New new café bar opens at Rochdale Riverside following ‘extensive’ refurbishment

Loungers, the hospitality chain, has opened a new café bar at Rochdale Riverside. The new casual dining spot, Pionero Lounge, is welcoming guests with its “varied and innovative” all-day menu. 

With late night opening on Fridays and Saturdays it’s a welcome addition to enhance visitors' evening experience at the centre, complementing established leisure operators Reel Cinema and Puttstars.

The ‘extensive’ refurbishment plans consisted of combining two units, now totalling 3,080 sq ft, with Pionero Lounge creating 30 new jobs in a further boost to the local economy. 

Rachel Byrne, Centre Manager at Rochdale Riverside, commented: “It’s been a great start to 2024 here at Rochdale Riverside, we’re delighted to welcome Loungers, adding to our vibrant food and leisure scene. The interior space looks incredible and it’s already proving very popular with our shoppers. 

“With community engagement a shared core value, we're excited to see the team develop relationships with local charities and groups as they make their mark in Rochdale."

Gemma Irwin, Community Manager at Loungers, added: “We are delighted to be opening Pionero Lounge in Rochdale Riverside. 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 and shoppers to Pionero Lounge.”

Councillor Danny Meredith, cabinet member for regeneration and housing at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see the Loungers brand bringing its family friendly offer to the Rochdale Riverside scheme. 

“Occupying the space close to Reel Cinema and Puttstars mini golf, it will form an important part of the wider leisure offer in Rochdale town centre, which just keeps getting better.”

Loungers arriving at Rochdale Riverside comes on the back of Starbucks opening at the centre in 2023, further adding to the scheme's F&B offering. The centre saw footfall top over 1.6m in 2023, a 8.5 per cent increase on the previous year. Lyons Thompson Letts is Rochdale Riverside’s leasing agent.