Signage up at Sunderland's new Varo Lounge - how to apply for jobs
It’s one of the most talked-about restaurant sites in the city.
It’s stood empty since the Holiday Inn development opened in 2022, but there’s signs of life at the prime corner unit in Keel Square.
Earlier this month, it was announced that national hospitality group Loungers had submitted a licensing application to Sunderland City Council to open Varo Lounge in the large unit.
It came after Danieli Group, who also own the Stack brand, scrapped their plans to open a Muddler Asian restaurant at the site.
Now, the initial Varo Lounge signage is up, describing the Sunderland site as “your new home away from home,” with an all day food and drink offering.
There’s also an advert for job vacancies, including an assistant manager, with more information available at loungers.co.uk
Loungers has more than 250 locations across the UK and is known for its relaxed, family-friendly café-bar concept serving food and drinks throughout the day.
Loungers has three brands: Lounge, Cosy Club and Brightside, with the Sunderland site being part of the Lounge group as Varo Lounge.
The nearest in the Lounge group, and a flavour of what we could expect in Keel Square, is Cantoro Lounge at The Galleries in Washington.
Once open, Varo Lounge completes the development beneath the Holiday Inn joining The Botanist, Keel Tavern and Flower Cafe.