Given that this is the view from a York riverside restaurant, you would think that it has stayed closed and shuttered against the floods.
But thanks to a remarkable effort, it opened to host a seasonal spectacular.
Bosun’s Restaurant pulled out all the stops to ensure its New Year’s Eve booking went ahead as planned.
That’s despite the River Ouse floods leaving it all-but marooned.
Like many other businesses in and around York, the restaurant at The Boatyard, Bishopthorpe, had been forced to close for a number of days over the festive period.
But one hundred diners were looking forward to a special meal and evening to welcome in 2024, and owners Phil and Kerrie Cook didn’t want to leave them disappointed.
With the site’s usual car park under water, Phil and Kerrie arranged for alternative parking with help from Stewart and Lisa from Bishopthorpe Parish Council.
The team then built a temporary footpath, decorated with festoon lights, for guests to access the restaurant. And Phil even arranged for food and supplies to be delivered to the restaurant via canoe!
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Kerrie said: “When we took on this site we were clearly aware of the risk of occasional flooding and had already lost a considerable amount of business over the festive period, amounting to around £50,000.
“However, we know how important New Year’s Eve is to many people, our guests were looking forward to a great evening and if we’d stayed closed, they would have struggled to find somewhere else to celebrate at such short notice.”
They decided that the restaurant would open – come hell or high water!
“Local people, staff, friends, and family all mucked in to help,” Kerrie said.
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“We were overwhelmed by the support of staff, friends and the community and thrilled with how well the evening went.”
Emma Gardner, a guest at the New Year’s Eve dinner at Bosun’s, said: “Despite the floods blocking the entrance to the restaurant, Bosun’s did a remarkable job finding a way to open, and saved News Year’s Eve!
“As ever, they delivered on food, service, and entertainment, ensuring a great party was enjoyed by all. I’d like to say thank you so much to everyone there, and we will look forward to returning soon.”
Bosun’s is now on a planned closure to give staff a post-Christmas break. You can keep up to date and book future meals at its website.