SHE used to be the light in the darkness, guiding ships sailing through the worst of weather off the English coast. Now she’s a beacon that’s floating the boat of fine dining foodies.

After spending almost half a century providing safe passage for vessels in the Channel, 1940s lightship Mary Mouse 2, complete with its trademark giant lantern tower, has become a restaurant.

Moored in Hampshire’s Haslar Marina in Gosport, the ship has been turned into an eatery aptly named The Lightship, turning the clocks back to the glamour and glitz of the forties.

Looking out at Portsmouth Harbour and the Spinnaker Tower, diners can enjoy a la carte dining on the mid-deck and sundown cocktails and seafood platters up on the top deck.

Meanwhile, a bespoke area built within the ship’s tower offers unrivalled views across the water.

Inside, the vessel has been transformed in lightly retro-themed art deco and mid-century style featuring vintage nautical elements as a nod to the ship’s history.

And for those wanting to stay the night after a meal, ten new luxury hotel rooms have opened at waterside boutique hotel The Creek, just a few minutes’ walk away from the gangplank.

Boatfolk, which owns and operates the marina, has invested in the development to breathe new life into the ship which has been berthed at Haslar since being decommissioned in 1993.

For more about the restaurant see www.thelightshiphaslar.co.uk. For availability at hotel, head to www.thecreekhaslar.co.uk. And for tourism tips about the area see www.visit-hampshire.co.uk