The Muro Lounge opens its doors in Hexham

After several delays preventing it from opening in August, the second North East lounge has finally opened on 2-6 Fore Street in the old Argos site on November..

Earlier this year, it was announced as the North East's first Lounge, however due to structuring problems, the second North East lounge, which is in Morpeth, opened first earlier this year.

Bar at Muro Lounge (Image: NQ)

Judith de Vries, originally from Edinburgh, is the manager of the new site and took on the role after the news of Walwick Hall was closing.

She said: "I am just so excited to be here and finally have the doors open.

"I have been involved in the opening of other sites in Carlisle and Morpeth but it is finally nice to see Hexham open after such a long wait.

"We have been welcomed into the community and a lot of people have popped in to have a look. 

Inside Muro Lounge (Image: NQ)

"Even the day before we opened, we had a lot of people peeking through the windows at what it looks like inside.

"Like many other sites, this is the perfect spot as it has a warm community feel and we want to be a part of that.

"We have hired over 30 local people including back of house and are still on a recruitment drive for chefs and front of house.

"We have hired 16-year-olds for their first job and more experienced older people - so we like to be inclusive.

"We also aim to hold charity events and help charities in the area such as Oak Tree Animal charity next to us. We also want to do quizzes and other fun nights.

"The atmosphere is cosy and we are classed as a cafe but have restaurant quality food, so I hope everyone is excited to come in and see us. 

"We have an amazing array of dishes that we can cater for anyone with any specific needs and we also have kid menus and games for the little ones to keep occupied.

"Our customers can either order from a QR code or via the bar."

Waiting to welcome customers to Muro Lounge (Image: NQ)