Loungers plans to open new cafe/bar in High Wycombe High Street

If new plans are given the go-ahead, Loungers - a company that describes itself as "bastions of casual dining and drinking" - wants to open up a neighbourhood cafe/bar at 4 High Street.

This is the old Boots unit, which is right next door to The Wheatsheaf, a 700-year-old building that is currently undergoing a major renovation to bring it back into use as a bar.

What is Loungers?

Loungers focuses on continental, cafe/bistro-style restaurants which feature board games, daily newspapers and a free neighbourhood book swap facility.

ALSO READ: High Wycombe cafe teams up with veteran to launch Christmas number one bid

Loungers, which was founded in Bristol, has two brands - 'Lounge' and 'Cosy Club'.

It's not clear which brand the new High Wycombe cafe will become if Buckinghamshire Council says yes to the plans put forward by Loungers UK Ltd, which has more than 181 outlets.

An example of another Loungers bar

The company says Loungers is a "food-led operator" with focus on creating "an informal and neighbourhood cafe/restaurant open all day, everyday, where family, friends and local residents can meet, eat and drink in a relaxed and comfortable environment".

Their nearest lounge to High Wycombe is in Amersham (Metro Lounge), while plans are afoot for 'Bardo Lounge' to open Maidenhead early next year.

What do they want to do?

They have asked for permission to overhaul the former Boots store in High Wycombe High Street, putting in a new shopfront with bifold doors and replacing one of the windows with a new entrance door.

While the cream-coloured building is in the town centre conservation area, it is not actually listed, but they aren't planning any major changes to the front of the building, adding that they will only "disturb or change" the modern fixtures and fittings.

This drawing shows what Loungers want to do to the front of the Boots unit

They have also applied for a premises license to sell alcohol between 10am and midnight every day.

They said the purpose of the cafe would be to "compliment the main retail function of the area rather than detract from it".

ALSO READ: Elderly woman slams housing provider over mouldy flat

They added: "[Our outlets] are almost entirely patronised by local residents and do not rely upon or seek to encourage business from further afield.

"As a consequence, the vast majority of customers travel on foot."

What do they offer?

The menus are different at each venue, but taking a look at Metro Lounge in Amersham, they offer brunch, sandwiches and paninis, salads, burgers, main options and tapas.

Dishes include full English breakfasts (£8.85), bacon triple-stacked buttermilk pancakes (£7.95), Mediterranean salad bowls (£9.95), buffalo chicken burger (£11.25), steak frites (£17.95), pulled brisket chilli (£11.25) and Bombay sweet potato and lentil curry (£10.95).

Tapas includes patatas bravas, halloumi and sweetcorn fritters, sticky Asian chicken wings, salt and pepper squid and beef and pork meatballs, each priced at £4.50 or three for £11.75 (with ciabatta).

4 High Street (right)

They also offer puddings and cakes like warm chocolate brownie with ice cream (£5.95), churros (£6.25) sundaes (£6.50), carrot cake (£3.50) and toasted teacake with butter and jam (£2.15).

In terms of drinks, they offer a huge range of cocktails, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, homemade lemonade and iced teas, as well as coffee, hot chocolate, beer and wine.

They also have separate vegan and gluten-free menus - winning best vegan menu at the PETA vegan food awards.

How can I view the plans?

You can see what Loungers are planning in High Wycombe by going to the planning portal at www.wycombe.gov.uk and using the reference: 21/08415/FUL. You can also provide a comment.