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  1. British Virgin Islands
  2. > Smaller Islands
  3. > Norman Island
  4. > Willy T Bar & Restaurant

The William Thornton Floating Bar & Restaurant

NI_William_Thornton_Zeus Zeus - Your Friendly Barman
Located in the southwest corner of The Bight and affectionately known as The Willy T, this always popular "bistro on the briny" can likely take credit for at least some of the popularity of this truly excellent anchorage.

Established in June, 1989 by Mick and Annie Gardner, this one-of-a-kind, restaurant has remained in the family and is now operated by Mick and Annie's son-in-law, Ewan Anderson.

The original (wooden) Willy T was a 1935, Baltic Trader. After a little more than 6 years of restaurant service, she sprang a leak in the middle of the night one evening. The bilge pumps weren't able to keep up with the volume of water and the William Thornton sank on her mooring on June 11, 1995.

She was subsequently raised, hauled out to sea and sunk again in the hopes of making a new dive site. Unfortunately, weather conditions quickly tore her apart and there is nothing left of the old William Thornton today.

You can never keep a good man down! Mick and Ewan jumped on a plane for Florida to find a replacement. The 100', steel hulled replacement was soon swinging on her mooring and open for business by January 6th, 1996! She's as popular today as her predecessor was in 1989!

NI_Willy_T_Norman_Island The Willy T - Norman Island
NI_William_Thornton_Restaurant The Restaurant


There's always a good sized lunch crowd at the William Thornton and things really start "jumping" in the afternoon!

NI_William_Thornton_Bar William Thornton Bar
NI_Jumping_Off_Willy_T Poop deck used as a dive platform for the young at heart!


Once upon a time (and prior to an accident at the restaurant in early 2006 which put an end to the practice), folks of all ages would enjoy jumping off the poop deck atop the bar area. Some of the young ladies took up the offer of a free, William Thornton T-shirt if they jumped naked, which would always draw a crowd of enthusiastic supporters! However, its still a jumping place and fun for all.

Ski shots and body shots heat up the bar area a little later in the day. It can get pretty rowdy at times but fun is had by all. Visit the William Thornton website.

If you'd prefer something a little more tame, visit Pirate's Bight Bar & Restaurant located in the southeast corner of The Bight.

Call on VHF Channel 16 or phone (284) 340-8603 for reservations.
Lunch is served from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. -Dinner from 6:30 to 9:00 pm.
The bar is open from 11:30 am, until the last man standing quits
... or the bartender turfs you out!