Empire Mills

Empire Mills is a water mill that has been converted into a restaurant. It was originally built in the 18th century, largely rebuilt in the early 19th century, and had its top storey added in 1890 after a fire. The building features colourwashed brickwork and a hipped pantile roof. It has three storeys and a three-bay front, with a planked door on the ground floor. Above this, there are three small glazing bar casements with painted brick arches on both upper floors. The mill was originally powered by an overshot water wheel, which was replaced by a turbine after the fire. The steel wheel and gearing are still present, and the turbine is located at the rear of the mill in a small outshot with a tall brick chimney stack. This mill is notable for being the last regularly worked water mill in Lincolnshire, although the water power has not been used since 1977.