Café/bistro chain plans to open in Bognor Regis

Loungers UK Ltd has submitted an application to Arun District Council for a new shop front on the vacant premises.

In a design and access statement on behalf of Bristol-based Loungers, D2 Planning said the company intends to open a Lounge Bar.

“Loungers UK Ltd is a food led operator who focus on the Continental-in-style café/bistro concept, creating an informal and neighbourhood food-led café/restaurant open all day every day where family, friends and local residents can meet, eat and drink in a relaxing, comfortable environment,” the statement said.

It said board games and daily newspapers would be available and a free neighbourhood book swap facility.

“The café/restaurants seek to complement the main retail function of the area rather than detract from it,” the statement said.

Loungers has 137 outlets nationwide, with the nearest being in Rustington and Southsea.

Of 1 London Road, the statement said it was a building of special character and a non designated heritage asset and Loungers would seek to replicate its original front, referring to when it was operated by Staley’s drapers shop.

“The shopfront seeks to reflect what would have existed,” it said.

The Loungers website says it is a ‘substantial and growing operator in the UK hospitality sector’ with its two distinct but complementary brands, Lounge and Cosy Club.

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

A Lounge is a neighbourhood café/bar combining elements of a restaurant, British pub and coffee shop culture, the website says.

Every Lounge offers all-day dining, with the same menu served from 9am to 10pm, every day.

To view the application and comment visit the Arun District Council planning portal and use the search reference BR/230/21/PL.