Lincoln floating restaurant to be sold

One of Lincoln’s quirkiest restaurants needs a new helmsman – after its captain decided to sail off into retirement.

Chartered Surveyor Banks Long & Co is trawling the market to find a buyer for The Barge on the city’s Brayford waterfront, after its owner Catherine Kirk-Keverne decided to put the floating eaterie on the market.

Kirk-Kerverne’s move has created an opportunity for an entrepreneur eager to take the plunge and splash out on a unique, fully kitted-out bar/restaurant, which is anchored on a pitch leased from The Brayford Trust.

She said: “Deciding to let The Barge go has been a heart-wrenching decision. I have owned it for more than 20 years, built-up a loyal following of regulars and witnessed massive changes along the city’s popular Waterfront.”

“My children have been encouraging me to retire for the last few years, but the Barge has been a huge part of my life. However, after struggling with my health over the past few months, I decided I needed to take time for myself.

“Over the past few years, I have survived cancer, a fire on The Barge, the sad loss of a long-standing chef last year, and now I also need to look after my heart.”

Banks Long & Co director James Butcher said: “We are delighted to be offering this superb bar/restaurant opportunity. It offers someone a rare chance to acquire a long-established and well-known venue based in a prime location on Lincoln’s Leisure Circuit.

“The Barge features a fully-fitted restaurant, which extends to about 1,608 sq ft. It is licensed for 170 diners, which includes the outside seating areas.”

The £20m One The Brayford development is also shaping-up for completion later this year.