The future of a struggling historic pub with early Victorians roots remains shrouded in mystery as the owner revealed he needs to sell up to stop him from "going pop".
Stewart Cross has run the Platform Tavern on Town Quay for nearly 28 years, but he admitted to the Echo that he hasn't "really made any money since 2015".
The freehold for the building is listed on the market for £695,000, which the owner said is "about the lowest he can go".
"At the moment, it's a hard struggle to run this sort of business," he admitted.
"No decent offers have ever come in. The thing is, it's not selling because the books aren't good."
READ MORE: Platform Tavern landlord reveals 'difficult' time after fire
If and when the pub is to sell, Stewart said the future of the establishment "depends" on "who takes it on".
"Sometimes you get offers where they want to keep you in as manager, buy it as an investment and don't really want to run it," he said.
"Some companies want to buy it as another pub in their chain."
He also noted that increases to the minimum wage and national insurance costs will make it "even harder to run a smaller business".
The pub is still being run as normal in the mean time, hosting well-liked live music four times a week and a popular quiz once a month.
Stewart said: "I've got a hefty mortgage which is interest only because I've borrowed against it so many times, I need to sell just to stop going pop."
READ MORE: Platform Tavern landlord raises £20,000 after fire and burglary
In October 2023, an electric fire gutted the pub and caused £30,000 worth of damage, most of which was recovered through an online fundraiser.
The iconic pub faces towards the Red Funnel ferry terminal and was featured in James Cameron's Titanic movie.
What Happened to the Titanic?
It is known for its live music, mostly featuring local blues acts, and for producing fresh food and famous short-crust Desperate Dan style pies.
The pub also has deep ties to the Titanic - one guest was James McGrady who was the last victim of the 1912 disaster to be recovered from the sea.
His last known address was the Platform Tavern and a plaque outside commemorates him.
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