The Barge floating pub has sailed back into Newark and into coronavirus lockdown after being replated in Hull
The floating pub, The Barge, sailed back into Newark and into lockdown.
The Barge has been in Hull where it was assessed for replating of its hull.
Her departure on her 100 mile journey to Hull had been hampered by high river levels on the Trent resulting from January’s floods and now she has sailed back into another unforeseen crisis; this one bringing about the enforced closure of all pubs and restaurants nationwide.
Owner Frank Dyson said sections of the front and back, around a third of the hull in total, needed replating, which has now been done.
Frank said the barge, which used to carry grain from Spillers at Gainsborough to Hull until it was converted into a pub in 1980, had been given a clean bill of health from a marine surveyor, which means another 15 years of pouring pints from where it’s moored on The Wharf in the shadow of Newark Castle and Trent Bridge.
Now returned home, work is being done to replace the floorboards that were lifted to allow welders to get at the hull. The mast and gangways are yet to be re-attached.
Frank recently discovered that The Barge is 100 years old this year and is planning a party to celebrate the centenary just as soon as the coronavirus lockdown is over.
“Just like all our other pubs, we are looking forward to re-opening,” Frank said.
“We miss our customers and are looking forward to welcoming them back.”
