A new chapter for Brightwells Yard began yesterday with the opening of Cazaro Lounge at the historic Brightwells House.

The new café-bar, operated by Loungers, opened at 9am on Wednesday, August 12, with an official launch celebration beginning at 6pm.

The opening brings another food and drink venue to Brightwells and has created around 30 local jobs.

Surrey County Cllr Natalie Bramhall welcomed the opening, describing it as an important milestone in the regeneration of the Brightwells area.

She said: “We are thrilled to welcome Loungers to Farnham. The opening of Cazaro Lounge today marks a milestone in the town centre's regeneration, bringing new life and vibrant activity to the historic Brightwells House.

“Cazaro Lounge provides a welcoming, family-and dog-friendly space for residents and visitors, while creating around 30 local jobs and boosting the town's day-and-night economy.

“Seeing landmark venues like Brightwells House transformed into a bustling neighbourhood café-bar demonstrates our joint commitment to delivering a vibrant future for Brightwells. We wish the Cazaro Lounge team every success as they welcome their first guests today.”

The opening represents a significant new use for Brightwells House, one of Farnham’s landmark buildings, which forms a key part of the Brightwells Yard development.

Cazaro Lounge occupies the development's main anchor unit, which had previously been earmarked for other operators before Loungers took on the site.

The venue was busy for Wednesday evening's launch, with customers spilling outside for drinks and to watch the partial solar eclipse at around 7pm.