A FLOATING restaurant moored on the Thames is up for sale at nearly quarter of a million pounds.

The Showboat, a 125ft estuary barge licensed for about 84 diners, moored off Henley Road, in Marlow, has been put on the market for £225,000 by owner Nick Brock who is looking to retire.

Phil Booth, marketing the Showboat for Christie and Co, said he expected a high level of interest in the restaurant.

He said: "This is an excellent opportunity to acquire an established licensed restaurant with a lovely setting on the bank of the Thames close to Marlow.

ÒAlternatively, there is potential to move the barge to a residential location and use it as a private residence."

The Showboat, which dates from 1955, is located within the Harleyford Estate which comprises several hundred acres of landscaped, park and woodland attributed, in part, to the 18th century landscape designer Capability Brown.

Mr Booth converted the barge to its current form several years ago. The trading areas are split into three distinctive parts to seat 28 diners inside, 28 diners on the deck and 28 diners on the riverbank.

To the rear of the boat is a private lounge and kitchen which is used domestically for the preparation of meals.

There is also a small living room currently used as an office.

The front of the boat houses the private accommodation comprising one double and two twin en suite cabins.

The Showboat has the use of a communal car park for approximately 35 vehicles.

For further information contact Phil Booth in the Milton Keynes office of Christie & Co on 01908 300950