A trendy bar chain is a step closer to serving up food and drink from inside an old town centre store – as bosses hope to open this summer.

Loungers, which has more than 200 sites in the UK, hopes to provide leisurely dining and all-day alcohol from the former M&Co clothes shop in Deal.

In its latest move, the firm has launched a bid to build illuminated signs and a menu board at the front of the store.

Assuming plans go ahead, it would be called to Acordo Lounge, joining the firm’s other Kent outlet, the Sentado Lounge in Sittingbourne.

Following its latest planning bid to Dover District Council, one resident said they “don’t see a problem” with the high street hosting a well-known brand.

“This Is a vote of confidence in what is now a failing high street,” Mrs G Jones wrote in support of the bid, within papers lodged to the authority.

“[It’s] a good use of this very large former M&Co store which also needs modernising.

“Loungers are a very good company to have. They are a top 100 company to work for.

“This store meets their profile perfectly. This will help bring business into the town.

“I also don't see the problem with them being a chain though I'm sure the independents won't like it. But tough.”

Loungers has already applied for an alcohol licence and hopes the new bar would open in August.

The application is for permission to serve alcohol between the hours of 10am and midnight both on and off the premises, and further to serve “late night refreshment” between 11.30pm and 12.30am.

Loungers recently revealed plans to build fascia signage, one hanging sign and one menu board – all illuminated – plus six swan neck lights, and four flat plate signs.

A spokesman for Deal and Walmer Chamber of Trade stressed the importance of the town having a “full high street with jobs for local people”.

They added: “We note this development does cut down on retail space in the town as M&Co had two levels of retail.

“Sadly with a unit that size we do not have businesses looking for retail outlets as big currently.”

Asked if chains were sometimes necessary in the current climate, they said: “The Chamber ethos is about promoting business and jobs in Deal – we have no preference for that reason.

“The unit is a large one and something had to be in place. Some chains can be a draw to help provide customers for small traders.

“M&S leaving was a profound loss to the high street and small traders. They also joined the Chamber and played an active part in the lights, competitions etc.

“Some smaller traders lose customers due to larger chains but some customers prefer the smaller cosy businesses and are loyal for that reason.”

The Acordo Lounge would be open all day, every day for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks.

There would also be menus for children, alongside gluten-free and vegan options.

For families with small children there is expected to be games, books, colouring pencils and pads.

A full menu, high chairs and baby-changing facilities are also available for ‘Little Loungers’.

Gemma Irwin, community manager at Loungers, says: “We hope our family friendly environment and top-notch food and drink offering will prove popular with local residents.

“We’re passionate about integrating genuinely into the communities we serve so we’re looking forward to meeting everyone and to playing our part at the heart of Deal’s food and drink scene.”

M&Co closed all its UK stores in April after going into administration. This was after it suffered rising costs and trading challenges.

Marks and Spencer closed its Deal High Street store in April 2019 after 82 years.