Loungers UK hopes to open bar and eatery in former Burtons warehouse on Ipswich waterfront by October

Work continues to convert a long-vacant Ipswich warehouse into a bar and restaurant – and the team behind the transformation are excited to welcome customers later this year.

Last month, it was confirmed that Loungers UK would be taking over the former Burtons building in St Peter’s Wharf, on the waterfront.

Ipswich Borough Council leased the building to the company, which committed to a ‘significant refurbishment’.

A lounge is a café or bar that combines elements of coffee shops, pubs and dining and is designed to offer a relaxing, warm and comfortable atmosphere.

And the firm has revealed when it hopes to open.

Gemma Irwin, community manager at Loungers, said: “We’re so looking forward to opening the doors in October.

“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 Ipswich’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.”

Ms Irwin said Ipswich’s lounge will be open all day, every day for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks – and described it as a ‘home away from home’.

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

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

Ms Irwin said ‘particular attention’ will also be paid to families, with a variety of games, books, colouring pencils and pads on offer.

An exact opening date has yet to be revealed.

Earlier this month, the firm applied for an alcohol licence from Ipswich Borough Council.

Approval would grant it permission to supply alcohol between 10am and midnight Monday to Sunday.

It also applied for a late-night refreshment order, in effect from 11pm to 12.30am, Monday to Sunday.

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.