News / Loungers

200th Lounge opens after starting in former opticians in south Bristol

By Aden Harris and Martin Booth  Thursday Sep 14, 2023

What have the words Barranco, Grupo, Porto and Tinto all got in common?

They are all names of Lounges, a company which started as a cafe and bar in a former optician, and have now opened their 200th location.

Verdetto Lounge on Market Hill in Buckingham is the 200th Lounge, with the first – still just known as Lounge – on North Street in Bedminster.

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Barranco Lounge is in Filton, Grupo Lounge in Westbury-on-Trym, Porto Lounge in Fishponds and Tinto Lounge on Gloucester Road, with the Loungers team having the knack of creating each as a neighbourhood venue despite their rapidly growing chain.

Bristol did also have two more Lounges, with Deco Lounge on Cotham Hill and Banco Lounge in Totterdown now both closed, rare dips for the Baldwin Street-based Loungers group who remain committed to opening 600 Lounges across the UK.

Loungers was founded in 2002 by three friends, Dave Reid, Alex Reilley and Jake Bishop, who wanted to create a place where people could relax and enjoy good food and drink.

The first Lounge on North Street was a hit, and the company quickly expanded to other locations across Bristol and further afield.

In 2010, Loungers opened its first Cosy Club, a sister brand with a more relaxed, bohemian atmosphere. The Cosy Club has also been successful with more than 30 locations in England and Wales, including on Corn Street in Bristol, and has been recently joined by Brightside roadside dining locations.

In addition to its food and drink, Loungers is also known for its commitment to community. The company supports a number of local charities and organisations, and it encourages its employees to get involved in their communities.

This is demonstrated by the £81,983 raised through their latest yearly fundraising campaign, LoungeAid, which helps to support a variety of charities.

Main photo: Loungers

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