Work is now underway converting a former Kenilworth charity shop into a new eatery.

Loungers plc, the West Country-based café/bar group, is gearing up to open a Lounge in Kenilworth in June 2024. 

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 build and design team is now transforming the site at Abbey End in their "unmistakable and unique style".  

Plans said the nationwide chain - which already has over 200 branches - wanted to extended the Abbey End building to fill the gap between the existing shopfront and the walkway to the nearby car park.

The planning application stated up to 30 jobs would be created through the restaurant, bringing back to the life the empty unit which has been vacant since the charity shop closed in early 2020.

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. 

The Lounge will also welcome locals looking for a space for regular catch ups, meetings and events – everything from business networking, book or knitting clubs to parent and baby meets and life drawing classes. 

Gemma Irwin, community manager at Loungers, said in a statement to Nub News: "We're so looking forward to opening in Kenilworth. 

"We hope our family friendly environment and top-notch food and drink offering will prove popular with local residents.  

"We're passionate about integrating genuinely into the communities we serve so we're looking forward to meeting everyone and to playing our part at the heart of Kenilworth's food and drink scene. 

"Anyone looking for a space to host events or groups should pop in once we're open, we'd love to hear from them and see what we can do to help." 

Lounge said it places an "emphasis on community" and a new branch normally sees a £1 million investment in the high street.

A range of front and back-of-house roles are also on offer.