Stretford barge bar is green lighted to set sail

A barge in Stretford is set to become a floating bar and venue.

The Bourbon Street Basement Barge at The Old Boat Yard in Edge Lane in Stretford applied to Trafford council for new premises licence and it’s been approved.

The 50-seater vessel’s home port is at the above address, but it will only be returning to that address for repairs and maintenance.

No events will be happening there and passengers will not embark or disembark the vessel there.

The owners’ long term plan, COVID-19 restrictions allowing, is to operate the barge as a floating venue for both ticketed and non-ticketed events, as well as private hire.

The vessel was formally known as the Marton Emperor and was operated as a licensed passenger vessel for several years by Pendle council, prior to being purchased privately to allow for the floating venue plans. The boat is set to travel between different locations.

Tours from locations in the North West to Old Trafford and historic tours along the Leeds to Liverpool canal; potentially going as far as Chester and North Wales along the canal network, are also on the cards. The venue, under its new licence, will be allowed to supply alcohol for consumption both on and off the premises from Monday to Sunday, between 10am and midnight.

It will be able to host live music, play recorded music, host dance performances, screen films and provide late night refreshment on site on the same days for the same hours.