Please check out the prices for hiring out The Matthew and then complete the enquiry form to start planning your event with us.

The Matthew offers a unique venue for your event – join us on board for a really special way to celebrate with friends and family. Whether it be a pirate-themed wedding reception or a sea-shanty accompanied anniversary, we will work with you to make sure you have a fantastic time celebrating with us.

Catering

We use a number of local caterers to provide everything from finger buffets and nibbles to traditional fish and chips delivered straight to the ship while you’re on board. We have a fully licensed bar on board and our drinks are supplied by the notable Averys of Bristol wine merchants, Bristol Beer Factory and Butcombe Brewery.

Please note that as we are a licensed venue, we cannot offer corkage options and all drinks purchased from the bar must be consumed on board.

Party numbers

The Matthew can accommodate up to 40 people for a cruise or 50 people for a static hire.

Please note that passenger numbers are dependent on any COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time of booking and so may change in the future. Please contact the office should you require more information. 

Availability

The Matthew is available for private hire from Tuesday to Sunday, between April and early November. We are closed on Mondays and throughout our maintenance period, from December until March.

Other information

• Although there is some seating on board, The Matthew is best suited to informal, standing events.
• We recommend that passengers wear weather-appropriate clothing. 
• Please be aware that The Matthew is an outdoor venue with very little cover or protection from the elements. We do have some umbrellas on board in case of rain which you are welcome to borrow. 
• The only reason we would not go ahead with a trip because of the weather would be in the event of high winds as it can be dangerous to manoeuvre the ship in the harbour under these conditions.

See our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

Please complete an enquiry form to start planning your event with us.

(Header photo by Neil James)