'Encouraging' reception sees Loungers accelerate opening programme but two sites remain shuttered

Loungers has accelerated its reopening programme after being "encouraged" by the early response, although it has confirmed two sites will remain closed permanently.

The group has reopened 75 Lounges and 19 Cosy Clubs from a total estate of 138 Lounges and 29 Cosy Clubs since restrictions have lifted. It said that the steps it has taken to ensure safety have been well received and trading has given it the confidence to open its remaining sites by 5 August.

Two sites will remain closed. Banco Lounge in Bristol will not reopen, with the group saying its smaller size combined with additional costs have made it unviable. The lease for the site expires in March 2021 and will not be renewed.

Allegro Lounge in Northfield, Birmingham, will also close after not performing as hoped since its 2018 opening.

Nick Collins, chief executive of Loungers, said: "It remains our view that Loungers is well-placed coming out of lockdown and we are optimistic with regards to future trading and the continued planned growth of both our Lounge and Cosy Club brands.

"While in the short term our roll-out programme will be considerably more conservative, we are excited to be opening our 30th Cosy Club in Brindley Place, Birmingham, on 10 August. We welcome the further sector support announced by the government last week, which is timely and will assist us in re-building momentum over the weeks and months ahead."

The group has confirmed it will participate in the government's ‘Eat Out to Help Out' discount campaign.