Cafe chain signs up to Old Town Hall multiplex

CAFE bar chain Loungers has signed up to take space at Oldham’s Old Town Hall multiplex development, which is due to open later this year.

A premises licence has been submitted for Molino Lounge at Unit 1, which has 3,272 sq ft of interior space and will boast a 743 sq ft terrace enjoying views across the new public space at Parliament Square.

The venue promises to be a ‘retro home from home’ including dramatic art work, oversized vintage sofas and statement light fittings. It will have a family-friendly focus with highchairs available, a selection of board games, daily newspapers and a free book swap facility. It will serve brunch, main meals and authentic tapas.

Mike Butler, operations manager at Loungers, which has around 80 restaurants across the UK, said: “Oldham is the perfect location for our Lounge concept. There’s already a thriving and vibrant community and we’re really looking forward to playing our part.  

“Residents will be served by the very best – our new team is passionate about hospitality.  Our excellent pre-opening and ‘on the job’ training programme ensures our staff will be at the top of their game.”

Molino Lounge is  joining fellow tenants Nando’s, Gourmet Burger Kitchen and Costa Coffee at the Old Town Hall.

Jean Stretton, Oldham Council leader, said: “As our flagship regeneration scheme, the success of the Old Town Hall is vital to our aspirations for Oldham. The development is creating a huge buzz of excitement among residents, business and visitors alike – and I’m constantly being stopped in the street and asked when it will open.

“We are set to make an announcement to confirm the exact opening date before the end of this month – so watch this space.”

The scheme – which is transforming the Grade II listed building into a multiplex Odeon cinema with 800 seats and seven screens – will include seven family restaurants when it opens later this year.

Main contractor Morgan Sindall has been on-site working on the restoration of the Old Town Hall since October 2013. Work is set to complete later this year.

The Old Town Hall has restaurant units to let ranging in size from 2,500 sq ft to 6,000 sq ft.

Situated at the heart of the retail core, adjacent to Parliament Square – a new public space – it is also just yards from the Oldham Central Metrolink stop on Union Street.