Lounge Afrique to open new venue in Northwich town centre

Lounge Afrique, which already has a venue in Middlesbrough, is hosting a grand opening party on February 17 and aims to bring back the spirit of Mr Smiths and 53 Degrees North.

The new bar and restaurant will transform the former Revival premises in Northwich offering Afro-Caribbean culture as well as music to match. such as afrobeats, dancehall, reggae and R&B. 

Samuel Yeboah, the owner of Lounge Afrique Middlesbrough and Cheshire, is excited to bring a new venue to Cheshire.

The 40-year-old said: "Lounge Afrique Middlesbrough is full of great vibes and fun energy, which is what we intend to bring to Cheshire.

"Some people reading this will remember some old school venues in Warrington, Mr Smiths and 53 Degrees North where I partied myself back in the good old days.

Inside Lounge Afrique Middlesbrough (Image: Lounge Afrique)

"Middlesbrough definitely ignited a spark in me off it's success that Cheshire needed a new venue to party with great music and good energy."

The High Street premises has changed hands multiple times in recent years, having previously been known as Cheshire Bar and Grill, Zitano, Tiano’s, Vita Bella and then Stateside, before Revival.

But, after enjoying 13 successful months with his Middlesbrough venue, Samuel says Loung Afrique is here for the long-term.

He added: "Lounge Afrique is here to stay. We have big and exciting plans for the venue, from bottomless brunches to summer barbecue parties.

Food will be on offer at the restaurant (Image: Lounge Afrique)

"We want to bring the feeling of sunshine culture and happiness to Cheshire. We plan on being a place for all to enjoy.

"The restaurant will include great dining offers, including a student saver menu in the week so students can try a jerk wrap and sample our smoothies and milkshakes at a great price.

"We are beyond excited to be opening our doors to Cheshire and hope everyone leaves Lounge Afrique with a smile each time they visit, whether you've eaten our jerk wings and jollof rice, sipped on a cocktail, or danced the night away with our live DJ.

"We have outside space overlooking the river which will be perfect with our tropical atmosphere in lovely weather."

Samuel has applied to Cheshire West and Chester Council for a licence, with hopes of opening 12pm to 10pm, Monday to Thursday.

On Fridays and Saturdays, the opening hours would be 12pm to 3.30am, with the DJ starting at 10pm. A decision on the application is due in the coming weeks.

The restaurant, which will boast authentic chefs, is launching later than the bar and will be open on Fridays and Saturdays until 3.30am for the first four weeks, before opening daily.

Entertainers performing at the Middlesbrough venue (Image: Lounge Afrique)

The free entry opening party on February 17 will run from 6pm to 3.30am and include free food tasters, music and entertainment.

Families will be welcome, although under 18s will need to leave by 9pm.