Bristol-headquartered café/bar chain Loungers has opened its largest venue so far in the city where it started nearly 22 years ago.
Ritorno Lounge, in the former Pitcher & Piano on Harbourside, is the group’s 228th Lounge-branded venue. 
The café/bar, pictured, has an outside terrace overlooking Pero’s Bridge, a 10.5m-long feature bar, a huge mural paying homage to Lounges across the UK and – in a first for the group – a private dining room.
The concept, as with all Lounges, is based roughly on that of the group’s first venue on North Street in Bedminster – a relaxed atmosphere with a strong food offering and quirky décor.
This template has worked particularly well on suburban high streets and smaller town centres where rents are often lower and competition is mainly from coffee shops or traditional pubs.
Loungers said despite the size of Ritorno Lounge, guests would feel at home with its trademark lighting, oversized vintage sofas, upholstered chairs, eclectic artwork and portraits. 
Loungers head of community Gemma Irwin said: “To be opening our 228th Lounge in such an incredible spot in our beloved city of Bristol is incredibly special, and a proud milestone for us.
“There are many great places to hang out in this part of Bristol so we’re delighted to now be in the position to offer visitors the option of enjoying our fabulous food, drink and excellent hospitality.”
In a busy week for Loungers as the group also opened its 36th Cosy Club, in Sheffield. Cosy Clubs tend to be based in larger, city and town-centre buildings. The group also includes three Brightside roadside restaurants, all in the South West.
Last September Loungers increased its target of a total of 500 venues – which it had aspired to for around eight years – to 600-plus.
Last week the group posted record revenue of £353.5m for the 53 weeks to 21 April, up 24.7% on the prior year and a 22.2% increase when excluding the 53rd week.
The group opened a record 36 new sites during the year, seven more than in the previous year as well as achieving industry-leading like-for-like sales growth of 7.5%, with current trading continuing to beat the market.
The Lounges portfolio now stretching from towns as far south as St Ives, Cornwall north to Morpeth in Northumberland. Its outlets in Bristol include the original Lounge on North Street, Porto Lounge on Fishponds Road, Tinto Lounge on Gloucester Road and Grupo Lounge in Westbury on Trym.
It also has Cosy Club on Corn Street in the city centre. A number of Pitcher & Pianos around the country have been closed by owner Marston’s to cut costs.
