WORK is underway to restore a showcase floating restaurant at Lakeside which sank just before Christmas in 2022.

The boat sank in December 2022.

The 'Showboat' steakhouse restaurant was operated by prestigious chain Miller and Carter, but though the vessel was refloated in June 2023 it has remained closed an derelict.

However, in recent days workers from Essex-based company Mead Demolition Ltd have moved on board and are working to bring it back to life.

The company says: "Our team is hard at work preparing the vessel for the next phase - raising, fixing, and refitting - so it can be reinstated as the iconic Miller and Carter restaurant boat.

"This unique project involves careful stripping of the vessel to ensure it's ready for its exciting new chapter."

Though no date has been set for a reopening, Miller and Carter said: "We are working with our landlords with a view to reinstating the vessel."