A NEW, colourful cocktail bar could be opening in Southend with live music and late night refreshments offered to its patrons.

Aloha Lounge is due to open this month, in Nelson Street - in part of Southend dominated by solicitors and accountants’ offices - just a stone’s throw away from the old Railway pub, according to social media.

The new venue is set to offer a tropical setting for customers to enjoy beverages on a relaxed night out, according to social media posts. The bar is the brainchild of two sisters, Lauren and Leila, who wanted to start something new after becoming disillusioned with their careers.

A social media post from the business read: “Back in 2019 we had both hit career crossroads, so what better way to bring together our experiences than work on building a business together.

“It all started from a small idea in the February of that year, it was a ‘Do you think we could open a coffee shop?’ kind of conversation that has escalated and brought us here.

“What a journey it has been so far, we’ve played with the idea of it, been through a pandemic and then got down to it “It’s been a tough couple of years but it just shows us that you really can do anything if you put your mind, time and energy to something long enough.”

The bar has been described as “beachy bohemian meets tiki chic” and hopes to add a new spark to the hospitality industry.

The sisters have applied to Southend Council for a licensing application to allow the sale of alcohol from the site between 10am and 4.30pm on Monday to Wednesday and from 10am to 10.30pm from Thursdays to Sundays.

The licensing application also asks for permission to have live music, recorded music and late night refreshments on bank holidays between 11pm and 11.30pm and on New Year’s Eve between 11pm and 0.30am.

Southend Council will rule on the licensing application.

After launching, Aloha Lounge would be open Monday to Wednesday between 10am and 4.30pm and Thursday to Sunday between 10am and 10.30pm.

For more information visit facebook.com/alohaloungesouthend.