Former M&CO in Tenterden High Street could become fifth Kent Lounger’s restaurant

A cafe-bar chain “better than Wetherspoons” hopes to set up shop in an abandoned cinema as part of rapid expansion plans.

Loungers hopes to transform Tenterden’s former Embassy Cinema, in High Street, into its fifth Kent venue.

The firm told KentOnline it is in "advanced negotiations" on a Tenterden site, which, it hopes, will create between 30 and 40 jobs.

The Embassy was built shortly before the Second World War broke out but closed in 1969, leaving the town cinema-less ever since.

Situated alongside clothes store Boutika and opposite Boots, the site was an M&Co clothing store, but closed in 2022 after the firm was plunged into administration.

But as Bristol-based Loungers builds on its portfolio of more than 220 UK venues – known as ‘Lounges’ - it hopes to sell alcohol from 10am until midnight from the former Embassy Cinema.

Signs recently appeared in the windows announcing the chain has submitted a licensing bid, as it hopes to sell drinks, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as children’s, gluten-free, and vegan menus.

The new application confirms the building will now be shared between the ‘Lounges’ on the ground floor, and Rockits Sensory above.

It was previously reported that Rockits needed to raise £20,000 to kit out the larger site, a goal they passed earlier this year by raising more than £25,000.

The sensory room, run by Beth Whatman, currently occupies a small site on the town’s high street, who admitted the expansion was a big step forward.

Another new drinking establishment will also hit Tenterden High Street this summer, with The Grapevine Champagne & Jazz Bar set to open its doors this summer.

Loungers has already launched Acordo Lounge in Deal, Riparo Lounge in Westwood Cross, Sentado Lounge in Sittingbourne and most recently, Leo Lounge in Faversham.

Leo Lounge replaced the former Natwest on Market Place in the town as it opened last month, two weeks later than originally planned.

Loungers also opened one of its sister venues, called Cosy Club, in a former Canterbury city centre fabric store in 2022.

It is estimated a new Loungers restaurant is now opening in the UK every 10 days as bosses at the firm look to capitalise on the success of the 22-year-old business.

Another new drinking establishment will also hit Tenterden High Street this summer, with The Grapevine Champagne & Jazz Bar set to open its doors.

The company already has a venue in Rye, meaning its Kent branch will be the second on its books.

It will replace Savannah Coffee Shop, which called it a day earlier this year after 14 years at The Cellars premises.

Addressing Loungers potential new venture, a spokesperson said: “We are in advanced negotiations on a site in Tenterden—it’s a great area, and we are hopeful to join the local community by opening a Lounge and creating between 30 and 40 new jobs.

“Nothing is totally confirmed yet; however, for every Lounge we open, it’s important to us that we give back to the community.

“We partner with local charities to raise funds, our spaces are used for meetings of local groups and businesses, and we encourage customers to use us as a community hub.

“We hope to have more information on the site in Tenterden, soon.”