Historic Mersey ferry set to be transformed into floating bar and restaurant in Liverpool

A £2.5m project is set to breathe new life into former Mersey Ferry the MV Royal Daffodil, transforming it into a major destination

The transformation of a historic River Mersey ferry into a floating restaurant and bar is set to progress further.

Last year, Liverpool Council approved plans for the MV Royal Daffodil to be converted at a mooring point within Canning Dock, marking its first permanent location in over a decade.

The project is led by directors Josh Boyd and Philip Borg-Olivier, a former Brookside actor. Five years after the initial proposals were submitted, the scheme is advancing with an application to the city's licensing authority for a premises licence.

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The MV Royal Daffodil ferried thousands of passengers across the river between Liverpool and the Wirral for over six decades before being decommissioned. Fresh designs were submitted in 2019 to transform the ferry, formerly known as MV Overchurch, into a restaurant, bar and event space. The Daffodil will be anchored at a mooring point within Canning Dock, leased from the Canal and River Trust.

The ship is expected to host a variety of events, including corporate functions, conferences, weddings, exhibitions and live music. The directors are seeking a licence to operate from 8am to 11pm Monday to Thursday and until 2am Friday to Sunday, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Alcohol would be served on the premises from 11am to 11pm weekdays and until 2am on weekends with similar terms sought for any performances. Live music would be played from midday until 11pm.

Plans have been submitted to transform part of the bridge deck into a heritage museum. Last summer, Mr. Boyd revealed intentions for a 126-cover restaurant at the landmark Canning Dock site, saying: "There is a huge regard and admiration for this vessel so it is important to create a scheme which stands up to the quality of the waterfront in Liverpool."

Potential use as a boutique hotel on the lower deck could be introduced "once the other uses on the boat have become established and successful," according to planning documents.

The ship has been refurbished at Garston dock after sinking into a dilapidated state.

Interested parties are invited to comment on proposals via the Liverpool Council website until July 6th.

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