National restaurant chain makes key appointment

The operator of all-day restaurants across the UK under the Lounge, Cosy Club and Brightside brands has announced a key appointment.

Lucy Knowles is taking on the role of managing director of its Cosy Club brand.

Lucy was previously managing director of London-based bar chain, Corney & Barrow, later joining SSP as group marketing director.

During her time at SSP,  she led brand and menu innovation for over 150 brands and innovated several new global brand concepts. She will join Loungers in September.

Nick Collins, Loungers’ chief executive said: “I am delighted to welcome Lucy to the Loungers team. Lucy’s impressive operational and leadership expertise alongside her wealth of experience in branding, food and concept evolution, will bring a huge amount of value to our team.

“Cosy Club is well placed as we continue to open new sites and out-perform the market, and I am excited for the future of the brand under Lucy’s leadership.”

Loungers, which has ambitions to open at least 30 sites a year across its brand portfolio, has recently announced its latest Cosy Club will be opening in Oxford in early October as part of the Northgate House development in the heart of the city.

With interiors inspired by the famed Biba department store of the swinging sixties, the latest addition to the brand will bring Cosy Club’s signature all-day menu- including extensive brunches, gluten-free and vegan options – to the people of Oxford.

Loungers operates 235 sites across the UK including 197 Lounges, 35 Cosy Clubs and three Brightside restaurants.