The opening date for the new Riparo Lounge at Westwood Cross has now been moved to March 9.
Loungers plc, the West Country-based café/bar group, had been gearing up to open the venue on February 21 but this was moved back.
The opening is expected to create around 30 jobs.
Loungers has transformed the site in in the former Debenhams and heavily patterned wallpapers, tiling and stripped wooden floors now feature alongside oversized vintage sofas, upholstered lounge chairs, eclectic artwork and statement wall and pendant lighting, creating a variety of cosy and elegant drinking and dining areas to choose from.
Riparo Lounge will have a varied all-day menu, featuring everything from tapas and salads to burgers and buttermilk fried chicken, with vegans and those favouring a gluten-free diet well catered for with their very own menus.
Particular attention will be paid to families with a selection of games, books, colouring pencils and pads on offer. A full menu, high chairs and baby-changing facilities are also available for Little Loungers.
Gemma Irwin, Community Manager at Loungers, said: “We are delighted to be opening Riparo Lounge in Westwood Cross. Our Lounges strive to put community at the heart of hospitality and our teams always go the extra mile to make a difference.
“They are actively encouraged to connect with their communities by working with local groups, charities, organisations and businesses that are at the heart of the fabric of local life. We are very much looking forward to welcoming local residents and shoppers to Riparo Lounge.”
Riparo is one of three businesses announced as taking space in the former Debenham’s shop.
The others are Hollywood Bowl 22 ten-pin bowling lanes including 4 VIP lanes, a new Hollywood bar and diner and amusement area and third business Jump Inc with a 35,000 sq. ft site featuring interconnecting trampolines, an inflatable park, Freedom Gaming, Laser Tag, an interactive footy cage, drop slides and a Jump Kitchen with seating for 200 guests and much more.
Hollywood Bowl is currently advertising its Westwood Cross site as opening in the summer, Jump Inc says it will be ‘coming soon.’
The Debenhams store closed in 2021 when the ailing chain was bought by fashion retailer Boohoo.
It had been an anchor store for the Westwood Cross site since it first opened in 2005. The other anchor store is M&S.
Riparo opening hours will be Sunday – Thursday 9am – 11pm | Friday – Saturday 9am – midnight.
