A NATIONAL chain of neighbourhood-style cafe and bars could be coming to the Isle of Wight — filing an empty spot on Newport High Street.

A licensing application has appeared in the window of the former Newport Post Office, and more recently, Prezzo.

The Italian restaurant chain closed its Isle of Wight branch officially in February this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Also in the back of today's (August 6) County Press, the application has been submitted by Loungers UK Limited for a premises licence to sell alcohol and late night refreshment.

Isle of Wight County Press:

The hospitality brand runs two types of establishment, according to its website — a Lounge, which 'combines elements of a restaurant, pub and coffee shop culture' or a Cosy Club, a more 'formal bar/ restaurant'.

The Loungers' strategy, posted on its website, said its target is to open 25 new sites a year.

Loungers UK has said it is unable to confirm whether it is coming to the Island.