From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Sam Lennon, 24 June 2023.

Licensing sub-committee grants permission for new Acordo Lounge bar in Deal High Street.

A new restaurant and bar is set to “bring a bit of life” back to a high street – but bosses insist it will not be a “rowdy pub”.

A premises licence has been granted for Acordo Lounge in Deal, which will replace the empty unit formerly occupied by M&Co.

The scheme had faced objections from residents who claim the town already has “enough hooligans and drunken behaviour now”.

But bosses say it will be a “family-friendly” venue and help reinvigorate the high street which has “a number of vacant premises”.

Dover District Council’s licensing sub-committee gave the plans the green light on Tuesday night, meaning Acordo Lounge can serve alcohol until midnight seven days a week, despite the concerns from neighbours.

Operations manager Mark Bishop told KentOnline after the hearing: “We are really excited to move to Deal. It will bring a lot to the town.

“We are centred around families and local communities. If anybody wants to they can look at any of the other sites we have - our offer is not that of a rowdy pub.”

An artist’s impression of how the Acordo Lounge in Deal high street could look.

The premises licence allows the serving of alcohol from 10am to midnight seven days a week and late-night refreshments of hot food and hot drinks, from 11.30pm to 12.30am.

The venue will be open from 8am, until 12.30am and Mr Bishop says it will have an emphasis on food, particularly vegan and gluten-free dishes, rather than being a pub.

There would also be six tables and 12 chairs outside.

There are 190 Loungers outlets in the country, but only one other in Kent, Sentado in Sittingbourne.

Mr Bishop, who will be responsible for the new bar as regional manager, told the sub-committee: “The company was established more than 21 years ago.

Mark Bishop is set to be the manager of Acordo Lounge in Deal.

“But we are staying away from the chain label. Each bar has a different name.

The Deal one will be called Acordo, which means agreement in Spanish. Sentado means sitting.

Loungers has also applied for planning permission for new signage.

Mr Bishop stressed there will be no major structural changes - so it is hoped the new bar could open in a couple of months.

There were no representations about this application from official groups such as Kent Police.

The former M&Co shop, which takes up a prominent position in Deal high street, will be turned into a Lounge bar
The former M&Co shop, which takes up a prominent position in Deal high street, will be turned into a Lounge bar
But two members of the public sent in written objections.

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Alex Jee, 12 August 2023.

Acordo Lounge officially opens in former M&Co building in Deal.

Punters have been given a first look at a town’s latest culinary offering after a new bar and restaurant opened this week.

Acordo Lounge, in Deal, has welcomed its first customers.

The cafe-cum-bar-cum-restaurant, the second in the Loungers chain to be established in Kent, has replaced the former M&Co unit in the High Street.

The large glass-fronted shop was one of three stores that fell victim to the fashion retailer’s slide into administration in April, alongside branches in Tenterden and Faversham.

However, just one month later signs were posted in the windows to reveal an application to serve alcohol late into the night.

Residents had initially raised concerns the town already has “enough hooligans and drunken behaviour”, but bosses insisted it will be a “family-friendly” venue and help reinvigorate the high street, which has “a number of vacant premises”.

The menu features a range of options from tapas and salads to burgers and buttermilk fried chicken, with separate menus for vegans and those favouring a gluten-free diet.

The interior of the former M&Co building has been transformed. Picture: Loungers.

A spokesperson for the firm added: “Particular attention will be paid to families with a selection of games, books, colouring pencils and pads on offer.

“A full menu, high chairs and baby-changing facilities are also available for Little Loungers.”

The former fashion unit has been adorned with heavily patterned wallpapers, while tiling and stripped wooden floors now feature alongside oversized vintage sofas, upholstered lounge chairs, eclectic artwork and statement wall and pendant lighting.

Gemma Irwin, community manager at Loungers, said: “We are delighted to have opened Acordo Lounge in Deal.

“Our Lounges strive to put community at the heart of hospitality and our teams always go the extra mile to make a difference.

Acordo Lounge officially opened on Wednesday. Picture: Loungers

“They are actively encouraged to connect with their communities by working with local groups, charities, organisations and businesses that are at the heart of the fabric of local life.

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming local residents to Acordo Lounge.”