A NEW retro-inspired café and bar has opened its doors to delighted customers in the heart of a Dorset market town.

National operators Loungers officially opened Piazzo Lounge in Wimborne Minster on Thursday, April 13 – transforming the former TSB bank branch in The Square.

It has converted the Grade II listed building into a retro-inspired bar and café eatery, with a nod to a glamorous bygone era.

Heavily patterned wallpapers, tiling and stripped wooden floors feature alongside oversized vintage sofas, upholstered lounge chairs, eclectic artwork and pendant lighting.

As reported, Dorset Council’s licensing sub-committee granted a premises licence for Loungers in September last year when residents voiced their concerned about increased noise and disturbances.

Bournemouth Echo: Piazzo Lounge in Wimborne.Piazzo Lounge in Wimborne. (Image: Loungers)

Piazzo Lounge opened its doors exactly one year to the day that the former TSB bank branch closed in The Square amid a cull of sites nationwide.

Piazzo Lounge is the first Loungers franchise in Wimborne and joins the more than 170 Loungers bars across the UK – including existing sites in Westbourne, Winton, Christchurch, Poole and Ringwood.

Particular attention has been paid to families with a selection of games, books, colouring pencils and pads on offer. A full menu, highchairs and baby-changing facilities are also available for children.

Gemma Irwin, community manager at Loungers, said: “We are delighted to be bringing Loungers to Wimborne Minster. Our Lounges strive to put community at the heart of hospitality and our teams always go the extra mile to make a difference.

Bournemouth Echo: Piazzo Lounge opens in Wimborne.Piazzo Lounge opens in Wimborne. (Image: Loungers)

“They are actively encouraged to connect with their communities by working with local groups, charities, organisations and businesses that are at the heart of the fabric of local life.

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming local residents to Piazzo Lounge.”

Starting as they mean to go on, the team at Piazzo Lounge has partnered with local charity Going for Bust and will donate 50p from every burger and 20p from each coffee sold in the first month of trading.

Piazzo Lounge has created around 26 jobs, with a range of front and back-of-house roles still currently available. Visit thelounges.co.uk/jobs for more information.