The former Chambers pub in Gloucester city centre is being given 'a new lease of life' as a cafe, bar and restaurant by popular chain, Loungers.
The firm – which owns popular brands Cosy Club, Lounge and Brightside – has revealed plans to take on the former pub in a prominent spot in Gloucester's Kings Quarter, between the new University of Gloucestershire campus and the mixed-use Forum development.
Known for the 'eye-catching interiors and retro styling' of its restaurants, the new Lounge will become the firm's third establishment in the county, after Portivo Lounge at Gloucester Quays and Cosy Club at Cheltenham's Brewery Quarter.
Set to include external seating overlooking Kings Square, Loungers will apply for a new premises licence and full
planning permission, with a view to opening in the spring or summer of 2026.
Gloucester City Council says the takeover is 'a major boost' for the £200 million 'transformation' of Kings Square.
It hopes the new Lounge will become 'a key destination in the heart of the city', attracting both daytime and evening visitors with its popular all-day menu featuring favourites for brunch, hot sandwiches and burgers, along with mains, salads and tapas inspired by cuisine from around the world.
Head of acquisitions at Loungers, Alex Kalebic said: 'We are delighted to be working with Gloucester City Council on this project.
'We are looking forward to bringing our well-loved family-friendly, all-day offer and second site to the city centre; and to playing our part at the heart of this exciting regeneration scheme.'
Expected to create between 30 and 40 new jobs, the council says the new Lounge will complement the Forum’s four-star Hotel Indigo, which will also have a restaurant and roof top bar when it opens next year.
The announcement comes after office and events space operator, Patch announced it will open its flagship site at the Forum, with another tenant 'soon to be announced'.
Leader of Gloucester City Council, Jeremy Hilton said: 'This is great news for Gloucester and another huge step towards the transformation of the city.
'We know there’s been lots of interest in this site particularly as it’s so prominent in Kings Square.
'We’re delighted to announce we’ll be working with a dynamic brand like Loungers who share our ambition for Gloucester and are really excited to be part of what we’re creating here.'
