The Glass Boat was built by Charles Hill of Bristol in 1924, and started life as a barge carrying bulk timbers up and down the Severn estuary. The boat almost finished up as a tidal breakwater submerged in Severn mud until it was rescued, moored and refitted in 1984 with the intention of becoming a floating botanical garden.

A hitch with the local planning authorities required a change of description to a floating café with plants. As work continued the concept further evolved until the Glass Boat finally opened as a fine dining restaurant in 1986.

All of the boat's fittings reflect Bristol's heritage - from the original marble worktops from St Nicholas fish market, to the polished walnut and maple floor. The solid Burma teak doors originate from the old Royal Hotel, and other architectural features come from local buildings including a former police station, flourmills in Avonmouth and the Western Daily Press offices in Silver Street. Some of the portholes even come from a cross channel ferry - apparently taken while the ferry was still in use! The restaurant was completed in 1986 and given a Swedish flag from its patriotic owner - and the rest is history.