How long have you been operating the floating bar?

We launched in 2011 while I was studying for a business degree. I submitted the business plan as part of my dissertation, and my lecturer was so impressed he encouraged me to start the company - he even lent me the startup money. His name was Lester Lloyd-Reason. If you’re reading this, Lester—thank you.

“It really is a dream—floating up and down the river in the sun, looking at gorgeous scenery and nature, and providing a service that everybody wants”

What did you do beforehand?

Before starting the business, I worked as a punt chauffeur and tout while studying. Funnily enough, the idea didn’t come to me while I was in Cambridge. I spent a summer travelling during uni, and while in Cambodia I took a riverboat trip where I saw a man selling beers from a tiny wooden boat—that’s what sparked the idea. Between him and my lecturer, I definitely can’t take all the credit!

How long have you been in Cambridge?

I moved to Cambridge in 2009, when I was about 21. I grew up on a council estate in a small town called Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire. I’ve lived in Milton Keynes, Bedford, South Africa, and London, but I knew from the moment I arrived in Cambridge that I’d be staying. It’s a special place with great people, and I’m proud to call it home.

What is your favourite thing about the job?

There’s so much I love about the job! It really is a dream—floating up and down the river in the sun, looking at gorgeous scenery and nature, and providing a service that everybody wants. Everyone’s in a good mood, and the banter with customers is fantastic. There’s also a real sense of community – we keep the punters hydrated with free cold soft drinks all day, and they show us a lot of love in return. On our first day each season, they shout, “Summer’s here!”—and I absolutely love being the herald of summer.

Have you got a favourite part of the river or a favourite college to punt past?

I never get tired of the scenery along the Backs. The entire stretch of the Cam is stunning, but my favourite building is the Wren Library. I find it so elegant, and its symmetry really appeals to me.

“I am proud to have built something that people see as part of the Cambridge experience”

That said, my favourite college has to be King’s. The view of the Gibbs Building and Chapel from the river is breathtaking, and I really admire what the college stands for – it’s known for being progressive. I love seeing the Pride flag flying over the Gibbs Building each June, and I hope the college continues to take a stand against hate in the current social climate. I was also lucky enough to go to King’s Affair a few years back—my gosh, King’s students know how to party!

What has been your worst experience on the river?

Oh, this one’s easy! Back in 2022, we’d just finished a busy Sunday and were taking the punt back through Jesus Green Lock. As we emptied out the water, the front of the punt got wedged between the lock gate and the wall—it nearly capsized and we almost lost all our stock! Some friendly locals came to help, and quite a crowd gathered. We eventually freed it by refilling the lock, but not before I watched the whole boat go underwater. I honestly thought it was gone forever—I literally wanted to cry! It did pop back up, but it had a huge crack down the side, so it was out of commission for good.

The best part? Waking up the next day to find the story had been picked up by Cambridge Evening News and Cambridge Independent. There was no avoiding the embarrassment! At least The Independent’s headline gave me a laugh: “Pimm’s Punt gets a bit squiffy on the River Cam.”

“I never get tired of the scenery along the Backs”

How often do you see people fall in? And do you ever fall in yourself?

More times than I can count! On average, we see at least one person fall in every Saturday. I’ve fallen in myself in some hilarious ways. One summer, I was looking at a fish just below the surface, lost my balance, and went in face first. I’ve stepped onto a moving punt to pass a drink to a chauffeur and ended up doing the splits between boats before falling in. You might have seen the classic prank where punters pretend to hit their head on Kitchen Bridge? Well, I’ve actually done that for real – and in I went!

Apart from Pimm’s, what is your favourite drink?

You might be surprised to hear this, but I’m not actually a big drinker - though I am partial to an Aperol Spritz when the sun is out.

What has the response been like from students?

The response from students has been overwhelmingly positive, and I have been told on several occasions by Cambridge students that we are “doing the Lord’s work”, which always gives me a good laugh. I am proud to have built something that people see as part of the Cambridge experience.

Any exciting future plans?

Absolutely! We’d love to work with the University. We’ll be reaching out to the colleges along the Backs soon, so if you’re reading this and happen to be on a May Ball committee, please keep us in mind. We hope to see you on that special day next year!