4 hour cruise past all the key sights & illuminations
• Top Thames DJ  playing party anthems & chart toppers
• L ight Buffet
• Licensed Bar  at pub prices
• Free  guest list entrance to a nightclub post-cruise -   must be pre-requested
• Price match promise
• Great  party atmosphere – repeat booked by many!
• Exclusive ‘pre-cruise’ packages available – ask for info

Every Saturday night, all year! Most Friday nights, May to Sept.

Saturdays: 20.00 – 00.00   Fridays: 19.00 – 23.00

Thursdays are added during December

Where (Piers used) Westminster, Festival, Waterloo -  your t icket s specify the Pi er

We're proud to be London's ORIGINAL organiser of the ticketed boat party cruise. This enables us to offer the biggest selection of dates; running every weekend throughout the year! There's no Pirates 'ere....r unning for over 50 years , it is a great night out that proves incredible value-for-money and is 'repeat booked' by many shipmates  year on year. We offer flexible payment terms , group discounts , a f ree ticket  reward, excellent customer service and we use the biggest fleet of London party boats on the Thames - so, it's plain sailing  to see why we have so many happy Sailors!

WHY BOOK WITH US?

WE'RE THE LONDON BOAT PARTY EXPERTS

We’re No. 1

As the ORIGINAL London boat party and operating consistently for over 50yrs, we are undeniably London’s No. 1 Thames Boat Party specialist. Be warned 'Me Hearties, there be some Pirates out there on these competitive Seas, so check out the 'About Us' page for our credibility.

Biggest Availability

We pride ourselves in being able to offer the biggest availability of dates, due to having access to the biggest fleet of London party boats. Meaning we run every weekend, all year! During December we add even more dates!

Zero Hassle

You can be assured of a ‘plain sailing’ booking experience. We’re experts and we won’t make you feel like walking the plank! Never a hard sell, always a willingness to be flexible and a quick and knowledgeable reply to any of your questions. Our Captain Chat Bot or FAQs may hold an immediate answer. 

Flexible Payments

Unlike Pirate’s, we don’t hold you to ransom. We treat you as our treasure! You may not know your exact group size straight away, let alone get your group to commit and pay! You can make a provisional booking, pay a deposit, then the remainder 1 week before setting sail, via card or bank transfer.

Trusted by Agents & Suppliers

Think you’ve seen a similar cruise on another website? You probably have. We have numerous party planning Agents and Suppliers that place their bookings with us. So even if you don’t book with us directly, there’s a likelihood that we’ll still be welcoming you aboard our Ship.

Discounted Prices

We love groups and recognise the efforts of the Organiser. We reward groups of 20+ with a discounted price and we include a free ticket for the Organiser or the Birthday boy/girl or Hen/Stag. We believe we offer the best value but still offer a price match promise. Emergency Services receive a special discount too.

Happy Shipmates

Our Crew enjoy getting high fives from happy Shipmates at the end of the night. We pride ourselves in welcoming back familiar faces and have a long list of repeat bookings who are rewarded with a discounted price. If you want to ensure you don’t miss out on special offers – sign up.

Pre & Post Cruise Options

Some like to start the party early, others start later but party on until the sun comes up. That’s why we offer recommendations to help you plan your night out. Whether you’re after a bar for the group to meet up pre-cruise and enjoy some 2-4-1 cocktails or want guest-list entrance to a club after the cruise – we have it sorted!

What Our Happy SHIPMATES SAY

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT?

Whether you're looking for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner cruises, private hire or special events ; we've got options for 2 - 620 guests!

We Are Absolute Party Boats London. Thames Party Boat Hir e Specialists.

Choose From Our Family-Owned Fleet Of Vessels That Cater For Any Kind And Size Of Party. Book Directly With Us, No Agents, No Hidden Fees, Just Smooth-Sailing,

Party-Planning On London's Iconic River Thames.

HIRE A THAMES PARTY BOAT IN LONDON

We work with promoters and event organisers worldwide.

Hire one of our three London party boats for your event whether it be  a private party, club night, transfer from pier to pier, or your very special London wedding .   C onsider Absolute Party Boats as part of your extended team.   Browse our boats below, download our Info Pack and choose a boat that suits you.

Holds Up To 160 People

Holds Up To 220 People

DUTCH MASTER

Holds Up To 375 People

OUR PARTIES

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Best Boat Events & Experiences In London

Skip the predictability of dry land and hop aboard some of London's best water options as we bring you the boat events and experiences you won't want to miss in the city. From beer cruises with incredible landscape views to late night parties and comedy clubs overlooking the Thames, it's all aboard.

Last edited by Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 4th April 2024

London Boat Party

These guys have over 50 years of experience under their belt, meaning they know how to throw an epic celebration. Party all night long with friends, family, colleagues and whoever you please on a four-hour cruise with massive anthems and flowing drinks aboard London's original boat.

Skylines Boat Parties

Skylines Boat Parties give Londoners the chance to see their city in a different light, with a series of floating soirées complete with panoramic views. Each month they're throwing a Bollywood bash on the Thames for £25 per passenger – featuring live DJs and drinks available at the bar. 

Floating Hot Tub Tour of London's Docklands

@ Skuna Boats on Every Wednesday

To float along the water in a hot tub while drinking prosecco? It can only be this tour of the Docklands. The experienced guides from Sakuna Boats are on hand here, so sip away and soothe your soul while taking in the sights.

• Boat Party ⋅ Something A Little Different ⋅ Walks & Tours
• Tickets from £39.00

Silent Sounds Boat Party

@ The Silent Disco Boat on Saturday 11th May 2024 and 9 other Saturdays

Imagine this; you're cruising down the River Thames with your best mates, taking in the stunning views of London at night while dancing to cracking tunes which you can choose yourself. Sound like a bit of you? Then head on over to the Silent Sounds Boat Party.

• Boat Party ⋅ Something A Little Different ⋅ Activity
• Tickets from £25.00 - £45.00

London Boat Parties

Forget simply partying to ABBA; Like It Love It Events are giving you the option to dance to the Swedish sensations atop the Thames. There will be live performances from tribute acts, alongside DJs and other disco tunes continuing the party. Saying Gimme Gimme Gimme to these tickets? They'll set you back £30 each, or groups can nab a discount.

Hip Hop Brunch LDN

One of the UK's very best day events, Hip Hop Brunch, is heading on deck for a load of killer boat parties. Taking place on The Dutch Master, this will see you skanking to garage, reggae and dancehall while enjoying gorgeous views of the Thames.

Thames Lates

@ London Eye Millenium Pier on Various dates from Thursday 2nd May 2024

Looking for evening boat experiences in London? Thames Lates is the unique 'after hours' speedboat adventure that zooms you past 25 amazing landmarks, with a killer playlist and hilarious commentary in the background. You'll also enjoy a lovely sunset drink.

• Boat Party ⋅ Stag Do ⋅ Walks & Tours
• Tickets from £59.95 - £64.95

Garage Brunch

Fancy partying on a boat? We thought as much. So, be sure to check out Garage Brunch's awesome event on The Dutch Master, where guests will not only be able to dance to top-notch tunes spun by a live DJ, but also get to enjoy stunning views and bevvies.

Thames Rockets

Thames Rockets provides the ultimate sightseeing tour in London, where you will be whizzed round all the most iconic landmarks. There are cocktails aplenty on board, which you can sip on while the experienced guides tell you all about this wonderful city. 

The Copper Quay

When you're in need of private boat events? Check out The Copper Quay, who will take you from King's Cross through to Angel or Camden along the canal. Not only can you tailor the music, pre-order the bar, or bring your own booze if you'd prefer, but you'll have a seasoned captain at the helm - just to make sure there's minimal drink spillage.

• King's Cross
• Activity ⋅ Event Space

The Boat Show Comedy Club

The Boat Show Comedy Club has been going strong for over 20 years, bringing you the finest acts on the circuit - from TV stars to up and coming comedians. Make your way over to Tattershall Castle on the Thames for this fun evening.

West End on the Thames - Private Rooftop Summer BBQ Cruise

West End on the Thames offers something extra special for your office summer boat party in London. Hosting a party between 2 and 500 people in size? Cruise through the centre of London taking in all of the major sites while a memorable party kicks off onboard, with spacious outdoor rooftop decks and live DJs.

• Westminster ⋅ Central London
• Event Space ⋅ Party Bar ⋅ Activity

London Party Boats Ltd

Looking for some of the best boat parties in London? These epic events should be your first port of call. With a fleet of slick yachts at the ready, London Party Boats are bringing you cruises and bottomless brunches throughout the spring and summer.

Elvis Tribute Cruise

@ Westminster Pier on Saturday 11th May 2024 and 3 other Saturdays

Get ready to rock and roll on the Elvis Tribute Cruise at Westminister Pier. Enjoy a three-hour cruise with a delicious 3-course dinner, welcome drink and live music from The King himself for just £99 per person.

• Food & Drink ⋅ Live Music ⋅ Something A Little Different

City Cruises

City Cruises is hosting a range of unique boat trips along the Thames, boasting mega views of London's most iconic landmarks. Whether you fancy an exhilarating speedboat ride, a romantic dinner or even a fabulous afternoon tea, they've got you covered.

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How to work with us.

Whether you own a bar, restaurant, pub, club, private hire space, pop-up and/or run events, you can take advantage of our full suite of products. Explore one or more from the below.

Revolutionary booking and enquiry management software for bars, restaurants, pubs and clubs. Table management, pre-orders, payments and more.

An online event ticketing box office, catering for all kinds of events, pop ups to big music festivals, and free marketing and exposure to help sell more tickets.

Sell e-gift vouchers to your customers; whether it be a packaged up experience or a monetary value. Generate an extra revenue stream and open up your venue/event to even more customers.

Advertising

Need to get your venue out to millions? Use our targeted marketing packages to instantly push your venue to a young professional audience.

Country Cruisin'

LONDON'S HOTTEST COUNTRY BOAT PARTY WITH LIVE COUNTRY MUSIC, LINE DANCING AND COUNTRY DJ SET ON THE RIVER THAMES!!

Our boat parties are a country party like no other. Departing from one of the piers close to central London, we cruise down the Thames whilst partying to country music.

Experience the ultimate fusion of music and entertainment as you dance the night away with some boot stompin' line dancing, Live Country Music and the latest and greatest tunes from Music City courtesy of our Country DJ!

Our next Country Party Cruise will be on July 13th!

Upcoming Events

Rave Reviews!

Awesome! More please! It was fab, fab, fab!

Brilliant night. Nearly 4 hours cruising the Thames in daylight and after dark. Great country artists performing and a country DJ after. A nice food plate and reasonably priced beer. The views of London were spectacular,especially after dark. Would definitely recommend!

It was the first time i had been on one of these party cruises and i thoroughly enjoyed myself.

How we BRUNCH!

Buck' N Bull Saloon is the UK's biggest pop-up country music bar and nightclub. We frequently pop-up in venues around the UK, for information about our next events please visit our tickets page. Head Office: 5th floor, 167-169 Great Portland St, London W1W 5PF

Exclusive pre-sales & more:

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London Party Boats Ltd

Welcome to London Party Boats Ltd, your premier choice for private charter cruises in the heart of the city! With our fleet of six stunning vessels, we offer a range of options to accommodate your every need, from intimate gatherings to large-scale events.

From the intimate  MV Onyx of London , perfect for up to 70 passengers, to the spacious  MV Pearl of London , capable of hosting up to 360 guests, we have a vessel to suit any event.

Our fleet also includes:

MV Jewel of London : Capacity up to 240 Passengers  

MV Sapphire of London : Capacity up to 200 Passengers 

MV Emerald of London : Capacity up to 140 Passengers 

MV London Belle : Capacity up to 120 Passengers 

Our vessels boast state-of-the-art facilities and are available seven days a week from 7am to 12am, ensuring that your celebration or corporate event can take place at a time that suits you best. Whether you're planning a birthday party, wedding reception or corporate function, our experienced team is dedicated to creating an unforgettable experience on the picturesque River Thames.

Our team provides a full catering service and you'll also find fully stocked bars offering a wide selection of premium beverages on all our vessels. From our fleet of six vessels, we can accommodate your group size and preferences.

At London Party Boats, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service, attention to detail, and unparalleled experiences. Join us on a journey of luxury, entertainment, and breathtaking views that will leave a lasting impression on you and your guests.

Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable cruise along the Thames. Let us be your trusted partner in creating cherished memories that will be talked about for years to come.

River Cruises & Packages

Buy tickets here - bottomless brunch party boat cruise.

BUY TICKETS HERE - London Party Boat Cruise

BUY TICKETS HERE - Christmas Party Cruises

London Party Boats Catering

Drinks Packages

Private Charter Extras

Wedding Reception

Hen Party Options

Stag Party Options

River Transfers

Vessel Gallery

How To Hire A Vessel

Promo Video

Head Office London Party Boats Ltd , Wellesley House, Duke Of Wellington Avenue, Royal Arsenal , London , SE18 6SS

Operations Department London Party Boats Ltd , Festival Pier, Belvedere Road, Southbank Waterloo London SE1 8XZ

T: 0207 118 1281 E: [email protected]

• Thames Boat Party

Join us for a fantastic night of drinking and dancing on the River Thames, London. We will cruise through the heart of the city past some of London’s most iconic sights such as the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, the Millennium Dome, the Thames Barrier and many more.

 The perfect way to celebrate a special occasion with your friends, family or work colleagues.

Get those seated dance moves at the ready!

Enjoy a 4-hour Cruise with your friends as you sail along the river Thames past some of London's most iconic landmarks. Live DJ playing a mix of Commercial and Chart, to RnB, Old Skool Garage, 80's/90s/00s and Club Classics

• 4-hr River Thames Cruise
• Resident DJ
• Fully Licensed Cash Bar
• Party Finger Food

We can provide Vegetarian or Vegan options, these must be pre-ordered at the time of booking. Unfortunately we are unable to cater for any other special dietary requirements on this cruise. We do not guarantee that products are free from nuts or traces of nuts.

We use a variety of boats with capacities ranging from 100 - 250 guests. All boats have a large dance floor, at least 1 fully licensed bar and an outside deck. Some also have quieter areas (usually on the lower decks) where you can take a breather and rest the feet. This is a nightclub style cruise and seating is limited and not guaranteed.

The cruise runs to a very strict timetable and unfortunately we cannot wait for any late arrivals. It is your responsibility to arrive at the pier in plenty of time for your cruise to avoid any disappointment. Please be advised that once the boat departs, it cannot return to the pier to collect passengers, and refunds will not be offered in such circumstances. Face masks must be worn at the pier.

A central London Pier; usually Festival Pier or Westminster Pier - this will be confirmed on your ticket. All Piers are easily located and close to public transport links.

Here you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions, just click on the down arrow to reveal the answer.

• Cancellation Policy Tickets are non-refundable unless Ticket Refund Protection has been added. Protect your booking from the unexpected with Ticket Refund Protection, which allows you to recover 100% of the paid ticket price. With Ticket Refund Protection, you can apply for a refund in the event of: Accident, injury, or illness including COVID-19. Severe weather preventing travel to the venue. Travel delays due to breakdown or public transport breakdowns & strikes. Plus much more! For full terms & conditions on Ticket Refund Protection please visit - https://securemybooking.com/terms/uk/ Click (+) Add Ticket Refund Protection button during checkout, as you cannot add Ticket Refund Protection to your order after you have paid. We reserve the right if necessary, for reasons beyond our reasonable control, to cancel or amend the booking in any way, but we will not in such circumstances be liable for any loss, damages or other expenses whatsoever incurred by you due to such substitution, or cancellation or amendment.
• Amendments We don’t accept any any changes or amendments.
• Accessibility Unfortunately, this boat is not wheelchair accessible. We are unable to accommodate wheelchair users on this cruise.
• Age Policy 18yrs and over only.
• Inclement Weather The Cruises operate regardless of the weather unless in conditions of poor visibility. The Captain will make the decision on the day if the cruise will not operate. You will be informed of your options on the day if this affects you. Our vessels are closed in so you will not be affected by wind, snow or rain.
• How To Book To book; please either click the “BUY NOW” button on and follow the online booking process. Full payment is required at the time of booking. Once you have completed the booking process you will receive an automated booking summary via email. A boarding ticket will follow within 24 hours (Monday – Friday) or the next working day if made over the weekend and bank holidays. Your booking is not confirmed until you receive your boarding ticket. Please check your boarding ticket carefully and inform us immediately if anything is incorrect. You will need to show your boarding ticket on arrival at the pier and boat. (either printed or via phone)

Register Interest

Posted on 20th June 2023 Categories Bars + Pubs

By: Author Alastair Reid Schanche

Sober London: Events and Bars for Alcohol-Free London Fun

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Your guide to the best booze-free bars and sober events in London right now. 

It used to be that finding a good mocktail in London was a near impossible task. These days things have changed. From people running sober comedy nights to cocktail bars that specialise in 0% drinks, London’s got plenty to offer people that get on the sauce. 

Whether you’re hitting dry Jan, fancy not spending your Sunday with a nasty hangover or you’re just plain tee-total we’ve taken a jaunt around the city to find of all the best booze-free bars and sober events you can find across London. 

The Best Alcohol Free Bars and Activities in London 

Loah taproom.

Hackney 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by LOAH® (@loah.beer)

The latest alcohol free bar London has launched comes to us from LOAH brewery. If you’ve not had the pleasure of drinking LOAH’s beer before, it’s no-or-low and comes in a variety of funky flavours. Lime larger? Yes please bar keep. Blood orange 0% beer? Ok, one of those too… 

LOAH Taproom is exactly what you’d expect it to be: a HQ where you can work your way through all the funk flavours they’ve brewed up back of house. 

We love this place because of its cosy size, meaning that you’re likely to get chatting to other customers. 

Club Soda Tasting Room 

Covent Garden 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Club Soda (@joinclubsoda)

Perhaps London’s most iconic booze-free bar is Club Soda Tasting Room . They’ve steadily been building a bit of a cult following for the quality of their cocktails. You won’t find a drop of liquor in them but the drinks are as good (and as instagramable) as at any other London cocktail bar. 

Drury Lane being their home, the Tasting Room is a good spot to stop off for a booze-free, pre-theatre cocktail. If you haven’t got any entertainment lined up for later in the night you might find they’ve organised some for you. 

They’re big on getting the booze-free community together, hosting regular nights for chats about booze-free life or their sober mingling events for the LGBTQ+ community: Queers without Beers. 

The Connaught Bar 

Mayfair 

If you’re looking for alcohol free bars London’s got few worth trying, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to stop drinking elsewhere. Some of the city’s best bars have great menus of no-and-low cocktails that you should definitely try. 

Take The Connaught Bar for example. Yes, The Connaught Bar – widely agreed to be one of the best bars in the world, let alone London. They’ve got a great menu of booze-free beverages that stand up with the best of the rest. 

It’s also just a fantastic place to hang out: ultra slick mixed with a touch of grand-hotel class, and service by some incredible well-dressed bartenders. 

Morning Gloryville 

Location varies 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Morning Gloryville (@morninggloryville)

Are hippies the only people with the faculty for booze-free dancing? They might just be. When they get together for a slice of good-natured fun they certainly do it right. Case in point: Morning Gloryville – easily the best sober rave London has to offer. 

They fill up tents for morning – yes, morning – raves. And we’re not talking about ones that start the night before and go right through. These parties begin in the AM and aim to kick start your day with a bunch of good vibes, healthy food and plenty of sober dancing. 

It’s definitely nothing like a massive version of the Rainbow Rhythms class on Peep Show – really it’s not

The London Alcohol-Free Club

Locations vary 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sober IS Fun (@soberisfunuk)

Having a stage full of stand-up comedians keeping you entertained is a great way to spend an evening and that’s exactly what you’ll find at The London Alcohol-Free Club , regularly one of the finest sober events London offers. 

They get together for stand-up comedy nights, performing sober, to sober crowds. They’re all very talented and set this night up with the noble aim of providing a laugh for people who don’t want to get it through booze. 

If you’re looking for the ultimate postmodern confirmation that these guys are good, know that you may have seen some of their faces on the holy TV box. 

Sober Girl Society

Sober Girls Society was founded in 2018 with the purpose of showing the world that going without booze means going without fun. They’ve since gone national, running sober events in cities across the UK. 

What kind of stuff do they do? Well they love a good dance class. They’re also not adverse to a bit of fitness, as you’ll see from their Sober Sweat events. From time to time they even hold an alcohol-free gin tasting. 

There’s a hitch though: It’s a girls only society. Sorry boys. 

You can check their upcoming events here

Tea House Theatre 

Vauxhall 

When you read tea house, don’t be expecting some kind of Asian pavilion or the set of a John Woo shootout. This is quaint little England afterall, so we drink tea in cafes. 

It’s rare that you’ll find a cafe that takes tea as seriously as this though. The people at the Tea House Theatre can’t get enough of the steeped leaves. They stock over 50 kinds of them, and are happy to tell you all about them. 

But wait, what about the theatre? Well the Tea House Theatre likes to stay open late, and when they do they throw in a bit of light entertainment. That comes in the multifarious forms of poetry slams, jazz performances, knitting nights and debate sessions – perfect stimulation for the sober mind. 

The Sober Sommelier 

Alex Norwood Hill, otherwise known as The Sober Sommelier cruises between bars and events to ply his trade as the leading booze-free bartender. 

He uses a range of popular alcohol-free spirits in his cocktails and mixes up some truly excellent drinks, because of that he’s in pretty high demand. 

He has no fixed abode. You will not be able to track him down. You can only keep a close eye on his instagram account and work out where he’s going to be next – something that makes finding him even more special an experience. 

You’re likely to see him at festivals, he (no coincidence, we’re sure) has even been known to do guest nights at Club Soda Tasting Room. 

Practical Tips for Exploring The Best Alcohol Free Bars and Activities in London 

• Check some of these venues’ websites. Many of them will hold alcohol free events where you can meet other people that are also not drinking and get together for some good sober fun. 
• If you’re attending sober events make sure you RSVP. There’s more sober people than you think out there and these events will fill up quickly. 
• If we could recommend anything to you, it would be The London Alcohol-Free Club – the comedians are really talented and it’s always a good laugh. 

The Best Alcohol Free Bars and Activities in London: Map 

More Alcohol-Free Activities in London

• 20 Fun Activities for Adults in London
• 16 Brilliant Outdoor Activities in London for Nature-Filled Fun
• Team Building Events in London: 16 Brilliant Group Activities
• A Guide to the Best Bungee Jumping in London

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We delve into the cool, interesting and quirky spots that make London such a dynamic city, telling you the best things to do, eat and drink along the way. 

Tired of the same old dull suggestions? Want to know where to find London’s secret bars, tastiest eats and weirdest finds? We provide practical guides that help you do just that.

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THAMES BOAT CRUISES - Tel. 0787 678 4980

Welcome to thames boat cruises.

At Thames Boat Cruises, we offer a wide variety of Thames boat cruises along the river Thames in London. Throughout the year, we offer new additions to our catalogue of Thames river boat cruises, all on a variety of London Thames party boats. We still have our top selling river Thames Boat Party and Disco Cruise , which involves a 4hr cruise along the river Thames where you can dance and drink to your hearts delight, whilst appreciating the illuminated sights of London at night. However, we also offer river Thames lunch cruises and river Thames dinner cruises , special event cruises (including Mother's Day and Valentine's Day ). We also have a variety of Christmas Office Party packages catering for all budgets! Not forgetting a New Year's Eve Thames cruise on board one of our luxury vessels. They wil certainly ensure a memorable evening with many taking a prime position for the fireworks!

We also have a large portfolio of London party boats for private Thames boat hire , ideal for an office bash or a private/exclusive party including weddings, engagements, birthdays. If there's something you are thinking of planning but can't see it on te website, please do not hesitate to contact us . We are very flexible and enjoy innovative requirements. Thames Boat Cruises draws on its vast experience of the river Thames in London and will always strive to ensure that you are offered the most appropriate Thames boat cruise package.

Going Out | Pubs, Bars and Nightlife

The best boozy boat bars in London

London has a plethora of rivers and canals, and summer is the best time to make the most of them.

Whether it’s a relaxed drink or a boozy occasion, London has a boat bar for every event. Sipping a drink on the top deck in the sunshine is definitely more appealing than sitting in a dark bar.

We’ve rounded up the best bobbing bars in London.

​Tattershall Castle

This former passenger ferry is now parked up on the Thames, opposite the London Eye and in between Westminster and Embankment tube stations. It’s open seven days a week and boasts an affordable drinks menu with a wide range of gins and various garnishes. This spot is great for a spontaneous date, simply rock up and enjoy incredible views of the city while bobbing on the river. They’ve got entertainment covered too, with comedy nights every week and regular jazz events.

Victoria Embankment, SW1A 2HR, thetattershallcastle.co.uk

Alfred Le Roy

On this blue canal boat in Hackney Wick there are communal tables with space for about 40 people to climb aboard. As for the bevvies they’ve got a selection of house cocktails including their signature Le Roy with rum, coffee, Baileys and Disaronno cream. There’s also wine, beers, cider, prosecco and soft drinks so refreshments below deck are sorted. But don’t worry. the boat is moored so there’s no swaying action. Or go one step further and hire the boat for a two hour booze cruise.

Canalside Mooring 7 Queens Yard, E9 5EN, alfredleroy.com

Darcie & May Green

Situated on Paddington Basin (right next to the station) is the Darcie Green; a marvellous floating creation that’s hard to miss with such a jazzy exterior. This boat serves Aussie-style brunch dishes as well as lunch and dinner. Just next door is its sister barge, the May Green, which provides the drinks. The floating bar and coffee shop serves up signature Beany-green juices, smoothies and cocktails. They’ve also got a bottomless brunch option which features one cold dish, one hot dish plus bottomless prosecco (or mimosas) and bottomless coffee, smoothies and juices. Combined the two boats share a 50 metre upper deck space that overlooks Grand Union Canal.

Grand Union Canal, W2 6DS, daisygreenfood.com/venues/darcie-may

Tamesis Dock

This 1930s green and yellow Dutch barge has been converted into a pub, much to the delight of Vauxhall locals. The quirky venue hosts excellent music nights including their weekly Ukulele Wednesdays and KaraUke Thursdays - they’ve even hosted British band Bastille for evening in the past. Other than music, they’ve pretty much got every occasion covered from weekend brunches to chilled post-work drinks. Just be sure to soak up the great views of the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and Battersea Power Station at this unorthodox pub.

Albert Embankment, SE1 7TP, tdock.co.uk

London Shell Co

Cruise past London Zoo and Regent’s Park on this boat bar. Keep the nautical vibes coming by tucking into some of the delicious seafood on the dinner cruise set menu. For those who don’t feel like making waves, they also offer a static lunch from Tuesday to Friday which features a la carte dishes like pollock fillet and palourde clams. As for the beverages, they’ve got an extensive drinks list featuring wine, cocktails, beers, ciders and a selection of sparkling options too.

The Prince Regent, W2 6PY, londonshellco.com

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The best bars for low and non-alcoholic drinks in London

By Luciana Bellini

Whether you’re teetotal, looking to cut down or simply taking a break from the booze, finding a decent non-alcoholic drink in London can be a surprisingly arduous task. But hunt around and you’ll find some of the capital’s coolest bars serving inventive alcohol-free concoctions, guaranteed to give you a good night out – minus the hangover the next day. We’ve rounded up the best bars in London for a boozeless bevvie.

The Library Bar at The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner

The cosy, wood-panelled Library Bar at The Lanesborough has launched a menu showcasing some of its best-loved cocktails without alcohol. The eight new creations are flavoursome takes on old favourites, including the Bittersweet Spritz, with Aecorn bitter aperitif and zesty hints of grapefruit, orange and citrus, and the Genuine & Tonic, a non-alcoholic version of the English classic with Seedlip Spice 94, saffron-spiked Everleaf aperitif and a twist of orange.

Address: The Library Bar, The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner, London SW1 7TA Telephone: ++4420 7259 5599 Website: oetkercollection.com

Ella Canta, Mayfair

This upmarket Mexican restaurant on Park Lane has a whole section dedicated to aguas frescas, which are traditionally sold by street vendors in Mexico and Central America . Usually a mixture of fruits, cereals, flowers or seeds blended with sugar and water, the ones at Ella Canta have been given a refined update. Try the Hibiscus with Rose Petals and Spices, made with cinnamon, cloves, star anise and spice infusions.

Ella Canta is one of our favourite restaurants in Mayfair

Address: Ella Canta, One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, Mayfair, London W1J 7QY Telephone: +44 20 7318 8715 Website: ellacanta.com

The Hoxton, Southwark

Albie, the bar at the first south London outpost of this hip hotel chain, has an entire page dedicated to alcohol-free cocktails – it even lists them before the boozy ones on the menu. Its inventive creations use a whole host of delicious non-alcoholic spirits, including Rumish, which mixes Madagascar vanilla and nutmeg to replicate a dark rum, and Lyre’s American Malt, muddling notes of fresh roasted coffee, burnt caramel and dark chocolate to create something that tastes just like a traditional malt.

The Hoxton Southwark hotel review: First In

Address: Albie, The Hoxton, Southwark, 40 Blackfriars Road, South Bank, London SE1 8PB Telephone: +44 20 7903 3030 Website: thehoxton.com

45 Jermyn St. St James's

This pretty pastel -green restaurant tucked behind Fortnum & Mason serves excellent food (hearty beef Wellington and Suffolk pork belly with black pudding) and a tempting range of drinks from its teetotal Rickies menu. While a Rickey is traditionally served with gin or bourbon, 45 Jermyn Street makes the addition of spirits optional, and combines homemade syrups with house-blend acid and soda for a zingy alcohol-free refresher.

Address: 45 Jermyn Street, St James's, London SW1 6DN Telephone: +44 20 7205 4545 Website: 45jermynst.com

The Connaught, Mayfair

The swanky, award-winning bar at The Connaught hotel is often billed as one of the best in the world, famous for its lethal martinis. But not many people know it also has an alcohol-free section on its extensive bar menu. Flick through until you get to the Innocence section, which features grown-up boozeless creations such as Wine for the Soul, which is made with evaporated Martini Rubino, long pepper, black cardamom syrup, ice wine verjus and soda water.

Address: The Connaught, Carlos Place, Mayfair, London W1K 2AL Telephone: +44 20 7499 7070 Website: the-connaught.co.uk

Lyaness, South Bank

What Ryan Chetiyawardana, the acclaimed mixologist behind Lyaness and former ‘Best Bar in the World’ Dandelyan, doesn’t know about cocktails isn’t worth knowing. The same could be said for his non-alcoholic creations, which are peppered liberally throughout the menu at this Southbank spot. Many of the inventive world-famous cocktails feature a boozeless option, such as the Prelude, which swaps out vodka for Seedlip Garden mixed with purple pineapple, grass and lactic-acid soda.

Address: Lyaness, Sea Containers, 20 Upper Ground, South Bank, London SE1 9PD Telephone: +44 20 3747 1063 Website: lyaness.com

Bar Three, Spitalfields

Bar Three , a cosy subterranean bar tucked away beneath bustling Blixen restaurant has a cocktail menu that’s split into four sections: Free, Light, Medium and Full. Those looking to stay off the sauce should stick to Free, where you can find three expertly crafted concoctions, including the sober Spritz, made with Bramley apple cordial, verjus and soda, and the Seedlip Sling with pineapple and raspberry.

Address: Bar Three, 65a Brushfield Street, Spitalfields, London E1 6AA Telephone: +44 20 7101 0093 Website: bar-three.com

Redemption, various locations

This vegan, wheat-free and sugar-free restaurant has three locations around London – Notting Hill , Shoreditch and Covent Garden – and bills itself as the ‘world’s healthiest restaurant’. All its bars are completely alcohol-free, with boozeless cocktails including the Pious Pina Colada, a blend of fresh pineapple, lemon juice and coconut yogurt, and the Three Spirits Espresso Martini, which is cold pressed beetroot juice shaken with a double shot of espresso. There’s also a selection of alcohol-free beer and sparkling wine such as Paris 16, a French fizz.

Address: Redemption Shoreditch, 320 Old Street, London EC1V 9DR; Redemption Notting Hill, 6 Chepstow Road, ​London ​W2 5BH; Redemption Covent Garden, 2 Neal's Yard/15 Shorts Gardens, London ​WC2H 9AT Telephone: +44 20 7613 0720; +44 20 7313 9041; +44 20 7379 5955 Website: redemptionbar.co.uk

Laura Fowler , CN Traveller

Laura Fowler

Charlie Hobbs

Olivia Morelli

The Permit Room at Dishoom, various locations

Dishoom’s Permit Room menus feature a whole section devoted to Dry Tipples, which they describe as drinks that look and taste alcoholic but contain not ‘one single drop’. The Virtuous Tulsi Sour is made with ginger, lemon, holy basil and ‘secret botanicals’, while the Dry Old Fashioned mixes smoked demerara, orange bitters, applewood, cayenne and orange peel for that characteristic fire in the throat. Scroll further down the menu and you’ll find alcohol-removed wine, non-alcoholic beer and a selection of fruity sharbats.

Address: Various locations Website: dishoom.com

The American Bar at The Savoy, Strand

The oldest surviving cocktail bar in Britain is best known for its classic American-style drinks, which it has been pouring since 1893, but it also serves up excellent non-alcoholic options. Skip towards the back of its beautifully illustrated Songbook menu for the boozeless tipples; our top pick is the Escape, made with Seedlip Spice, Aecorn Dry, pineapple and cinnamon shrub, apple, lime and non-alcoholic absinthe.

Address: The American Bar, The Savoy, Strand, London WC2R 0EZ Telephone: +44 20 7836 4343 Website: thesavoylondon.com

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It’s 20 years since the UK hit ‘peak booze’. The hangover is still with us

A devil-may-care culture led to the UK’s highest drinking rates. Are we now paying the price for years of excess?

M ost people can foggily recall where they were as the clock struck midnight on 1 January 2000. Me? I hugged the jaundiced rim of a village hall toilet, vomiting 10 shades of bile. I had attempted to complete Team 2000 – a challenge set by 20 friends who endeavoured to consume 2,000 units of alcohol, 100 units each, throughout December.

Seasoned soaks might consider this eminently ­achievable – especially around the ­festive ­season – but I was just 15 years old. Later that night, in the grim depths of morning, I defecated while ­unconscious in my friend’s sleeping bag. Welcome to generation peak booze.

“Peak booze” was a moniker bequeathed to 2004 and popularised in a 2015 article by the writer Chrissie Giles. The UK’s drinking rates that year reached the highest point for a century: 9.5 litres of pure alcohol, the equivalent of circa 100 bottles of wine, per person per year. (In 1950, the figure was just 3.9 litres.)

I was at university by then, ­merrily tanking the booze that had been etched into the fabric of every social event since my teens. Fast forward to last week , and ­statistics revealed that UK alcohol-specific deaths passed 10,000 in a year (in 2022) for the first time. That was a rise of 32.8% compared with 2019, and most media coverage focused on Covid’s influence. But what about peak booze? How did we reach this lodestar of excess – and how much blame should it carry for these often untimely deaths?

If 2004 was the pinnacle of peak booze, we can broadly describe its epoch as the mid-to-late noughties. Writer James Butler recently called this period an era of “ ironic, nihilist, hypersadist mass culture ” and, looking back, it’s possible to empathise. We certainly drank – often alongside taking cocaine, the use of which roughly tripled in this decade compared with 1995 – with a devil-may-care attitude that permeated the cultural totems of the time.

The most obvious of these is the Libertines – the generational, fashion-defining punk poets who straddled culture and class. Their everyperson appeal was sealed by their zeal for alcohol (and manifold illegal drugs). Never did being wasted seem so aspirational or romanticised – but also normal. This attitude permeated a multi-genre – if not massively multi-ethnic – music scene for which booze was best: acts such as the Strokes, the Streets, Klaxons, LCD Soundsystem, Bloc Party, CSS, Hard-Fi and Amy Winehouse – whose vulnerabilities were shamelessly mined by the tabloids until her tragic death from alcohol intoxication in 2011. And it wasn’t just music: TV shows such as Skins and Shameless , the latter with its infamously sozzled but lovable protagonist Frank Gallagher, lauded booze and excess in their own ways.

The devil, as ever, is in the details. This was a decade that metaphorically began with 9/11 – sending collective societal-paranoia levels spiralling – and New Labour being re-elected to power with a pledge that it “will not introduce [university] top-up fees and has legislated against them ”. They had reneged on this by 2004 – a year after embarking on an Iraq war justified by the infamous “dodgy dossier”. The party atrophied, and in 2008 global recession began in the wake of the Lehman Brothers investment bank collapse, hitting job prospects and ensuring those top-up fees would take even longer to pay off. It’s perhaps no wonder people, particularly young people, would seek escapism.

In 2008’s Swimming with Crocodiles: The Culture of Extreme Drinking , criminologist and drug culture researcher Fiona Measham suggests: “Young people growing up in contemporary late modern capitalist society [seek to] balance a broader sense of lack of control with the re-exertion of control through the ­‘controlled loss of control’ in leisure” as a means of negotiating the pressures of everyday life.

Measham also discusses how the night-time economy became a driver of civic revival. This was manna for those who loved a pint or eight, but also nurtured a ­“widening array of licensed leisure venues that made drinking the primary purpose rather than the backdrop to the creation of social spaces”. This culture of intoxication was helped by the famed Licensing Act 2003, which relaxed licensing hours in an effort to inspire a supposed “Mediterranean-style” alcohol culture. While relatively few venues applied for the 24-hour licences on offer when the new laws were enforced in November 2005, by 1 April 2006 more than 50,000 ­venues were granted longer hours.

This was all happening in the wake of the 1990s and Britpop’s deification of “cigarettes and alcohol” plus rave culture – which was supercharged by the drug ecstasy. A joy-inducing stimulant that doesn’t lend itself to knocking back Stella Artois, the drug was demonised by the media in the wake of Leah Betts’s 1995 death and, say Measham and ­fellow researcher Kevin Brain, led to brewers developing alcopops and later other quaffable boozy drinks containing ingredients such as guarana and ­caffeine as a more appealing, gender-spanning psychoactive alternative.

The rise of wine also had a huge impact on female drinking, importing cultural shifts that carry us through peak booze to the present crisis.

“You can see a rise in women’s drinking that perfectly mirrors overall wine consumption,” says Colin Angus, a senior research fellow at Sheffield University with a speciality in alcohol policy modelling. “It also places a move away from drinking in pubs – 30 years ago more than two-thirds of alcohol was drunk in pubs. Before the pandemic, more than two-thirds was drunk at home.” (Angus later tells me that 2022’s statistics peg this figure at 73%.)

Research has found that home drinkers over-pour wine and spirits. Ian Hamilton, associate professor of addiction at York University, thinks the pandemic has made the solo home drink far more socially acceptable: “Some of the shame has been lost around the idea of the solitary drinker,” he says.

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Testament to this is Emma, 38, who last year underwent a successful liver transplant following a diagnosis of stage 4 liver disease. Emma is a patient advocate for the British Liver Trust and says: “I was a sociable person, a social drinker.”’

Her booze journey started with alcopops when she was around 17, moved through the cheap-cider gears at university, then careered head first into the vine. “I just drank wine from my 20s. Always wine. It escalated when I moved to London – the after-work drinking culture was very much there.” She describes networking breakfasts with prosecco and orange juice, weekends away and fun-sounding boozy brunches with the girls. Also, she says, “ the media definitely played a part – there was that programme Ladette to Lady . But I’d also grown up with the Spice Girls and girl power. Drinking was about independence – not only can we join the men, but we could do it better.” It was during lockdown that things started to unravel and she was drinking three bottles a day at home, alone.

Emma’s story, while one with a positive conclusion, is sadly not unique. The biggest escalation in alcohol-specific deaths – mostly from liver disease – since the pandemic has been among women aged 50-54. There has been a 48% jump, from 17.8 people per 100,000 to 26.3. These numbers, however, are still dwarfed by men’s deaths, which are roughly double those of women – the majority in those over 50.

Talk with anyone involved in ­alcohol policy and it’s clear that drinking habits are fiendish to predict and deconstruct: for instance, newly released World Health Organization statistics that found British children to be the biggest worldwide alcohol users flew in the face of the prevailing narrative of young people embracing sobriety. But as with most things, increasing deaths have roots in a constellation of socioeconomic inequalities, a dearth of services and/or adequate healthcare, plus poor public messaging that may or may not be related to the financial muscle of Big Alcohol. But what about peak booze?

“These things rely on a core group that consumes the lion’s share of alcohol,” says Hamilton. “It’s not usually the people having an odd pint or glass of wine. But [the current numbers] demonstrate the time lag between drinking too much and paying with your life.”

• The Observer
• Young people

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