A NEW owner has taken over The Boat That Rocks bar and restaurant at Osprey Quay on Portland.

The Rel Pub Co aims to boost income from wedding functions, companies, private parties and events.

The business purchased the restaurant after Portland Marina owners Dean & Reddyhoff invested £750,000 on it last year.

Rel operations director Jon Badge said: “We are looking forward to working with the existing management team of The Boat That Rocks to develop the business further.

“We also want to assure all of the loyal local and marina customers that nothing will change in the unit over the coming weeks and months.”

The Rel Pub Co has purchased the Boat That Rocks for an undisclosed sum.

It has a terrace with seating for 100 people overlooking the marina and harbour as well as a 120-cover restaurant and the Mulberry Suite – a private function room which is situated on the first floor of the venue.

Rel Pub Co chief executive Andy Scott said: “The owner of The Portland Marina, Dean & Reddyhoff spent £750,000 on the premises last year.

“So our priority will be to maximise the profile of the venue as well as improve the current marketing and strategy.

“The previous owners have already done a great job with the décor and layout so we don’t intend to fix what isn’t broken.

“The Rel Pub Co sees this as very much as a partnership with the marina owners to lend support as an experienced bar and restaurant operator, and intend to take the business forward to the next level.”

He added: “We don’t plan to make too many changes initially while we settle down and get to know the locals and visitor market who already use the bar/ restaurant.

“We do intend to find the best route to maximise the corporate and function business and also intend to target the weddings market in the area and will offer the premises for business meetings, events and parties.

“We also intend to offer quality live music during the summer months.”

The Boat That Rocks is Rel’s fourth site and it plans to grow to 20 sites in the next two years. The Rel Pub Co is owned by London-based REL Capital and Real Estate Leisure Capital.