'Major restaurant operator' named for East Sussex landmark location

The seafront site has been refurbished and already has a host of new traders.

They will be joined by Loungers.

A Loungers spokesperson said: “Loungers operates over 300 sites in England and Wales across three distinct but complementary brands, Lounge, Cosy Club and Brightside.”

It was founded in 2002 by three friends ‘who wanted to create a neighbourhood café-bar that they would want to go to’.

Rother District Council said Loungers was ‘one of the UK's leading hospitality operators’ and had been selected as the principal restaurant tenant on the site.

They added: “The council has agreed terms with Loungers and is entering into a conditional lease agreement with the company, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing regeneration of the landmark seafront attraction.

"Loungers is a well-established national operator with a strong track record of creating successful, year-round hospitality venues in towns and communities across the country.

"Their arrival is expected to bring another high-quality food and drink offer to The Colonnade and further strengthen its appeal as a destination for residents and visitors alike.

“As part of its proposals, Loungers intends to install glazing to the restaurant frontage to create an expanded seating area that can be used throughout the year. A planning application is expected to be submitted shortly."

Loungers plans to take occupation of the site in the autumn. Construction and fit-out works would then take place over the winter, with the new venue targeted to open in time for the spring and summer season in 2027.

Councillor Christine Bayliss, portfolio holder for regeneration and economic development at Rother District Council, said: "We are delighted to be moving forward with Loungers as the main restaurant operator at The Colonnade. Their reputation for creating welcoming, successful venues that serve communities year-round makes them an excellent fit for this much-loved location.

"This is another positive step in bringing our vision for The Colonnade to life and ensuring the site becomes a thriving destination that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors throughout the year."

The council said The Colonnade was ‘already attracting significant interest and activity during its first summer season’.

The spokesperson added: “A range of kiosk traders are now operating from the site, offering everything from mediterranean-style tapas and speciality baked goods to ice creams and refreshments. A pop-up restaurant operator is also trading from the main restaurant space throughout the summer.

"The seafront venue has also become a popular location for live entertainment, with music events taking place every weekend. Upcoming performances include Ska-Per's Bexhill Beach Party on Sunday 9 August.”