The new owners of a boat cafe on the River Hamble are appealing to the council to let them continue the quirky business.

In 2023, Phoebe Kerton transformed the old boat into a floating food and drink stall with a budget of just £1,000.

But last year, she said she would not be reopening Feebz Cafe for 2024.

READ MORE: Flagship Coffee opens in former The Nest café, Southampton

Kayakers visiting Floaters Cafe. Image: Rachel and Paul NorriesSo Rachel and Paul Norries decided to fulfil Paul's dream of having a cafe by taking over the business, christening it the Floaters Cafe.

The keen kayaking couple, who met in 2006, first came across it during a chance visit - and it was love at first sight.

They said: “Having used the boat ourselves last year while kayaking on the Hamble, we were keen to see it up and running again, so we jumped at the chance to fulfil Paul’s dream of having a cafe. It just so happens that ours is floating, which is something we couldn’t have ever predicted.”

To continue running the business, moored between the M27 and A27 road bridges, the couple have submitted a retrospective planning application to Eastleigh Borough Council.

It has received strong support from neighbours and even a visit from the harbour master.

“There has been so much support from everyone, especially Foulkes and Sons Boatyard and the residents in Riverside Boatyard,” they added.

“Lots of paddlers and boaters have said how much they enjoy the café being open, have helped us spread the word on social media about being open and are visiting us regularly."

Paul Norris aboard the Floaters Cafe. Image: Rachel and Paul NorriesRachel and Paul have also vowed to organise litter picking to help protect the environment and reduce pollution on the Hamble.

“We want to be an asset to people and are really enjoying getting to know everyone," they said. "The harbour master also pops by for a beverage and a brownie or a burger, and lots of boats wave as they make their way up and down the river. We’ve had a really friendly reception, and we feel at home on the water here.”

The entrepreneurial duo are open four days a week in the summer - but are looking at ways to open over the winter and increase opening times.

Eastleigh Borough Council planners will make a decision on application F/24/97444 in due course.