'Fabulous' restaurant set to open its doors

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 at the Old Town Hall Development.

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RETRO-INSPIRED restaurant Molino Lounge is set to be the first new restaurant at Oldham's Old Town Hall development to welcome customers when it opens on Wednesday.

Loungers, the West Country-based restaurant, cafe and bar group, has spent £540,000 transforming the site into a family-friendly retro-inspired cosy retreat, with 20 jobs created for residents.

Each Loungers location has its own unique name and the group have chosen to honour Oldham's industrial heritage with the name "Molino" - a Spanish word which means mill.

Eclectic artwork and quirky curios will sit alongside oversized vintage sofas and old school benches, Pop Art-inspired table tops and statement lighting, to create the restaurant's unique style.

Families will also be well cared, with a selection of games and books and colouring pencils and pads to keep youngsters entertained while a full "Little Loungers" menu, high chairs and baby-change facilities ensure families can dine out in comfort.

Mike Butler, operations manager, said: "We're thrilled to be opening as part of such an exciting development. We are sure the good people of Oldham are going to love what we have to offer. We're very family-friendly and well practised at keeping the little ones happy.

"The team is also looking forward to becoming party of Oldham's community and will support local groups and initiatives wherever possible."

A community notice board is also available for those wanting to publicise events and a well-stocked book swap area will be available to use. The team will also be holding regular fundraising events.

Jean Stretton, Oldham Council leader, said: "Molino Lounge will be a fabulous addition to the Old Town Hall, they have a family-friendly appeal and will complement our existing town centre businesses perfectly. The new Odeon cinema has been extremely well received and there's a real air of excitement in Oldham­ - the restaurant openings are the icing on the cake."

Molino Lounge aims to cater for all tastes, serving coffee, all-day brunch, authentic tapas, and main meals, vegan and gluten-free offerings.

The restaurant, which will also feature a terrace with views over Parliament Square, will join the Odeon Cinema and Costa Coffee as the first three tenants open at the grade II-listed Old Town Hall.