EXCEPTIONAL FREEHOLD FLOATING BAR, CAFE AND HISTORIC TOURIST ATTRACTION in Scarborough for Sale.
A rare opportunity to acquire this iconic fully licensed floating bar, cafe and visitor attraction occupying a prime position within Scarborough's marina. Combining a thriving hospitality business with significant historical importance, this unique enterprise generates multiple income streams and offers considerable scope for future growth.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
The business offers a unique combination of hospitality, tourism and heritage. Operating as a popular floating bar and cafe, the vessel attracts both local patrons and visitors to Scarborough whilst also serving as a destination venue and historical attraction.
Weekly turnover £4,000 to £5,000. The business has developed a strong reputation and enjoys healthy profitability, benefiting from its unique offering and prominent marina position. The vessel's rich wartime history provides a compelling attraction in its own right, creating opportunities beyond traditional food and beverage sales.
LOCATION
The bar occupies an enviable berth within Scarborough's South Bay Marina, one of the town's most popular visitor destinations.
Benefiting from excellent footfall throughout the tourist season, the vessel enjoys a commanding position at the heart of the marina and is currently the only dedicated hospitality venue operating within this sought-after waterfront setting.
In addition to onboard seating for approximately 60 customers, the business benefits from external pier-side seating for a further 60 patrons, allowing visitors to enjoy spectacular views across the marina and South Bay.
Whilst currently operating from Scarborough, the vessel remains fully seaworthy and could, if desired, be relocated to an alternative location.
INTERNAL DETAILS
The vessel extends across three decks and offers customer seating throughout, together with a fully equipped bar area and customer washroom facilities.
The current layout lends itself perfectly to hospitality use, whilst also providing flexible space for private functions, themed events and group bookings.
Detailed floor plans are available upon request.
FIXTURES AND FITTINGS
All fixtures, fittings and equipment associated with the business are included within the sale, allowing for a smooth transition to new ownership.
DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL
The business currently trades predominantly between Easter and October, with much of its activity focused on daytime operations.
A significant opportunity exists to increase turnover through expanded evening trading, private parties and celebrations, corporate events, wedding receptions, heritage and educational experiences, seasonal events and themed functions and winter trading initiatives.
With its capacity, unique setting and historical significance, there remains substantial potential for a new owner to further develop both the hospitality and events elements of the business.
THE VESSEL
Originally constructed in steel in 1930, it played a notable role in Operation Dynamo, participating in the Dunkirk evacuation and helping rescue more than 1,200 Allied troops during the Second World War.
Today, the vessel is registered as a National Historic Ship and is a member of the prestigious Association of Dunkirk Little Ships, making it one of the country's most important surviving maritime heritage assets.
The vessel underwent a comprehensive restoration and refurbishment programme in 2019, with extensive renewal of electrical and mechanical systems. A full survey was completed in 2020, followed by an ultrasound survey in 2024, confirming the vessel's continued seaworthiness and condition.
Our client will consider part exchange proposals, subject to the asset offered and its valuation. Interested parties should provide full details as part of their offer.
