THE opening of the latest Loungers in Poole has been welcomed as a much needed boost for the town centre economy.

Delfino Lounge opened on Wednesday in Falkland Square at the former Hollywood Movie Cells site.

The opening of the new family-friendly eatery has been welcomed by residents and traders in the area who hope it will help “turn-around” the high street area.

It comes after a number of concerns about Poole High Street and its long-term viability were raised during a recent council meeting with one councillor claiming the High Street is “dead on its knees”.

The pressure to do well for the business and the town has not escaped restaurant manager Lina Steyn.

Mrs Steyn has worked in various Loungers in the conurbation for the last three years and is now in charge of the running of the Poole branch.

Speaking to the Echo, she said: “For us as a team there is definitely some pressure to make this successful not just for the Loungers but for the town.

“We know that this opening is a big deal for Poole and it is something the town desperately needs.

“Hopefully it will help turn the High Street around and make things better for the town.

“We’re really excited to be opening here as are a lot of our customers who live in Poole.”

There is also a big emphasis on being part of the wider community - with a community notice board available for those wanting to publicise events and a book swap area is kept well stocked.

“So far we have had really good feedback from customers and we know people are excited to have us here in Poole,” she added.

Mrs Steyn also told the Echo: “We have taken what we know from our other locations and brought it here - but adding some of my own unique touches to the restaurant as well.”

Poole BID manager Carlie Palmer has welcomed the opening of Delfino Lounge and said it would be an “awesome investment into the High Street”.

She added: “It’s a modern eatery that accommodates all kinds of people.

“I have seen the Loungers brand work in Southbourne and my hope is that it will also inject some vitality back into Poole town centre.

“In Southbourne the Ludo Lounge came and set a precedent for other businesses in the area to extend their opening hours and create a night time economy for the area.

“Hopefully Delfino Lounge will create that same domino effect and bring a much needed night life to Poole.

“It is a welcome addition to the High Street and the BID will be doing everything to support them.”

During the first month of trading 50 pence from every burger and 10 pence from every coffee sold will be donated to Julia’s House, the children’s hospice in Poole.