Maidstone’s Floating Restaurant Set to Make Waves Elsewhere After Fire
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) has struck a deal with the owners of The Embankments Bar and Restaurant, the iconic barge moored on the River Medway next to the Archbishop’s Palace. The floating eatery, a local favourite for a decade, has been closed since a devastating fire in February 2020.
Barge to Be Towed Away, Riverbank Cleared
The damaged barge won’t reopen on the river. Instead, the owners have handed back their lease on the mooring to the Council. This means the barge will be towed away, and all structures on the riverbank will be removed. With the site cleared, Maidstone Council can now push ahead with redevelopment plans around the historic Archbishop’s Palace.
Fresh Start for The Embankments
There’s a silver lining for the restaurant’s owners. They now have the chance to reboot the business at a new spot with a sleek, modern design. Plus, this agreement settles long-standing disputes over planning permission and lease terms connected to the barge and the riverside pergola.
“Both the Council and The Embankments owners agree this is a great outcome that ends a lengthy and unwelcome dispute,” said a Council spokesperson.
With all legal rows dropped, both parties appear ready to move on, setting the scene for fresh developments on the River Medway.
