Restaurant on boat planned for Isle of Wight's East Cowes

A licensing application has been submitted by the Freehold Group for a new floating bar and restaurant The Boat, at East Cowes.

According to its social media, the vessel, which has three decks, is in the process of being refurbished.

Plans for the top deck, as drawn by Keel Marine.

Its social media channels say it is coming to East Cowes in the summer of 2021 with the application asking to open as soon as possible.

The company said it drew inspiration from the Grand Banks, an oyster bar on the Hudson River in New York, and will be the Solent's first sailing restaurant.

Designs of the boat, by Keel Marine.

The application looks to allow live and recorded music and the supply of alcohol on The Boat, from 11am to midnight, seven days a week, with late-night refreshments provided from 11pm.

It would be based at a berth at Venture Quays, close to the Columbine Building in East Cowes, which the Isle of Wight Council now owns.

Berths outside Venture Quays in East Cowes.

To view more about the application, 21/00775/LAPNEW, you can visit the council's licensing register. Comments will be accepted until September 1.

The authority purchased Venture Quays, along with other buildings and plots of land around it, in September last year.

• Isle of Wight Council completes £1.3m purchase of Venture Quays sites

In recent months, the council has announced it has submitted a £7 million bid to government, as part of the Levelling Up Fund, to improve the East Cowes waterfront area bringing more jobs and visitors.

The council has said it is working on refreshing the previous masterplan for the area, having discussions with local stakeholders on key issues and opportunities for the town.

It was the authorities intention, a spokesperson said, to discuss the new masterplan with wider businesses and residents when a draft has been prepared.