Strong hints that a Lounges restaurant chain could open in Bracknell have surfaced after the company applied to Bracknell Forest Council for planning permission.

Rumours that a Lounge restaurant could come to The Lexicon first surfaced in November last year. The Lexicon manager Rob Morris confirmed at the time there had been talks with Lounges over a possible opening.

And a Lounges spokesperson also confirmed in November that they were ‘considering a site in Bracknell.’

Now the chain has applied to Bracknell Forest Council for permission to put up signs and adverts for a new bar and cafe called ‘Pineto Lounge’ on Eagle Lane in The Lexicon.

And its website is currently advertising job vacancies for an assistant manager, sous chefs and a head chef for a new opening at 8 Eagle Lane in Bracknell. The adverts say the restaurant would be located at 8 Eagle Lane where the Prezzo restaurant, which closed last year, used to be.

However applying for planning permission does not mean that the restaurant will definitely open, and The Lounges did not respond to a request for comment.

Lounges already has three restaurants in Berkshire – Bosco in Woodley, Bardo in Maidenhead and Sedero in Wokingham, serving a variety of food such as steak frites, burgers, and English and Mediterranean style breakfasts. They also serve Tapas, and drinks such as Milkshakes and cocktails.