Loungers to launch first overseas restaurant in Germany

Loungers is to open its first international site in Essen, Germany, this October.

The venue will operate under new brand Southville as a nod to the casual dining chain’s original Lounge, which opened in a former opticians in Bristol’s Southville in 2002.  

The overseas expansion plans come nearly 18 months after the business was sold to US investment firm Fortress in a £354m deal in February 2025.

Loungers said it had also identified “strong similarities” between the German and UK market, particularly around the demand for all-day socialising.

Southville Essen will offer table service and reservations, in contrast to the UK Lounge model.

The team have also worked closely with a development chef in Germany to adapt the existing Lounge menu to German tastes.

Alex Reilley, chairman and co‑founder of Loungers, said: “Opening in Germany is a landmark moment for the business and something we’ve approached with real care. Southville reflects the evolution of Loungers while staying true to the values we started with back in 2002.

“When we look at Rüttenscheid [in Essen], we recognise something – the same neighbourhood energy, the same post-industrial reinvention and the same broad mix of cultures and generations that we found on North Street all those years ago. Essen is the right city, at the right time, and we’re excited to introduce our style of neighbourhood hospitality to a completely new market.”

Nick Collins, chief executive of Loungers, added: “Germany feels like a natural first step for us.  We’ve spent time getting under the skin of the market and there’s a real alignment with the way people eat, drink and socialise. Southville gives us the chance to take what we do best and shape it thoughtfully for a new audience, without losing the spirit that has defined the Lounge brand for more than 20 years.”

Today Loungers operates hundreds of sites across the UK under the Lounge (273), Cosy Club (36) and roadside dining Brightside (four) brands.