Oldham Council is announcing a high-quality new tenant that is coming to the flagship Old Town Hall development because of its “perfect location”.  

Loungers, a contemporary cafe bar chain, is promising to offer a chic and vibrant family-friendly experience when the stunning multiplex opens later this year in the heart of the town centre.  

The company was started by three friends who opened their first bar in Bristol in 2002. It has since rapidly expanded with around 80 restaurants now open or planned in UK towns and cities including Liverpool, Reading, Birmingham, Newquay, Bournemouth, Cardiff and Brighton.  

Each Loungers location has its own unique name and the Oldham restaurant will be called ‘Molino* Lounge’ (*a Spanish word, which means mill).  

Loungers become the Old Town Hall’s latest confirmed tenants as the Grade II listed building enters the final stages of its transformation into an ODEON cinema with 800 seats, seven screens and seven restaurants.  

A premises licence has been submitted for Molino Lounge at Unit 1, which has 3,272 sq ft of interior space and will boast a 743 sq ft terrace enjoying views across the new public space at Parliament Square. 

The venue promises to be a ‘retro home from home’ including dramatic art work, oversized vintage sofas and statement light fittings. It will have a family-friendly focus with highchairs available, a selection of board games, daily newspapers and a free book swap facility.  

It will serve brunch, main meals and authentic tapas and also has vegan and gluten-free offerings, plus a children’s menu. 

Jean Stretton, Oldham Council Leader, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have secured Loungers as our latest tenants for the Old Town Hall.” 

“This is another high-quality and sought-after brand and Molino Lounge will make an excellent addition to the choice on offer to families in our town centre. 

“Molino Lounge are joining fellow tenants Nando’s, Gourmet Burger Kitchen and Costa Coffee at the Old Town Hall and interest in the other units remains very strong. Talks are ongoing with more potential operators and further announcements will follow.     

“As our flagship regeneration scheme, the success of the Old Town Hall is vital to our aspirations for Oldham. The development is creating a huge buzz of excitement among residents, business and visitors alike – and I’m constantly being stopped in the street and asked when it will open. We are set to make an announcement to confirm the exact opening date before the end of this month – so watch this space.” 

Mike Butler, operations manager, Loungers, said: “Oldham is the perfect location for our Lounge concept.”

“There’s already a thriving and vibrant community and we’re really looking forward to playing our part.   

“Residents will be served by the very best – our new team is passionate about hospitality. Our excellent pre-opening and ‘on the job’ training programme ensures our staff will be at the top of their game.”

The Molino Lounge team say they are looking forward to becoming part of the community and will support local groups and initiatives wherever possible. A community notice board will be available for those wanting to publicise events and a book swap area will be kept well stocked. The team is also planning to hold regular fundraising events as part of Loungers’ commitment to making a difference to the local area. 

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