Floating restaurant sails back to the UK

The 30.5m Portsmouth Queen was towed back to the UK on Monday and returned to its mooring in Queenborough.

Township Holdings director Jon Wilson, who came up with the idea and secured planning permission for the project in 2020, had previously said that the restaurant could be open this summer.

‘It is on hold, pending pivot probably,’ he said.

‘Firstly, the harbour doubled the previously-agreed rent, then oysters on the hull had herpes, and we thought we would infect local stocks. Apparently that could happen with warming seas so we have gone back to the Thames to consider options for now.’

A Guernsey Ports spokesman said the departure of the boat was a result of unforeseen circumstances.

‘The States of Guernsey, through Guernsey Ports, has assisted the owner of the Portsmouth Queen to make arrangements for the vessel to return to its original mooring at Queenborough in the UK.’

The vessel left St Peter Port Harbour with the help of a workboat.

‘Guernsey Ports had been liaising closely with the owner on his plans to turn the vessel into a floating restaurant in Guernsey.

‘Due to several unforeseen circumstances, delays and restrictions on space within Guernsey’s Harbours, it has been agreed that the vessel, for the time being, will return to its original mooring in the UK.’

‘Closing the loop on waste’ was the driving force behind the project, as Mr Wilson said he wanted to give the vessel an ‘extra life’.

It required refurbishment inside and new decking at the top as well as new toilets and other changes made to make it appropriate for restaurant use.

At least two managerial staff had already been recruited and Mr Wilson said he had received several enquiries about hosting events on the boat.

It has not been confirmed when the vessel will return to Guernsey.