A major national hospitality operator has opened a new venue at Sunderland’s thriving Keel Square, further strengthening the city’s growing food and drink offering.
Loungers UK has recently opened Varo Lounge in the final available commercial unit beneath the Holiday Inn in Keel Square, their first in the city. The all-day café bar will join neighbouring venues The Botanist, Keel Tavern, The Muddler and Flower Café, completing the hospitality line-up within one of Sunderland’s most significant regeneration projects.
National property consultancy, Bradley Hall, acted as joint letting agents alongside Starka, supporting the transaction on behalf of Sunderland City Council as demand for high-quality hospitality space within the city centre continues to grow.
The arrival of Varo Lounge marks another milestone in the ongoing transformation of Riverside Sunderland, with Keel Square becoming an established destination for dining, socialising and leisure. The development has already attracted significant investment and footfall, helping to create a vibrant environment for both residents and visitors.
Helen Wall, Director at Bradley Hall Sunderland, said: “We are delighted to have been involved in bringing another nationally recognised operator to Keel Square alongside our joint agents, Starka. Loungers UK is a hugely respected brand with a strong track record of creating welcoming, all-day venues that become an integral part of the communities they serve.
“The success of Keel Square is clear to see, with each venue helping to establish the area as one of Sunderland’s leading hospitality destinations. The addition of Varo Lounge further strengthens the city’s leisure offering and is another positive step in the ongoing regeneration of Riverside Sunderland.
“It has been a pleasure to continue supporting Sunderland City Council in attracting high-quality occupiers that enhance the city centre, and we look forward to seeing the venue open its doors.”
Loungers operate more than 250 Lounge, Cosy Club and Brightside venues across the UK and has built a reputation for transforming prominent town and city centre locations into relaxed neighbourhood cafés, bars and restaurants serving food and drinks throughout the day.
Varo Lounge will occupy the final commercial unit at Keel Square, completing the mixed-use development beneath the Holiday Inn and complementing the surrounding leisure, office and cultural attractions, including the nearby Culture House, which recently opened to the public.
Sammy Jones, Co-Founder at Starka Property said “ it was a pleasure working with the Loungers team to secure this letting at Keel Square on behalf of Sunderland City Council. Loungers is an excellent concept, with a proven track record of success across the country, and we’re delighted to see the brand coming to Keel Square.
“The arrival of more national operators is a positive sign of the city’s continued growth and ambition. The wider regeneration of Sunderland is helping to create an increasingly attractive environment for businesses looking to invest and be part of the city’s future.
“A big thank you to Sunderland City Council and our joint agents at Bradley Hall for their collaboration in helping to get this deal over the line. We look forward to seeing Varo Lounge open!
Bradley Hall’s Sunderland office has played a key role in the evolution of Keel Square, having previously been involved in securing a number of hospitality operators for the development. The latest letting reinforces the firm’s continued commitment to supporting investment and regeneration across Sunderland and the wider North East.
Founded in 1988, Bradley Hall provides property support to residential and commercial clients across the UK, with offices in Northumberland, Gosforth, Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, Teesside, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Sheffield, Bristol, Edinburgh and Oxfordshire.
For property support, contact your local Bradley Hall office here: https://www.bradleyhall.co.uk/contact/
