Loungers plc, the West Country-based café/bar group, is gearing up to open 'Fossato Lounge' in Kenilworth on Saturday 29 June 2024 after weeks of work converting a former charity shop.

Planning permission to turn the former Shakespeare's Hospice shop into a restaurant was signed off by Warwick District Council last year, with an alcohol licence also signed off.

The Lounge will be open all day, every day for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks, including full kids', gluten-free and vegan menus, served in a "relaxed, welcoming space". 

The chain said it will create around 30 jobs with the opening.

Lounge said the name Fossato translates as moat from Italian - a nod to Kenilworth Castle.

The company has told locals to expect heavily patterned wallpapers, tiling and stripped wooden floors now feature alongside oversized vintage sofas, upholstered lounge chairs, eclectic artwork and statement wall and pendant lighting in the new eatery.

A glimpse of what the new Lounge restaurant might look like (image by Lounge)

Gemma Irwin, community manager at Loungers, says: "We are delighted to be opening Fossato Lounge in Kenilworth. 

"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 Fossato Lounge."

The name has been inspired by Kenilworth Castle (image by James Smith)

The all-day menu will feature everything from tapas and salads to burgers and buttermilk fried chicken, with vegans and those favouring a gluten-free diet well catered for with their very own menus.

Particular attention will be paid to families with a selection of games, books, colouring pencils and pads on offer. 

A full menu, high chairs and baby-changing facilities are also available for Little Loungers.

See photos of the progress on site here.

The restaurant will create 30 new jobs (image by James Smith)