Punters have been given a first look at a town’s latest culinary offering after a new bar and restaurant opened this week.

Acordo Lounge, in Deal, has welcomed its first customers.

The cafe-cum-bar-cum-restaurant, the second in the Loungers chain to be established in Kent, has replaced the former M&Co unit in the High Street.

The large glass-fronted shop was one of three stores that fell victim to the fashion retailer’s slide into administration in April, alongside branches in Tenterden and Faversham.

However, just one month later signs were posted in the windows to reveal an application to servce alcohol late into the night.

Residents had initially raised concerns the town already has “enough hooligans and drunken behaviour”, but bosses insisted it will be a “family-friendly” venue and help reinvigorate the high street, which has “a number of vacant premises”.

The menu features a range of options from tapas and salads to burgers and buttermilk fried chicken, with separate menus for vegans and those favouring a gluten-free diet.

A spokesperson for the firm added: “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 are also available for Little Loungers.”

The former fashion unit has been adorned with heavily patterned wallpapers, while tiling and stripped wooden floors now feature alongside oversized vintage sofas, upholstered lounge chairs, eclectic artwork and statement wall and pendant lighting.

Gemma Irwin, community manager at Loungers, said: “We are delighted to have opened Acordo Lounge in Deal.

“Our Lounges strive to put community at the heart of hospitality and our teams always go the extra mile to make a difference.

“They are actively encouraged to connect with their communities by working with local groups, charities, organisations and businesses that are at the heart of the fabric of local life.

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming local residents to Acordo Lounge.”