A FORMER clothes shop in central Carlisle is set to be turned into a new café.

The company Loungers is moving into the glass-fronted unit on English Street in Carlisle city centre, one of the most prominent empty lots in the city.

The unit was formerly the premises of a Topshop branch, but will soon be the location of a new all-day dining establishment.

Loungers operates bar venues, under the name Cosy Club, and cafés under the Lounge name, and it's the latter which will be taking on the space.

A spokesperson from Loungers said the new 'Bordo Lounge' will create 25 jobs and will open in November 2023.

It 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'.

News and Star: Customers in a promo pic for another Lounge location, an example of what it could look like in Carlisle.Customers in a promo pic for another Lounge location, an example of what it could look like in Carlisle. (Image: Loungers)

News and Star: A promo pic for another Lounge location, an example of what it could look like in Carlisle.A promo pic for another Lounge location, an example of what it could look like in Carlisle. (Image: Loungers UK)

News and Star: A promo pic for another Lounge location, an example of what it could look like in Carlisle.A promo pic for another Lounge location, an example of what it could look like in Carlisle. (Image: Loungers plc)

Gemma Irwin, community manager at Loungers, said: “We’re so looking forward to opening the doors of Bordo Lounge in November.  

"We hope our family-friendly environment and top-notch food and drink offering will prove popular with local residents.

“We’re passionate about integrating genuinely into the communities we serve so we’re looking forward to meeting everyone and to playing our part at the heart of Carlisle’s food and drink scene.

"Anyone looking for a space to host events or groups should pop in once we’re open, we’d love to hear from them and see what we can do to help.” 

Loungers has also acquired three other lots in the north, such as a former Argos in Hexham and a closed-down Barclays in Nantwich.

The Hexham site will see the West Country-based company open 'Muro Lounge' at the end of August this year.

The Loungers build and design team are looking to transform the former Argos site on Fire Street, which will see 20-30 new jobs created in Hexham.