Mercado Lounge, Market Harborough

Loungers have done a decent job on the ground floor of this nasty-looking building (formerly the home of Golden Wonder crisps!) and the interior is light and bright. The plate glass all-round the front and sides also means minimal Lounger-esque tat which is a blessing. Mature barmaid at the helm so better service than usual and the Menbrea was actually drinkable here for the first time ever in a Loungers visit. Easily the best of the chain I’ve been in, from the drinking, decor and service perspectives. I might even go back in when next in town.

Housed in a 1960s (?) complex of buildings that Camra says was the HQ of Golden Wonder, whatever happened to them, did they become Walkers? The rest of the site is a Travelodge, sushi bar and a now closed tanning studio. The Lounger place is an elongated L shape, the front is less Lounger than normal with no lampshades and only a few old paintings, it does have a lot of glass though. This part has the counter, home to two T-Bars of usual lagers and ciders with a Brixton beer as well. The longer side of the L is much more familiar with old paintings and granny wallpaper, seating at sofas and armchairs as well as the normal tables and chairs. The toilets are in the bottom left corner and there’s an outside area. The counter is partly painted pink and the tiles on the bar back appear to have been artfully distressed - insert your own joke here.

Official site of Mercado Lounge - thelounges.co.uk

Official site of Mercado Lounge - thelounges.co.uk

Typical Loungers outlet with the expected mismatched furniture and random pictures on the walls. However, it does have full-height windows along the frontage, OK for looking out, but a bit disconcerting if you see faces peering in. Opted for the Menabrea (£6.60) as usual in these places.