A purpose-built floating restaurant moored on the Grand Canal in Dublin will be one of the most unusual commercial properties to go on the market this year. The stylishly-fitted out 60 ft MV Riasc, currently trading as The Barge Cafe, has a guide price of around £370,000, according to Hamilton Osborne King.
Viewing is by appointment, although potential purchasers can have a look at the red-painted barge where it is moored at Grand Canal Plaza, off Grand Canal Street. The Riasc, built in the UK in 1999, is currently the only vessel on the inland waterways with a full liquor licence. Owners Clodagh and Sam Corbett have been catering for breakfast, lunch and corporate entertainment since the barge opened for business 18 months ago.
The corporate end of the business has expanded, with banks, media companies and technology industries availing of the service. The barge has been used for breakfast presentations, product launches, and company dinners. Last year's Irish Chef of the Year final took place on board.
The boat holds a safety and structure licence from the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources to carry a total of 100 passengers and two crew members.
For trading purposes, it is licensed by Duchas, the Heritage Service, to operate the restaurant from Barrow Street Bridge to Portobello, with seating for 56 diners. According to the owners, permission could easily be obtained to extend this range. Overall plying limits for the vessel are from Barrow Street Railway Bridge to the 19th lock at Lowtown Harbour.
The high standard fit-out is in 1930s-style, with brass, mahogany and teak used extensively throughout.
The restaurant is fully fitted out. There is diesel central heating and equipment includes refrigerated preparation and storage cabinets, a pizza oven, large coffee machine, dishwasher and 13 teak tables and benches. A state-of-the-art sound system is also part of the deal and there are three electrically-operated lavatories. The barge has storage for 800 gallons of water, 200 gallons of waste and 120 gallon diesel tanks. Waterways Ireland will be hosting the World Canal Conference in 2001 and the MV Riasc has been invited to take part.
