New owners push the boat out
The New Ferry restaurant in Farndon has been bought and is being renovated at a cost of £1m as restaurateur brothers and their partners embark on a second riverside location.
Mr Adam Perkins and Mr Robin Perkins, the owners of Tom Browns Brasserie at Gunthorpe, have ended an 18-month search for a second venue with the purchase of The New Ferry which, like their current restaurant, stands on the banks of the River Trent.
They and their business partners, the general manager, Mr Nathan Barton, and the former head chef, Mr Dan Garner, plan to employ at least 20 front-of-house staff and eight chefs.
The partners have bought the freehold from Mr and Mrs Jose Gomes, who are retiring after 25 years.
The new owners hope to open for business by mid-July.
They plan a complete overhaul of the interior of the restaurant and an extension of 80sq metres to its front.
There will also be a decked area towards the river.
The restaurant will seat 100, with space for another 50 outside.
The business will be renamed The Boat House.
As part of their planning approval the partners have had to deal with the flooding problems that often affect the carpark.
Planners demanded that the extension and decking be built on concrete stilts so that when the Trent does burst its banks the water flows beneath.
The partners are also spending £15,000 on flood defences, including movable barriers.
Mr Adam Perkins said the interior would be modern and minimalist.
There will be real ales, Continental beers, fine wines and live music.
“It will be a step up from a pub but not as fussy as fine dining,” he said.
There is also a strong possibility of river cruises from Gunthorpe to Farndon.
The partners also intend to name a dish after Mr and Mrs Gomes in recognition of their 25 years there.
The Perkins brothers bought Tom Browns Brasserie from their parents, who emigrated to Australia, seven years ago and that business has been in the family for 25 years.
Mr Gomes (66) is from Madeira. He and his wife, Mrs Pamela Gomes (63) met after they became penfriends as teenagers and they have been married for 42 years.
They will stay in Farndon.
