London's famous Golden Hinde replica ship is set to become a floating pub every Thursday evening, starting this week. The historic vessel, moored at St Mary Overie Dock near Clink Street, will host 'Thirsty Thursdays' from 5.30pm to 10pm, with no booking required and free entry.
A Historic Setting for a Pint
The Golden Hinde is a replica of Sir Francis Drake's Elizabethan galleon, the first English ship to circumnavigate the globe. Since opening as a museum in 1996, it has become a popular attraction. Now, for six weeks, visitors can enjoy music and views of the Thames from the main deck, with the ship claiming to offer 'some of the best value drinks in SE1'.
The event dates are August 6, 20, and 27, and September 3, 10, and 24. Normally, entry to the ship costs £6, but these evenings are free.
More Than Just a Pub
The Golden Hinde has hosted various events over the years, including pub quizzes, rum tasting, live music, and historic Q&As. During the summer, it also offers overnight sleepovers for children aged five to ten, accompanied by an adult, for £47. The immersive experience includes interactive sessions, dinner, and sleeping on the 'atmospheric gundeck'.
For those seeking less adventurous evenings, the ship's regular Shanty Nights offer a more relaxed atmosphere.
Pub Etiquette Reminder
Before heading to the bar, it's worth remembering proper pub etiquette: never form a line, reserve a pool table spot with a coin, and know your order before approaching the bar. As Todd N, an account manager at Beavertown, notes, 'It's a small thing, but when the queue is three people deep, extra seconds or minutes add up.' Lisa Williams, landlady of The Cricketers Pub in Surrey, adds, 'You can always spot the customers who haven't thought about what they order until they get to me. They stare at me then start thinking, it drives me crazy!'
