A NEW restaurant on a converted former Mersey Ferry is set to open.

Daffodil will officially open on December 9, after a £3.5m transformation of the Mersey Ferry, MV Royal Daffodil.

The venture, by Liverpool entrepreneurs Philip Olivier and Joshua Boyd, will create more than 50 jobs.

The restaurant, bar, and event space will be permanently moored in Canning Dock.

The new destination will offer dining, entertainment, and a taste of maritime heritage.

The ferry was built for Birkenhead Corporation in 1962 at Cammell Laird and served as a cross-river transport and cruising vessel.

Her first official duty was in 1962, when she conveyed Princess Alexandra to open the new Cammell Laird dry dock.

She was re-named Royal Daffodil in 1999 after an extensive refit as a party and dance cruising vessel but was withdrawn from service in December 2012.

For seven years until 2019 MV Royal Daffodil lay derelict in Birkenhead’s East Float Dock.

Daffodil will be moored in Canning Dock (Image: Supplied) Bookings are now open for the restaurant, which is on the main deck of the ship and will serve modern British cuisine.

Guests can expect 'a beautiful and luxurious interior paired with exceptional food and attentive service'.

The restaurant will open with a 'festive menu' for December, which will be the perfect setting 'for any seasonal gatherings'.

The Promenade bar area is on the upper deck and will offer cocktails, champagne, wines, beers, and an all-day menu featuring small plates, light bites, and hot drinks.

Mr Boyd said: "We’re thrilled to announce that Daffodil will be ready to welcome guests in December.

"We’ve poured our hearts into restoring this iconic vessel and can’t wait to introduce it to the people of Liverpool and visitors from around the world."

Mr Olivier added: "Daffodil is not just another venue; it’s an iconic piece of Merseyside’s history reborn for a modern audience.

"From the food and drinks to the events and atmosphere, we’re offering something truly unique on the waterfront."

The restaurant will open with a 'festive menu' for December (Image: Joshua Boyd) With its prime location next to Royal Albert Dock, the owners hope Daffodil will become a must-visit destination in the city.

The team has also confirmed that the Wheelhouse mini-museum exhibit, dedicated to the history of the Mersey Ferries, is still in the pipeline, pending funding.

With the opening just weeks away, excitement is building for the launch of Daffodil, a one-of-a-kind addition to Liverpool’s cultural and dining scene.

People are advised to make their reservations now to be one of the first to experience the venue.

Bookings can be made online.