UK property developer Godwin Developments has announced that Loungers, a leading nationwide operator of all day café-bars and restaurants, has signed a lease for the biggest unit at its new roadside retail development, Ram Jam Services.
Fronting the busy northbound section of the A1 in Rutland, the restaurant will be operated under the Brightside brand, a recently announced roadside dining concept from Loungers which is being rolled out across the UK. When delivered, the 4,500 sq. ft. unit will be the first purpose-built Brightside restaurant which will serve c. 41,500 vehicles passing the site daily as well as residents of the local area.
Loungers, which operates more than 200 UK locations under the Lounge and Cosy Club brands, intends to bring a wholesome menu, excellent value for money and exceptional service to roadside dining. Brightside will provide a freshly cooked menu full of classic, comfort food-style dishes in surroundings designed to appeal to a broad range of customers including families, locals, and UK holidaymakers.
Ram Jam Services is positioned alongside the main arterial route from Peterborough to Grantham, next to an established petrol station, a new bakery and is only 15 minutes away from Rutland Water – one of the largest man-made lakes in Europe. The area and wider county attract nearly 1.9 million visitors every year who favour it for its attractive countryside and outdoor pursuits.
A total of four units have been developed by Godwin at Ram Jam Services, of which three are currently under offer, leaving only one unit comprising 754 sq. ft. available.
Claudine Tracey, Associate Director, Commercial Development at Godwin Developments, said: “We are delighted to have secured Loungers’ new Brightside brand for our Ram Jam Services development. The site has historically been a thriving roadside destination and we are really pleased to be breathing new life into it, bringing amenities and consumer choice, attracting passing motorists as well as those who are travelling to and live in the local area.
“We remain very active in the roadside retail market, which is buoyant and growing rapidly. We have already built strong partnerships with all major market players in this space and we will continue to support them in expanding their networks and bringing brands closer to their customers.”
Alex Reilley, Founder Chairman of Loungers plc, said: “We believe that Brightside will really shake up what has become an uninspiring sector and that there is potential to roll out Brightside across the UK in the coming years. Our expertise in high-quality, great value all-day dining, developed through Lounge and Cosy Club, gives us confidence that Brightside can bring proper hospitality back to roadside dining across the UK.”
Godwin Developments is an established property business with a focus on residential and commercial schemes across the United Kingdom. It has commercial and industrial divisions with recent developments in Northamptonshire, Staffordshire, Dorset and Cambridgeshire, alongside a strong UK-wide pipeline. Its commercial business develops and delivers projects for leading brands such as Lidl, McDonald’s, Burger King, Greggs, Starbucks and Costa Coffee. At the same time, the team works closely with electric vehicle charging providers, helping power the UK’s low-carbon future.
Ogle Property and Shakespeare Martineau acted for Godwin Developments on the deal. The remaining unit is being marketed by Ogle Property.
