OWNERS of a nationwide chain of cafe-bars are hoping to open a new 'Lounge' in Skipton.

Loungers, which has more than 260 cafe bars, restaurants and roadside diners across the country, says it is in 'advanced negotiations' to take over the former Barclays Bank building in High Street and if everything goes to plan, will create up to 40 new jobs.

Described as combining all the elements of a restaurant, pub and coffee shop, with a 'warm, comfortable atmosphere', Lounges across the country are 'individually named and tailored to the site and local area', says the company. Food is served from 9am to 10pm every day.

It has already gained a premises licence and a pavement licence from North Yorkshire Council while planning permission for internal works to do with the decommissioning of the bank has also been approved by the council.

The premises licence gives it the go-ahead to sell alcohol both on and off the premises from between 10am to midnight from Monday to Sunday; and 'late night refreshment', Monday to Sunday, from 11pm to 12.30am, and later for New Year.

The pavement licence allows it to place tables outside, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, between 8am and 9pm; and on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from 6.30pm to 9pm. But not when events are being held in Skipton, such as the Christmas markets, Sheep Day and the turning on of the Christmas lights.

Started in 2002 by three friends who wanted to create a neighbourhood cafe-bar, Loungers has a target of opening at least 400 more sites, around 30 per year. In addition to its Lounge cafe bars; it also has Cosy Clubs, for larger towns and cities; and Brightside roadside diners - found on tourism routes.

A spokesperson for Loungers said “We are in advanced negotiations on a site in Skipton – it’s a great area and we are hopeful to join the local community by opening a Lounge and creating between 30 to 40 new jobs.

"Nothing is totally confirmed yet, however, for every Lounge we open, it’s important to us that we give back to the community – we partner with local charities to raise funds, our spaces are used for meetings of local groups and businesses, and we encourage customers to use us as a community hub.

“We hope to have more information on the site in Skipton soon.”