Loungers UK delays opening of Marinero Lounge in old Burtons warehouse on Ipswich waterfront as restoration work continues

The opening of a bar and restaurant on the site of a long-vacant Ipswich warehouse has been delayed as restoration work continues.

Jon Birtles, senior acquisitions and property manager at Loungers UK, said Marinero Lounge, its new venue inside the old Burtons warehouse in St Peter’s Wharf, is not expected to open until ‘early summer 2025’.

It previously committed to a ‘serious refurbishment’ in January, having signed a long-term lease with Ipswich Borough Council (IBC), which owns the land.

Mr Birtles said a contractor was currently on-site and undertaking restoration work.

He added: “We anticipate these works being completed in spring next year which will then enable our in-house teams to commence the internal fit out of the premises.

“We’re hoping Marinero Lounge will then open in early summer 2025.

“We are excited to be leading this regeneration project on Ipswich Marina and look forward to this heritage asset being brought back into use again.”

Marinero Lounge was originally supposed to open in October.

Work began to convert the warehouse in July.

Marinero Lounge will be open all day, every day for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks.

It will also feature gluten-free, vegan and children’s menus.

Food offerings at other lounges include burgers, fry-ups, tapas and desserts.

Loungers applied for planning permission to convert the building in late November.

As many as 30 new staff, ranging from managers to front-of-house, will be employed and trained.

The Burtons building dates back more than 100 years.

Work to clear the inside began in March last year, which made it safe to renovate.

Loungers UK is perhaps best known for managing Cosy Club restaurants.

The Ipswich chain is in the Buttermarket Shopping Centre.