AN urban explorer has revisited the floating restaurant at Lakeside after it was raised back up to water level as the future of the business hangs in the balance.

The Miller and Carter restaurant at Lakeside Shopping Centre, in West Thurrock, started sinking just two days before Christmas.

The restaurant, which appeared to be left untouched for months, has finally been raised after Lakeside confirmed a contractor was appointed to start the operation at the start of July.

Echo: A look at the upper floor, which still had a Christmas tree up at the start of the yearA look at the upper floor, which still had a Christmas tree up at the start of the year (Image: UrbanRockDove)

Despite being questioned by the Echo, Lakeside has yet to provide an update on the future of the restaurant.

Urban explorer, UrbanRockDove, who took a look inside to see the condition of the submerged restaurant at the start of the year, has returned to the venue for another look inside after it has been raised.

In his first visit, UrbanRockDove found a Christmas tree still up and decorations placed “elegantly” around the ship.

Echo: One of the Christmas decorations which remainsOne of the Christmas decorations which remains (Image: UrbanRockDove)

Now, while a couple of Christmas decorations remain, parts of the venue look “very different” with the tree removed.

The explorer tells his viewers the restaurant looks like it needs “tons of work” before it will be up and running again.

Echo: Part of the downstairs areaPart of the downstairs area (Image: UrbanRockDove)

Speaking to the Echo, he said: “The first thing you notice is the awful smell as soon as you enter the ship! The lower deck smells stagnant, mouldy and like sewage in some sections. The middle deck stinks of rotting food.

“I’m glad that it has finally been raised as I was worried that the local wildlife would begin using it as a safe shelter only for it to be raised at a later date!

“I remember startling some small fish that were inside the ship on the original explore when it was submerged. I just hope that none of them got trapped inside as it was being raised again.”

Echo: 'Creepy' - the room behind the bar area'Creepy' - the room behind the bar area (Image: UrbanRockDove)

When disaster struck last year, bosses said the steamer had started sinking due to “structural issues” and an assessment would take place in the new year.

No one was injured during the initial sinking incident but a large operation was undertaken to safely evacuate everyone onboard.

Echo: The bar area with some drink bottles still out on the barThe bar area with some drink bottles still out on the bar (Image: UrbanRockDove)

This summer, a spokesman for the shopping centre said: “Once able to raise the restaurant, they will be able to report on their findings and assessments, which will enable us to make an informed decision."

Watch UrbanRockDove's video exploring the restaurant at www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_ugYRIXh64