A MAJOR UK cafe/bar chain has announced it coming to a new £23million leisure complex in a town centre.

Loungers PLC is the third flagship brand to sign up for Burnley's Pioneer Place development.

It follows multi-national chains Nandos and Starbucks in taking space on the Curzon Street site.

Founded in 2002 Loungers is a fast-growing operator in the UK leisure and hospitality industry with more than 200 sites best known for its popular Cosy Club and Lounges brands.

Staff at each site are encouraged to engage with the local community through events, charity and community groups.

Cllr Mark Townsend, Burnley Council’s growth boss, said: “It’s great to see an expanding company like Loungers coming to Burnley.

"Together with Nandos and Starbucks, it shows that Burnley is seen as a thriving place to do business.”

The Burnley site will be branded as Icaro Lounge.

It will cater for all tastes with a varied and innovative all-day menu.

It will be open from breakfast through to evening

Particular attention will be paid to families with a selection of games, books, colouring pencils and pads on offer.

A full menu, high-chairs and baby-changing facilities for babies and children will be provided.

It also has gluten-free and vegan menus.

Gemma Irwin, community manager at Loungers, said: “We’re so looking forward to opening the doors of Icaro Lounge.

"We hope our family friendly environment and top-notch food and drink offering will prove popular with locals and visitors.

"Anyone looking for a space to host events or groups should pop in once we’re open, we’d love to hear from them and see what we can do to help.”

Pioneer Place, which features a multi-screen cinema and leisure units, is due to be completed in the late summer.