As the brand new Bendigo Lounge opens its doors in Beeston, Nottingham this week, the venue has pledged 50p from each burger and 10p from each coffee, sold within the first month of trading, to the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK).

The Bendigo Lounge is the latest in a popular line of ‘Lounges’ across the UK, owned by The Lounges group, with eclectic art and quirky curios providing a distinctive backdrop to a venue placing itself at the heart of its community.

With the recent death of 12-year-old rugby fanatic Owen Jenkins, who tragically drowned in Beeston Weir saving a girl who’d got into difficulty in the water, The Lounge Community Manager, Gemma Irwin, explains the nature of the link with RLSS UK.

“We knew about the loss of Owen in the summer and how hard it hit this community. When we heard of the fundraising efforts for RLSS UK and their vital drowning prevention work, it felt like a very natural process, to do our bit to help,” she said.

“I know the staff are committed to making a difference in the local area,” added Gemma “so hopefully this will be first of many different charitable link-ups.”

Hosted by Owen’s rugby club the Nottingham Casuals, Drowning Prevention Co-ordinator for RLSS UK Aaron Dhanda, conducted water safety education sessions for club youngsters and was honoured to be invited to attend the opening of the new restaurant.

He said: “With around 400 people losing their lives to drowning in the UK each year, we know our water safety and drowning prevention messages hit home and save lives. I was honoured to have been invited to work with Owen’s rugby club to try and insure against future tragedies.

“On behalf of RLSS UK, I’m delighted with the charity link with the Bendigo Lounge and wish them every success with the new venture.”

Bendigo Lounge opens on Wednesday 15 November – 55-57 High Road Beeston, Nottingham. NG9 2JQ

thelounges.co.uk/bendigo 

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Visit our Facebook page – facebook.com/RLSSUK

Call – 0300 323 0096 option 1