A NEW restaurant is set to open in the former HSBC building in Richmond Market Place.

Loungers plc, the West Country-based restaurant group, is opening a new site in Richmond on Wednesday, September 7.

Morro Lounge describes itself as a "home-from-home", offering delicious food and drink menus available all day, every day.

Loungers have transformed the site, located in the town’s historic Market Place, into a retro-inspired retreat, with eclectic artwork, oversized vintage sofas, strikingly painted tables and statement lighting.

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A spokesman said: "Morro Lounge will cater for all tastes throughout the day with a varied and exciting menu. Whether it’s a lazy brunch, a business lunch with colleagues or a romantic dinner date, Morro Lounge will be the perfect place to relax and unwind.

"The all-day menu will feature everything from tapas and salads to burgers and buttermilk fried chicken, with vegans and those favouring a gluten-free diet well catered for with their very own menus.

"Particular attention will be paid to families, with a selection of games and books, colouring pencils and pads on offer, alongside a full menu for Little Loungers, with high chairs and baby-changing facilities also available.

"The team at Morro Lounge will have a community focus, and the team is looking forward to engaging with the community through events, charity support and community groups.

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"The restaurant’s name even has a community connection, with ‘morro’ meaning ‘a rounded hill’ – a nod to the fact that Richmond is considered to be the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales National Park."

Emily McKay, community manager at Loungers, added: “We are delighted to be bringing Loungers to Richmond. Our Lounges strive to put community at the heart of hospitality, and our teams 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."

Starting as they mean to go on, Morro Lounge will begin its community efforts by partnering with a local charity. Morro Lounge will donate 50p from every burger sold and 20p from the sale of every coffee in its first month of trading.

Morro Lounge will create 25 jobs in Richmond, with a range of front- and back-of-house roles currently available.

Find out more at thelounges.co.uk/morro

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