Wykeland Group has today announced that authentic European bar and dining concept, Riva Lounge and Café Bar, has opened its debut site at Flemingate, the 162,561 sq ft retail and leisure development in Beverley.
The independantly operated 3,650 sq ft venue is positioned as an authentic European lounge and café bar. The concept was conceived following extensive research by the founders Shaun and Julie Thompson in France, Monaco and the Amalfi coast. Riva Lounge’s 118 cover restaurant features a dedicated bar area, a gelato counter and chocolatier. It also boasts extensive external seating, allowing customers to dine overlooking Beverley’s historic Minister.
Commenting on the opening, Dominic Gibbons, Managing Director of Wykeland Group, said: “Riva Lounge and Café Bar is the latest addition to Beverley’s thriving leisure scene, and the most recent in a steady stream of openings, including high-quality local independent ventures such as this.
“With its superb external dining area and gelato counter, the timing could not be better, as we head into the summer. We’re sure Riva Lounge and Café Bar will prove to be very popular with diners from Beverley and beyond.”
Shaun Thompson, Managing Director of Riva Lounge and Café Bar added: “Our aim from the start was to develop our own brand, to create the look and feel of an authentic European lounge bar and café bar.
“We studied many locations in Italy and the south of France in respect of their architecture, authenticity, ambience, service, menu offerings and how the staff and customers interact. We have learned from lots of places and have listened to what people want to develop our own unique concept.
“We believe there will be nothing in the area offering such a blend of authentic European influences, with a modern twist. We’re looking forward to welcoming customers from Beverley, the wider area and further afield.”
The opening of Riva Lounge and Café Bar follows on from the news of Baytree Interiors, the Yorkshire-based homewares retailer, which opened its 12th store last week. Riva Lounge joins Costa, Deli No 1, Subway, Greggs and Patisserie Valerie to comprise Flemingate’s catering offer. The centre’s retail mix also includes stores from Debenhams, H&M, The Entertainer, Trespass, Wilko and Poundland. Independent retailers, Bolo and Guest & Philips complete the current offer, which is set to joined by a number of leading high street names later this year.
Metis Real Estate Advisors acted for Wykeland. Scotts represented Riva Lounge.