A CHAIN of popular cafe bars will close for 24-hours next week.
The closure will affect more than 250 branches countrywide on Monday June 9.
instagramThere are over 250 Lounge bars across England and Wales[/caption]
instagramThe chain will close countrywide on Monday June 9[/caption]
Loungers opened their first store in 2002 in Bristol and have since expanded across the country.
They are known for their wide range of food, cocktails and coffees, as well as each lounge having its own unique decor – with some customers not realising it’s even a chain.
The closure is so that it’s staff can enjoy a grand celebration, which they call LoungeFest.
Beginning in 2013, the event celebrates the company’s 9,000 staff.
In an announcement on Facebook, the company wrote: “Attention Loungers!
“All of our Lounges will be closed on Monday, 9th June, as we will be heading to our annual staff party – Loungefest!
“We do this every year to celebrate everybody’s hard work.
“Regular Lounging will resume on Tuesday, 10th June.”
Photos of the event show an exciting mix of music, fairground rides, and a healthy dose of partying.
Guy Youll, Loungers’ Chief People Officer told Wales Online: “Back in 2013, Loungers was one of the first in the hospitality industry to host a party like this and I’m delighted we’ve kept close to our roots by continuing every year getting bigger and better.
“Our teams work incredibly hard all year round so LoungeFest is our way of celebrating them and showing how much we appreciate the dedication and care they put in every day at all our sites to deliver great hospitality. It’s going to be quite a party!”
Facebook commenters were pleased to see the company showing appreciation for their staff.
One wrote: “Well done for treating your staff I hope the staff and you have a brilliant time.”
While another commented: “Oh that’s a lovely thing to do for all the hard working staff.”
This year’s LoungeFest will take place at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire.
Its theme is ‘at the movies’ as the event will be equipped with funfair attractions, DJ sessions, music stages featuring live bands and performances by Loungers’ employees – as well as games, activities and complimentary food and drink.
instagramEach cafe-bar has a unique interior[/caption]
instagramThey serve a wide range of food, cocktails and coffees[/caption]
Loungers was founded in 2002 by a group of three friends on North Street in Bristol.
They also run the popular Cosy Club chain of restaurants, as well as the roadside eatery Brightside.
As of March 2025, the company operates 291 sites in England and Wales across the three brands.
Its 250th Lounge – Pionero Lounge – opened in Rochdale in January 2024.
With plans to expand with 10 more restaurants, loyal customers have been begging the company to come to their town.
The company won the employer of the year award at the Casual Dining Awards 2025.
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