A retro-inspired café-bar chain has opened a new venue in Kendal, creating 24 jobs.
Loungers plc has transformed the former Burton’s site on Union Street into Cortillo Lounge – an eatery inspired by old-school glamour.
The chain is famous for its lounges that boast informal and unique interiors featuring maximalist décor inspired by the local area.
Kendal’s new lounge features heavily patterned wallpapers, tiling and stripped wooden floors as well as oversized vintage sofas, upholstered lounge chairs, eclectic artwork and statement wall and pendant lighting.
The new café-bar offers coffee and cake, brunch, dinner, and cocktails and is set to be both family and evening drinks friendly.
Tapas, burgers, salads and fried chicken all feature on the all-day menu with vegan, gluten-free and children’s menus also available.
Cortillo Lounge is also set to create around 24 new jobs in the area, including both front and back-of-house roles.
Gemma Irwin, community manager at Loungers, says: “We are delighted to be bringing Loungers to Kendal. Our Lounges strive to put community at the heart of hospitality and our teams always go the extra mile to make a difference.
“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 Cortillo Lounge.”
The team at the lounge has initially chosen to partner with the Bendrigg Trust, donating 50p from every burger and 20p from every coffee sold during the first month of trading.
Louise Phillips, Fundraising Co-ordinator, Bendrigg Trust says: “For Bendrigg Trust to benefit financially from specific sales in the first month of trading is just brilliant and we are thankful to the team that they have chosen to support our charity.
“We rely heavily on fundraising and donations, so this offer of support is really special and appreciated. Money can be spent many ways including new equipment or earmarked for a larger purchase for example a new minibus. We also have a ‘subsidy fund’, which allows more people to access us.
“The increased awareness of our inclusive and fully accessible activity centre at Old Hutton, Kendal, because of this new partnership, will be invaluable. We wish the entire team at Cortillo Lounge the very best with the launch and beyond.”
