Loungers all set for Hexham opening
The café-bar operator will launch its latest venue, Muro Lounge, on Wednesday 1 November, having transformed the town’s former Argos store on Fore Street.
In converting the former retail unit, heavily patterned wallpapers, tiling and stripped wooden floors now feature alongside oversized vintage sofas, upholstered lounge chairs, eclectic artwork and pendant lighting, creating a mix of drinking and dining areas.
Loungers venues are described as “a neighbourhood café/bar combining elements of coffee shop culture, the British pub and dining” with the group mushrooming over the last decade from its Bristol origins to feature all over England and Wales, principally located in secondary suburban high streets and small town centres.
The sites, which serve a wide range of food, are characterised by informal, unique interiors with an emphasis on a warm, comfortable atmosphere, and usually are open to serve breakfast and brunch from 9am, through to closing at 11pm.
The group was listed on the Alternative Investment Market in 2019, with Lion Capital controlling around 25% of the shareholding since 2016. The first Lounge venue opened in 2002, and the first Cosy Club, the group’s other main brand, in 2010.
The 200th venue opened in July 2022 as Loungers reported annual revenue of £237m.
Co-founder Alex Reilley remains as chair of a business that has this year advanced projects including a venue at the new-build £23m Pioneer Place in Burnley and in a Barclays bank conversion in Nantwich, Cheshire.
Loungers said that at the Muro Lounge, particular attention will be paid to families with a selection of games, books, colouring pencils and pads on offer.
Gemma Irwin, community manager at Loungers, said: “We are delighted to be opening Muro Lounge in Hexham. Our Lounges strive to put community at the heart of hospitality and our teams always go the extra mile to make a difference.
“They are actively encouraged to connect with their communities by working with local groups, charities, organisations and businesses that are at the heart of the fabric of local life. We are very much looking forward to welcoming local residents to Muro Lounge.”