Iconic Bark Endeavour goes on the market after liquidation

The 33-metre long vessel is one of only two replicas in the world, with the other currently located alongside the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney.

The vessel was built in Stockton in the early 1990’s and arrived in Whitby in June 2018 following extensive conversion works at a reported cost of about £1.2m.

It initially operated as an education-based attraction before being sold in 2022 and repurposed as a themed bar and restaurant venue, trading as The Whitby Endeavour.

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Sadly, the company behind it, Whitby Endeavour Limited, went into liquidation last month, following a petition to wind up the business.

The business has now closed and prior to the closure, the restaurant received a one-star food hygiene rating from North Yorkshire Council.

Barnsley-based Gibson Booth has been appointed to sell off assets and distribute the funds raised by their sale.

Edward Wetton, of Gibson Booth, who is acting as liquidator, confirmed he had been appointed to the role by the Secretary of State.

He said he could not give guidance as to how much creditors are owed at this point as Gibson Booth is still in the process of putting the list together

Should anyone be interested in the vessel then they need to contact his property agents Sanderson Weatherall.

Sanderson Weatherall, an independent firm of commercial property agents and chartered surveyors, who have nine offices around the UK, including in York and Leeds, are carrying out the sale.

The replica of Captain Cook’s famous Bark Endeavour (Image: Pic supplied)

Located in Whitby town centre immediately adjacent to the near-completed Whitby Maritime Hub, Sanderson Weatherall says the steel-built vessel provides two fully equipped bars to the main and lower decks, full catering kitchen facilities and open, top deck area.

In total, it comprises120 dining covers internally and in excess of 70 seats on the top deck.

The vessel could continue to be located in Whitby (subject to the new owner agreeing a new mooring agreement) or alternatively, towed to another suitable location.

The sale is being handled by Jamie Keith and Neil Bestwick in Sanderson Weatherall’s Leeds office.

The vessel cost £2.5million to build in the 1990s but in 2017, it was sold at auction for £155,000, which was before its extensive £1.2million conversion. In recent years, the vessel has been on the market for £1.5million.

Sanderson Weatherall say they are “Inviting Offers for the Asset.”

Jamie said: “The recent and unfortunate closure of The Whitby Endeavour presents a fantastic opportunity for new ownership of this iconic tourist attraction.”

“The ship lends itself to a variety of potential uses, having operated most recently as a licensed premises, wedding and function venue, as well as an educational facility in the past.”

Anyone interest in the vessel is asked to contact Jamie Keith on 01642 426900 or email Jamie.keith@sw.co.uk