New business to take over The Boat That Rocks

The Portland bar and restaurant is set to re-open with a new name

Author: Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter and Maria Greenwood Published 9th May 2023

A change of name and re-opening is on the way for the Portland restaurant and bar which closed its doors in November 2022.

The Boat That Rocks sailed into the sunset with a social media message wishing all its customers well, thanking them for their support, and saying that rocketing bills had led to the decision to close.

Now a new business is taking over the Hamm Beach Road building which overlooks the marina.

In an application for minor variations to the existing Premises Licence Boatfolk Bars Ltd say they will be changing the name to Salt.

The company is already involved in The Kitchen, a short distance away, and also overlooking the marina.

It operates other dining locations mainly across the south coast as well as offering a range of marina services from its base at Bursledon near Southampton.

Some preparatory building work is already underway at the former Boat premises  –  with plans to reconfigure the front and rear entrances, stairs, and the addition of an external bar and kitchen area on the ground floor.

Solicitors acting for the company says that the previous licensing conditions which applied to The Boat That Rocks will carry on as they had been, allowing activities up until midnight, with an on and off licence for alcohol up until 5am.

The designated supervisor for the premises has been named as Mr Connal Newbery, who is also named in a transfer application for a Premises Licence in February 2018.

Public comments on the changes can be made to the Dorset Council Licensing Team by May 25th at County Hall, Dorchester with the limited details available able to be viewed on the council’s website.

 Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.