New independent cafe lounge bar for Exeter
Local independent and entrepreneurial restaurateur Lloyd Gardner, well known for his award-winning restaurant ‘Lloyd’s Kitchen’ located in the City-centre, announces his exciting new venture ‘Lloyd’s Lounge’ is coming soon to Exeter, and they are recruiting for 12 new members of staff.
The Café Lounge Bar, with 80 covers, including indoor seating and outside space, is set to be one of the favourite meeting destinations in the City. The impressive new all-weather glass structure in Catherine’s Square, is built by contractor Morgan Sindall and due to be finished and fitted out, ready to welcome customers in the first week of December.
The site, part of Princesshay shopping centre and located next to St. Catherine’s chapel, was formerly the popular alfresco café called Ltg’s, also run by Lloyd, and it’s taken over four years, from conception to inception, for Lloyd’s Lounge to become a reality.
Lloyd Gardner said: “It was such a fantastic location in the heart of the City with Ltg’s, trade however, was weather dependant. We worked closely with the team at Princesshay who were very supportive of our vision, to create a funky all-glass box to sit on the raised piazza in Catherine’s Square, where people can see, and be seen. The all-weather structure ensures we can create an intimate atmosphere for winter and, have the ability to fully open the bi-fold doors for warmer weather. It will be an easy-going and, social destination to pop in for food throughout the day, or meet for a drink in the evening, and relax with friends sharing tapas.”
Lloyd and his team have worked tirelessly on creating the new venue, facing and overcoming many challenges on the way to realise his dream of opening an exciting new Café Lounge Bar.
He comments: “I’m so excited about my new venture and we’ve received amazing backing from everyone involved. I would like to particularly thank Exeter City Council Planning Department for supporting the project, the team at Princesshay and The Crown Estate for all their help, our architect Hand Drawn Homes, and iDesign the Interior Designers. Also to all our contractors and their team who are working day night to get us open on time.
The site previously also included a kiosk, and was leased to Lloyd, who used it to serve food and drinks to his Ltg’s Café customers. Following approved planning permission for the new Lloyd’s Lounge, Princesshay removed the kiosk, and wanting to give back to the community, generously donated it to Exeter City Football Club to be utilised at their Cliff Hill Training Ground. Named after Clifford Hill a former Chairman of Exeter City, the club will be using the kiosk at the training ground as a refreshments’ hut, as there wasn’t anything there previously.
Andy Littlejohns, Operations Manager of Princesshay, comments: “We were delighted to work closely with Lloyd to help him with his exciting and innovative new venture, which is different to what we already have to offer, and complements the existing line-up of cafés and restaurants. Lloyd’s Lounge will be Princesshay’s first independent bar. Set in a prestigious location, in close proximity to the Cathedral, it’s a perfect location to meet, eat and socialise. With the new glass building, customers will enjoy great views of St. Catherine’s Chapel and St Catherine’s Alms-house’s, which hold one of eight of public art pieces owned by Princesshay, whatever the weather.”
The St Catherine’s Alms-houses are the location of an artwork entitled ‘Marking Time’ from Patricia Mackinnon-Day. The piece combines archaeological finds and iconic glass panels in an artwork which is popular with locals and visitors alike.
Princesshay is the premier shopping and restaurant destination in the South West. Home to over 70 retailers, the centre welcomes over 15 million visitors each year. Princesshay is a joint venture between The Crown Estate and TH Real Estate.
www.lloydslounge.co.uk
