When Leeds boasted a floating restaurant for diners with a taste of adventure

It was the Leeds restaurant launched to cater for diners with a taste of adventure
Did you ever enjoy a meal on the Kirkstall Flyboat? PIC: YPNDid you ever enjoy a meal on the Kirkstall Flyboat? PIC: YPN
Did you ever enjoy a meal on the Kirkstall Flyboat? PIC: YPN

Operating from the Leeds Canal Basin the Kirkstall Flyboat aimed at bring a dash of romance to the River Aire in December 1983.

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Critic Egon Ronay himself could hardly complain at the food available on the three-hour cruise to Woodlesford and back.

Owner John Spencer with Kirkstall Flyboat general manager Brian Guest. PIC: YPNOwner John Spencer with Kirkstall Flyboat general manager Brian Guest. PIC: YPN
Owner John Spencer with Kirkstall Flyboat general manager Brian Guest. PIC: YPN
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Specialities included venison morello, porc moutarde and, of course, seafood salad.

But true romantics may have been dismayed to find their candle-lit supper taking in views of Skelton Grange power station as the boat makes its way through industrial south Leeds.

The brains behind Leeds's latest meals-on-water idea was businessman John Spencer who was confident the restaurant would appeal to diners.

He said: "The image of the River Aire is a bit of a problem but somebody has got to be the pioneer. We want people to come and see for themselves - we think they will be impressed."

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