A PLUSH new bar and cafe will open on Billericay High Street next week after a large chain transformed an empty shop.
Maggio Lounge, run by the Loungers group, will throw open its doors to residents in the former M&Co store with a grand opening event on Wednesday.
The firm already run Orletto Lounge, at Basildon’s East Square cinema complex, and Molo Lounge, in Southend, which have both proved a hit with residents.
While Maggio’s interiors are still under wraps, the company has described the new space as “a real home away from home” that will match the group’s recognisable style.
As well as evening drinks, Maggio will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to the residents on Billericay.
Like all Loungers establishments, Maggio will pay particular attention to catering for families, providing a selection of games, books, colouring pencils and pads.
According to Billericay Councillor Phil Turner, dining venues on the high street come and go, but he thinks that “Loungers have a particularly good brand to offer, and I think people will welcome it”.
He added: “A lot of people will be sad to see it’s not retail. We’re losing retail at an alarming rate, and we’ve seen how other high streets have deteriorated when they only have a night time economy rather than daytime.”
Maggio Lounge will also offer Billericay residents a new space for community groups and daytime activities.
The lounge will welcome events as diverse as business networking and life drawing.
Gemma Irwin, head of community at Lounges, said: “We’re so looking forward to opening the doors of Maggio Lounge. We hope our family-friendly environment and top-notch food and drink offering will prove popular with local residents.
“We’re passionate about integrating genuinely into the communities we serve, so we’re looking forward to meeting everyone and to playing our part at the heart of Billericay’s food and drink scene.
“Anyone looking for a space to host events or groups should pop in once we are open, we’d love to hear from them and see what we can do to help.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel