Floating bar, restaurant and tourist attraction up for sale

The Dixie Queen, the Thames-berthed mock paddle steamer which doubles as a restaurant, bar and tourist attraction, is up for sale.

The boat, which is a replica of a 19th-century Mississippi paddle steamer, is based at Butler's Wharf Pier in London and offers dining, private events and tourist trips. It is for sale for offers over £2.6 million.

The Dixie Queen has been moored on the Thames for the last ten years, since being brought over from Stockholm by its owners, Thames Luxury Charters.

Katie Wallace from Christie & Co's London bars and restaurants team, said, “The Dixie Queen is an iconic boat which provides excellent facilities for dining and events.

"We expect interest from existing cruise businesses, plus bar and restaurant operators based in the UK and overseas.

"We believe the Dixie Queen will generate a high level of interest from a number of 'captains' looking to drop anchor on this unique opportunity," she added.

The boat offers two bars and two restaurants, one seating 318 and the other seating 170. It also boasts external deck areas, a fully-equipped commercial kitchen and a licence to carry 675 passengers whilst cruising down the Thames and 1,000 passengers whilst moored.