Loungers to take over Bristol’s Bocabar Paintworks

Bocabar in Paintworks will be closing after 21 years at the end of March and reopening in June as part of the Loungers chain.

Miro Lounge, when open in June, will be open all day, every day for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks, including full kids,’ gluten-free and vegan menus, served in a relaxed, welcoming space.

Mel and Paul Eavis, owners, Bocabar say: “It will be a heartfelt wrench to close the doors on Bocabar Paintworks after so many years. There are many customers and friends who we are so grateful to for their loyalty to us over the years so a huge thank you to them. Loungers now offers the opportunity for new investment in the building and to make it a sustainable space during these tougher economic times.”

John English, head of community, Loungers says: “We’ve got big boots to fill but we’re looking forward to opening the doors of Miro Lounge in June. We share many of the values Mel and Paul of Bocabar hold so dear, including a strong sense of community and neighbourhood, excellent food and drink and a passion for top notch hospitality so we’re sure Miro Lounge will be well received by locals and visitors.”

Going forward, Mel and Paul Eavis will be carrying on with Boca pizzas at their Bocabar Finzels Reach venue, in the old city centre of Bristol.

They said: “It means a lot to us that our regulars will be able to continue to enjoy the space as a daytime cafe and evening bar/restaurant with affordable drink and food menus. It also makes us happy that all our lovely team have the opportunity of working at Miro Lounge when it opens, so our customers will see some familiar faces and feel at home.

“Having the one Bocabar at Finzels Reach will be easier to manage. We are very excited about having more time to focus on developing further Bocabar Finzels Reach and having more time for other interests we have.”